Baltimore Ravens:

Baltimore once again showed why they are one of the top teams in the league each year. They had another brilliant draft, trading out of the first round and recouping the picks they lost in their trade for Anquan Boldin. In the 2nd round the Ravens took a pair of very talented players, both of whom are perfect fits for Baltimore. OLB Sergio Kindle is a tenacious pass rusher and benefits by slipping some to the Ravens. Now instead of being one of the top guys on a bad team, Kindle can have the time to develop into a great player. He should find plenty of freedom playing along with all the starts the Ravens have on D. Baltimore’s second 2nd round pick, will do a great job in opening up holes for Kindle and the rest of the linebackers. Nose tackle Terrence Cody is a perfect fit in Baltimore. They have the depth that he won’t have to be an every down player, also his presence next to Ngata along the front line should give the Ravens a devastating run defense. After filling their defensive needs, the Ravens loaded up on pass catchers drafting tight ends in the 3rd and 4th rounds (thanks to the Tim Tebow deal) and a receiver in the 5th round. Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson are good complimentary tight ends. Dickson is the stronger, faster and more athletic one. While Pitta has great hands and instincts. Both should be immediate contributors, giving Joe Flacco one of the best arsenals in the league. Fifth round pick David Reed, was one of my favorite players in this draft and I expect him to emerge as the successor to Derrick Mason. The Ravens also added a solid DT/DE in Arthur Jones in the 5th round. He will move to end in the 3-4, but has a lot of potential. While the Ravens didn’t draft one of their bigger needs (cornerback), they added another fantastic class. When you factor in Boldin to this mix, Baltimore gets a very strong Grade A+.

Cincinnati Bengals:

The Bengals did a great job of filling their two biggest needs going into this draft, defense and pass catchers. The Bengals landed the top tight end in this draft with their first round selection of Jermaine Gresham. Gresham should give the Bengals passing game the jolt they needed last season. He has all the talent and skill to develop into an elite tight end in the NFL. In the 3rd round the Bengals grabbed Jordan Shipley who should help on special teams and as a slot receiver. He might never be a game breaker, but Shipley filled a big need for Cincinnati. Late in the draft the Bengals got great value by adding receiver Dezmon Briscoe, who was projected to go earlier in the draft. He has excellent size and speed and could develop into a starter. On defense the Bengals added four good prospects, who all have starting potential. 2nd rounder DE Carlos Dunlap, could develop into a top notch defensive end if he ever gets his mental game figured out. Cornerback Brandon Ghee was excellent value for the Bengals in the 3rd round, as were DT Geno Atkins and LB Roderick Muckelroy in the 4th round. All three of whom should be solid rotational players as rookies. The Bengals didn’t address their needs at safety, but filled every other position. While a lot of this draft is based on potential, I think the Bengals made some excellent selections. Grade B+

Cleveland Browns:

The Browns had a mixed bag with this draft. They traded away some picks to acquire Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong and got some nice prospects, but they didn’t fill all of their needs. Joe Haden I thought was a interesting pick, since they had just acquired Sheldon Brown. Even if they do move Brown to safety, the Browns missed out on a chance to trade up for Eric Berry, who would have filled a major need for Cleveland. Considering the fact that the Browns used both their 2nd round pick and 5th round pick on safeties, it is safe to say Cleveland still was looking to upgrade the position. While I think Ward is a solid prospect and Asante offered them nice value in the 5th round, them combined don’t equal Berry, whom I think was the best player in this entire draft. For me, Ward was a bit of an overdraft and it would have made more sense to either trade back to the middle of the round or just outright select Jimmy Clausen with that pick. While they did eventually get their quarterback in the 3rd round, Clausen I feel will be ready sooner and has more upside. Trading up for Hardesty in the 2nd round was a bit of a surprise as well. While I like him as a player, they gave up a good bit to get him (picks that would have made more sense, plus others towards a deal for Berry). I did like both WR Carlton Mitchell and DE Clifton Geathers in the 6th round. I feel both have big upsides and should find roles on the Browns. Overall it seemed like a strange draft for Cleveland, where they addressed the majority of their needs but seemingly at the wrong times with the wrong players. There grade will remain high because of the addition of Brown and the talent they acquired, but I don’t know if this draft can put them back into contention. Grade B-

Pittsburgh Steelers:

The Steelers had a very good all-around draft, with the only question mark coming at the lack of drafting a corner early (they did trade for Bryant McFadden, so that did help and is weighted in this grade). Overall I loved their picks of Pouncey and Scott along the offensive line. Both players have nice upside and were good values for where they were drafted. Pouncey should start from day one in Pittsburgh and help solidify that unit. The Steelers addressed their skilled positions well, by adding a pair of receivers and a power back. WR Emmanuel Sanders in the 3rd round, offers good value and could work his way into the rotation. 6th rounder Antonio Brown, I thought was pretty underrated and should develop into a solid player, as well as helping early on in the return game. At running back the Steelers added Jonathan Dwyer, a bruising back out of Georgia Tech. A Dwyer-Mendenhall backfield should be very formidable, and Dwyer was excellent value in the 6th round. On defense the Steelers drafted 3 linebackers, one defensive end, and a corner. Most of those were depth picks but I believe the two rush linebackers they added should give them value. I’m actually higher on 4th rounder Thaddeus Gibson than 2nd rounder Jason Worilds. In fact I think Pittsburgh missed a golden opportunity with their Worilds pick. There were a number of trades at the end of that 2nd round, and if Pittsburgh had moved back they could have gotten additional picks, but also would have been able to grab one of the corners before they were all drafted at the top of Round 3. To me Worilds is more of a 3rd or 4th round prospect, and while he might fit in Pittsburgh I think he could be a bust as well. Gibson was excellent value for the 4th round, and should well continue the tradition of Pittsburgh sack masters at some point in his career. Overall I really liked what the Steelers did, but would have probably rather seen them trade back to the end of the 2nd round and grab a corner over Worilds. Other than that though I don’t have any real complaints or issues about this draft. Grade A-

AFC East:

Buffalo Bills:

I think the Bills did a lot of good things to help their defense. Both their 2nd round pick Torell Troup (NT) and 3rd round pick Alex Carrington (DE) should immeadiately help their front 3 as they transition to a 3-4 defense. The Bills added a couple of pass rushers in 6 round, and both Arthur Moats and Danny Batten have a chance to be effective starters. Troup might have been a bit of an overdraft, but nose tackle was a significant need. The real problem with the Bills draft is what they did on offense, or what they didn’t do. With the 9th overall pick the Bills selected C.J. Spiller, the dynamic running, receiving, returning back out of Clemson. Spiller does everything, except the two things the Bills need the most, throwing the ball and blocking for those who do. And after Fred Jackson’s performance last season, Spiller doesn’t figure to get a ton of carries/catches. The 9th overall selection was a lot to spend on a third down back/return man. While the Bills added O-linemen Ed Wang and Kyle Calloway later, and got decent value where they selected them, that isn’t enough to address one of the worst offensive lines in football. Grabbing QB Levi Brown late gives you a little upside, but the Bills consistently passed on high rated quarterback prospects, guys who do actually project to be starters. For me the Bills didn’t fill needs or get enough high upside players. Grade D+

Miami Dolphins:

The Dolphins didn’t have a sexy draft, with the exception of the trade for Brandon Marshall, who does very much weigh into this grade (well 50-60% of Marshall, since they gave up a pick next year). With Marshall in the fold, Miami was able to trade back in the 1st round, add some more picks, and still get the guy they wanted DE Jared Odrick. Odrick is a perfect fit for the 3-4 end position and should generate a decent pass rush from that slot. Miami then grabbed a couple of solid linebackers, in 2nd rounder OLB Koa Misi and 4th rounder A.J. Edds, both have starting upside and should help immediately on special teams. Misi, especially should develop into an excellent starter and pass rusher. In between the two LB’s the Dolphins selected their lone offensive player (not counting Marshall) in guard John Jerry. Jerry is a very solid prospect, who helps give the Dolphins one of the deepest offensive lines in the league. There is a ton of potential with this unit’s backups, which will go a long way in helping the offense move the ball. Miami did pick up Reshad Jones in the 5th round. He is a bit raw as a safety, but has the talent and athleticism to develop into a starter at either safety spot. Grade B+

New England Patriots:

The Patriots went up and down this draft at will, which of course surprised no one since they do it every year. What’s even better is they even were able to start setting the table for next season, by trading a 3rd round pick for a 2nd rounder next season. Even with giving up a 3rd rounder, the Patriots still ended up with 12 draft picks including 5 in the top 3 rounds. The Patriots bolstered their defense early by adding CB Devin McCourty in the 1st round, OLB Jermaine Cunningham and ILB Brandon Spikes in the 2nd round. All three players should find an immediate home in New England, and while none might be a full-time starter in year one, they will all contribute. On offense the Patriots did a great job finding weapons for Tom Brady, by adding a pair of pass catching tight ends (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez) and a very promising receiver (Taylor Price). Late in the draft New England picked depth picks across the offensive and defensive lines, in addition to a backup quarterback Zac Robinson. Overall this was a very solid and deep draft for the Patriots, and the only complaint might be that they didn’t address the offensive or defensive lines earlier, since they are razor thin at both positions. Grade B+

New York Jets:

The Jets only ended up with 4 picks but they made the most out of them. It is even more impressive considering they were able to trade for Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes using draft picks, giving Mark Sanchez all the weapons he needs to be successful. CB Kyle Wilson was an absolute steal at the bottom of the first round, and gives New York the best corners in the league. With an improved pass rush, the Jets defense should go from dominate to unstoppable. Adding Vlad Ducasse and Joe McKnight, both should be solid players and Ducasse should be a full time starter from day one. The only thing I don’t like about the Jets draft is that Ducasse and McKnight both only replace holes that the Jets created over the weekend, and aren’t a huge upgrade. While they are younger and cheaper than the players they are replacing, I’m not sure if they will be better this next season, which is troubling since the Jets are built to win the Super Bowl. I was shocked with how little they got in return for Leon Washington, one of the better 3rd down backs in the league. Overall I liked the Jets draft and I think they got solid value, but I don’t love the corresponding moves New York made. Grade B

Check back throughout the day as the rest of the divisions are posted!

1. St. Louis Rams- QB Sam Bradford- The Rams got their ‘franchise’ quarterback, and while I think there are some questions regarding Bradford, he does make sense in St. Louis. The Rams desperately needed a quarterback and now have a top prospect to groom. Grade: B+

2. Detroit Lions- DT Ndamukong Suh- I think the Lions got an exceptional player in Suh. He is a stout run defender and can still get after the quarterback. He will make everyone else on the Lions defense better, just by his presence on the interior. Grade: A+

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DT Gerald McCoy- McCoy and the Bucs were pretty much made for each other, he is a pass rushing defensive tackle and the Bucs need all the help they can get in that department. Grade A+

4. Washington Redskins- OT Trent Williams- The Redskins did address their biggest need which for them is quite surprising, but they also might have reached a little bit for Williams. The Redskins weren’t able to trade back and stockpile picks in this deep draft, which I think is going to hurt them down the line. For more in depth analysis about why the Redskins need to trade down, check out my blog on the subject. Grade B

5. Kansas City Chiefs- S Eric Berry- Berry might be the best overall player in this draft, and looks like an instant star. Not only that, Kansas City filled one of their biggest needs. Grade A+

6. Seattle Seahawks- OT Russell Okung- Seattle stays right where they are and land quite possibly the top offensive tackle in the draft. They still have serious questions at QB and RB, but answered the call as to who will protect them. He might not be at that elite level as say Walter Jones, but Okung is a very good tackle. Grade A

7. Cleveland Browns- CB Joe Haden- The Browns get the top corner available in this draft, but did just watch their biggest need free safety (Berry) go off the board two picks ahead of them. Haden should develop quickly into a frontline starter, and has the tools to be a Pro Bowl caliber corner. Grade A-

8. Oakland Raiders- MLB Rolando McClain- The Raiders probably jumped the gun on McClain a bit early, but he is a very productive middle linebacker. The biggest issue with him is he doesn’t fill an immediate need. Considering the Raiders recent draft history this pick should be an A++, but I will say a solid Grade B

9. Buffalo Bills- RB C.J. Spiller- Definitely a big surprise here, Buffalo had one of the better running games last year, led by Fred Jackson. And while Spiller can be a weapon out of the backfield, I don’t know if taking away too many touches from Jackson to give to Spiller is a good thing.   Spiller can replace Jackson in the return game, but the 9th overall pick is a high price to pay for a return man/3rd down back. The Bills ignored much bigger needs along the offensive line, on defense, and at the quarterback position. Grade C

10. Jacksonville Jaguars- DT/DE Tyson Alualu- If Spiller was a big surprise, Alualu in the top 10 is HUGE. While I like him as a player and say that he has a borderline first round grade, I would never agree with him being a top 10 pick. For me there is nothing he does exceptionally, and defensive end was a much bigger need for the Jags. Grade D+

11. San Francisco 49ers (from Denver)- OT Anthony Davis- I’m not sure the 49ers really had to move up, but they secured their man here and shouldn’t be disappointed. Davis could develop into a stud blocker and should help make the entire offense better. Grade A

12. San Diego Chargers (from Miami)- RB Ryan Mathews- The Chargers paid a big price to move up, but I believe it was worth it for Mathews. He is the best running back in this class, and should help the Chargers offense tremendously. San Diego will have to find another way to fill their needs, but took care of their biggest one. Grade B+

13. Philadelphia Eagles (from Denver)- DE Brandon Graham- Graham is a relentless pass rusher, who gives the Eagles excellent book end, defensive ends. It seems a bit odd they took him before Morgan, but Graham is a great player in his own right. Grade B+

14. Seattle Seahawks- S Earl Thomas- Seattle should be ecstatic with this pick, they filled another top need and got a player that no one would have questioned had they taken at number 6. Thomas is a top notch free safety prospect and should develop into an elite ball hawking FS for the Seahawks. Grade A

15. New York Giants- DE Jason Pierre-Paul- Pierre-Paul is a high boom or bust prospect. He does make a lot of sense in New York, because with their depth, they won’t have to rush him in the line-up. Still surprising they took him over the more complete Derrick Morgan, but Pierre-Paul was well worth the 15th pick. Grade A-

16. Tennessee Titans- DE Derrick Morgan- For me Morgan was the best overall defensive player not named Berry, Suh or McCoy, making him a complete steal for the Titans at 16. Morgan should be a huge boost to their pass rush, and just an all-around great defensive end. Grade A+

17. San Francisco 49ers- G Mike Iupati- While San Francisco could have gone for a bigger need at OLB or CB, but I think they made the right pick with Iupati, who should be a stud. Now with Davis and Iupati, the 49ers should have one of the best offensive lines, and consequently one of the best running games. Grade A

18. Pittsburgh Steelers- C/G Maurkice Pouncey- The Steelers had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season, so any help was needed. Pouncey might be a big of an over draft and it will be interesting to see what the Steelers do with incumbent center Justin Hartwig, whom is under contract for 3 more years. One of the two will need to kick to guard, which isn’t their best position. Overall, it is still an upgrade for Pittsburgh, one that should really help their offense. Grade B

19. Atlanta Falcons- OLB Sean Weatherspoon- Weatherspoon is a great pick up by Falcons as he is one of the most underrated players in this entire draft class. He is an excellent leader and should start from day one for the Falcons. Atlanta filled a big need here, and did so with a great player. Grade A

20. Houston Texans- CB Kareem Jackson- The Texans needed a running back, but smartly filled their 2nd biggest need at CB with this spot. Jackson should be a very good starting corner for Houston this year. Grade B

21. Cincinnati Bengals- TE Jermaine Gresham- The Bengals added another elite weapon to their arsenal, which should make Carson Palmer very happy. He fills a big need for Cincinnati and has the upside to be an elite tight end in the league. Grade B+

22. Denver Broncos (from New England)- WR Demaryius Thomas- Denver traded up a few slots to ensure they got Thomas, who in my opinion is the best receiver in this draft. He has the upside to easily replace Brandon Marshall, and should be a top receiver by his sophomore season. Grade B+

23. Green Bay Packers- OT Bryan Bulaga- The Packers lucked out here, they got quite possibly the 2nd best tackle in the draft with the 23rd overall pick. Green Bay needs to keep Aaron Rodgers upright if they hope to win, and Bulaga should quickly develop into his blindside protector. Rodgers and the Packers have to be very happy with this selection. Grade A

24. Dallas Cowboys (from New England)- WR Dez Bryant- And the world makes sense again, the Cowboys end up with Dez Bryant, the talented, but questionable receiving prospect. Overall I think this is a solid spot for him, he doesn’t have to be a number one in Dallas, and has a very good quarterback throwing the ball to him. I would expect Bryant to reach his potential as a top number 2 receiver in big-D. Grade B-

25. Denver Broncos (from Baltimore)- QB Tim Tebow- Overall Tebow isn’t a first round prospect, so this trade is a head scratcher, but Denver made a bold move here. It is likely that another team might have grabbed Tebow early in the 2nd round, so the Broncos got their man, but I’m not sure this is the best situation for Tebow. I actually am a believer in Tebow as a quarterback, I just believe that he will need 2-3 years (at least) to reach his full potential. For me he shouldn’t have been a 1st round pick, with that long of a gestation period. I don’t like him in Denver, because Kyle Orton is only under contract for next season, and I just don’t see Tebow being ready. Denver will either rush Tebow, which will hurt his development or need to sign another quarterback to hold down the fort. Neither scenario makes sense for the Broncos or Tebow. Grade C

26. Arizona Cardinals- DT Dan Williams- Despite all the 3-4 teams ahead of them in need of a nose tackle, the Cardinals end up with the best one in the bunch. Williams should make that entire defense better, which it will need to be considering the off-season losses the Cards have had. Arizona filled a big need here and got a very talented player. Grade A-

27. New England Patriots- CB Devin McCourty- McCourty is a pretty good corner and while he doesn’t fill a huge need, he does make them a better unit. Grade B-

28. Miami Dolphins- DE Jared Odrick- Odrick is a classic 3-4 defensive end and should help the Dolphins in the trenches next year. He gets solid pressure from his end spot and is a stout run defender. Grade B

29. New York Jets- CB Kyle Wilson- Wilson doesn’t fill a top need for the Jets, but he was way too talented to pass up. Wilson could have gone off the board as early as the teens, so getting him at 29 for the Jets is a steal. I thought he was the 2nd best corner in this entire class. The Jets now have the best corners in the league, and should shut down opposing passing attacks. Grade A

30. Detroit Lions- RB Javid Best- A little surprising the Lions traded up for Best, but he is a talented runner. He offers almost as much upside as C.J. Spiller and Detroit got him 21 picks later. The Lions now have the makings of a decent offense, if Matt Stafford can show that he is a quality quarterback. Grade B

31. Indianapolis Colts- OLB/DE Jerry Hughes- Not really sure I understand this pick, I love Hughes as a player, but for me he is solely a rush linebacker. I think he is too small to play with his hand down, and won’t be nearly as effective. I think the Colts had bigger needs along the interior of the line or along the offensive line. Hughes is a good player, but a bad fit as an every down guy in Indy. Grade C+

32. New Orleans Saints- CB Patrick Robinson- Robinson is a good solid corner and gives the Saints good value with the 32nd pick. His presence will likely mean the end of Darren Sharper in the Big Easy, as I believe Malcolm Jenkins will shift over to FS. Grade B