Fanspeak: Draft Grades

HOUSTON TEXANS: 11. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: The Texans are making the switch to the 3-4 defense, but severely lacked the personnel to do so. Watt is a great pick here as he should be able to start from day 1 at DE. 42. Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona: The Texans needed to add a pass … More »

BUFFALO BILLS: 3. Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, Alabama: Dareus is a great pick for the Bills, he fills a major need a Buffalo and very well could be the best player from this class. 34. Aaron Williams, cornerback, Texas: this is a good value pick for the Bills as Williams was a projected first rounder. … More »

BALTIMORE RAVENS: 27. Jimmy Smith, cornerback, Colorado: While the whole trade mess, was a black mark it wasn’t really Baltimore’s fault. Smith fills a big need for the Ravens, and should really help their defense. 58. Torrey Smith, wide receiver, Maryland: Torrey Smith is a great fit for Baltimore as gives Flacco a true deep … More »

ATLANTA FALCONS: 6. Julio Jones, wide receiver, Alabama: The Falcons paid a price to get the WR they desired, but I don’t know if its worth it. Jones is a big play receiver, but he at best will catch 5-8 balls a game and I think they paid too much. 91. Akeem Dent, linebacker, Georgia: … More »

CHICAGO BEARS: 29. Gabe Carimi, tackle, Wisconsin: The Bears desperately needed an OT, and I believe they got the 2nd best one in this class. Carimi fits that offense perfectly, and should really have an impact for Chicago. 53. Stephen Paea, defensive tackle, Oregon State: Next to OT, defensive tackle was Chicago’s biggest need. The … More »

ARIZONA CARDINALS: 5. Patrick Peterson, cornerback, LSU: The Cardinals got a shutdown corner in Peterson and someone who will start from Day 1. 38. Ryan Williams, running back, Virginia Tech: A bit of a surprise pick here as they just drafted Beanie Wells two years ago. Williams is good value at this spot, and could … More »

Dallas Cowboys: 9. Tyron Smith, tackle, USC: Smith is the best OT in this draft and a great pick here. 40. Bruce Carter, linebacker, North Carolina: I like Carter, but I think this was one round too high for him, considering the serious injury he is coming off of. 71. DeMarco Murray, running back, Oklahoma: … More »

1. Carolina Panthers: QB Cam Newton, Auburn I really didn’t like this pick at all, and up until yesterday afternoon I figured it had to be a smoke screen, as no team could legitimately think that Newton was the answer. The Panthers were down right awful last season, and you can’t expect a quarterback like … More »