KAC 2004 AFC DRAFT GRADES
It is very hard to find a joker this year, to find a team that loyally screwed up this years draft. The Bills did not fall for the Willis McGahee used-car salesman pitch, and the Vikings traded down, then got their pick done in the allotted 15 minutes. Give me a year, or two at the very most � and the real losers, and winners will emerge out of the 2004 Draft. But for now, my tentative grades based upon the events of this past weekend, starting with the AFC.
It is very hard to find a joker this year, to find a team that loyally screwed up this years draft. The Bills did not fall for the Willis McGahee used-car salesman pitch, and the Vikings traded down, then got their pick done in the allotted 15 minutes. Give me a year, or two at the very most � and the real losers, and winners will emerge out of the 2004 Draft. But for now, my tentative grades based upon the events of this past weekend, starting with the AFC.BUFFALO � No out of the blue Willis McGahee urge this year, but a couple of more questionable picks noththeless. WR Lee Evans value became greater in the past week, he was projected to go lower than #13, but an early run on receivers was clearly on, punctuated by Tampa Bay taking projected second-rounder Michael Clayton two picks later. The Bills then traded a fortune (two picks this year plus a first-rounder in �05) to get Tulane QB J.P Losman, who no doubt would had been snapped up by Green Bay or St. Louis a few picks later. As well-documented in recent days, Losman could eventually surpass the three QB�s selected before him in Round 1 or could bust out. Buffalo then got a couple of nice blue-collar types in DT Tim Anderson (Round 3) and TE Tim Euhus (Oregon St.) in Round 4. How JPL pans out will ultimately determine the fate of this draft. Grade: C+
MIAMI � Philadelphia traded up to take Shawn Andrews, the Phins projected first-rounder on everyone�s board. But Miami didn�t lose much if anything by trading up a spot to get OT Vernon Carey out of their own backyard. The Dolphins didn�t pick again until Round 4, but I think came up with a steal getting CB Will Poole, who was still in the first round of some mock drafts last week. Yes his combine workout was awful and some of his troubles as a freshman at BC came back to life, but wasn�t the Rose Bowl just three months ago (when scouts were just drooling over Poole)??? I like the late round picks, taking hybrid LB/S Tony Bua in Round 4, before further addressing the O-line with Houston C Rex Hadnot in Round 6 and Michigan tackle Tony Pape (projected as a third-rounder) in Round 7. Don�t be surprised if at least one of those two experienced linemen pan out. Free-agent pick-ups after the draft included Iowa RB Fred Russell and Utah H-back Ben Moa.Grade B+
NEW ENGLAND � It looks like Bill Belichick has nailed yet another home run. Without trading up or down, the Pats got run-stuffer Vince Wilfork at #21, who should be a perfect replacement for the departed Ted Washington. Although the team already had tight ends, Ben Watson was just too good a talent to pass up with the final pick of Round 1. DE Marquise Hill should be solid as the final pick of Round 2. Safeties Guss Scott and Dexter Reid for solid mid-round picks. With yet another extra pick in Round 4 RB Cedric Cobbs was selected. Cobbs has some well-documented baggage but has the talent to spell Corey Dillon (acquired last week for a second rounder) for the next couple of years with a chance to take over as the featured back down the road. Florida State receiver P.K Sam, whose stock appeared to be rising, competed the haul in Round 5. Look for PK to work his way into the crowded receiving rotation over the next few years. Grade: A
NY JETS � In what may be a first, the teams selection of ILB Jonathan Vilma at #12 overall was met with loud cheers on the draft floor. There was a time where Oklahoma CB Derrick Strait was projected as a top ten selection, the Jets got him #76 overall in Round 3. There were also a couple of late round picks that I like, including OT Marko Cavka in Round 6 (should be a nice developmental type) along with OLB Darrell McClover in Round 7. McClover is a diamond in the rough who now gets to come on board along with his old teammate Vilma. Grade: BBALTIMORE � No first-rounder for the Ravens, but the team did address some needs. With a second rounder returned to the team in the Terrell Owens fiasco, DT Dwan Edwards (Oregon) was selected. The team spent the rest of the draft addressing it�s receiver needs, acquiring veteran Kevin Johnson for Jacksonville for their fourth-round pick. Before that the team selected Washington St. WR Devard Darling in Round 3, he is a boom-or-bust type. Receivers Clarence Moore (Northern Arizona) and Derek Abney (Kentucky) were taken in Rounds 6 and 7 respectively. The team is said to be very happy with Abney, who could contribute as a return man as well as a receiver. Ravens also got an intriguing project with athletic QB Josh Harris (Bowling Green) in Round 6. Grade: C+
CINCINNATI � Opinions vary on the Bengals draft, but HC Marvin Lewis has definitely put his stamp on this team. Team traded down twice in Round 1 before selecting Michigan back Chris Perry. I liked Kevin Jones better (who was still on the mode), but Perry fits the scheme and will spell Rudi Johnson for starters. Bengals then acquired a ton of defensive depth in Rounds 2-4 with in order CB Keiwan Ratliff (Florida), S Madieu Williams (Maryland), ILB Caleb Miller (Arkansas), OLB Landon Miller (Purdue), and DT Matthias Askew (Michigan St). A ton of potential in that group. Also selected in the fourth-round was OT Stacy Andrews, the older brother of Shawn Andrews who was also a shot-putter at Mississippi. Bengals got another potential O-line prospect after the draft when they got Canadian standout Obby Khan off the free-agent wire.Grade: A-
CLEVELAND � Was it really imperative to give up a second-rounder to move up just one spot in the draft to secure the services of Kellen Winslow II, provided that the Browns and K2�s hardball agent comes to terms. Negotiations could be quite testy as the summer wears on. DeAngelo Hall or Roy Williams wouldn�t had been bad consolation prizes. Safety Sean Jones (Georgia) was a nice pick at the end or Round 2. Underrated QB Luke McCown (brother of Josh) was taken in Round 4, he has a chance to take over for Jeff Garcia a few years down the road. A seventh-round pick I liked was RB Adimchinobe Echemandu (a.k.a Joe Echema), he could work his way into the Browns backfield mix. Grade: C+
PITTSBURGH � It�s never easy to be the last person in the Green Room, as was the case with BR as Philip Rivers shot above him on the draft board. But it all works out for Big Ben as the Steelers snapped him up about two seconds after their turn came up. Incumbent Tommy Maddox is pissed but so what. CB Ricardo Colclough, and long-armed tackle Max Starks were both solid picks. Fifth-round DE/OLB hybrid Nathaniel Adibi (Virginia Tech) is another who could work his way into Bill Cowher�s defensive scheme. Most notable free-agent pick-up was overlooked Florida St. linebacker Allen Augustin.Grade: BHOUSTON � After working on the skill positions the first two years, the Texans concentrated on defense this time around with what turned out to be two first-round selections. One of the fastest-risers in the draft was grabbed at #10 overall with CB Dunta Robinson coming on board. Texans then traded up and grabbed DE Jason Babin (Western Michigan) at #27, that was considered a reach by some with several other quality D-ends on the board. Not a lot of big names with the later picks, with the most intriguing prospect being ex-Nebraska QB Jamaal Lord, who will try out at running back in Houston. As evidenced with Eric Crouch a couple years back, ex-Husker QB�s trying to move to another position tends not to work out. With their final pick, the team tabbed Texas Tech QB B.J Symons, last seen torching the Naval Acadamy for about a thousand yards in a bowl game played at Reliant Stadium. Grade: B-
INDIANAPOLIS � GM Bill Polian considered this to be one of the thinnest drafts in years, in Polian�s view, the quality first-rounders ended at about pick #19. That along with the salary cap fueled the teams draft day strategy. The Colts traded down three times before stocking up on defense, led by picking hard-hitting Iowa safety Bob Sanders at #44, a selection that I love. Despite already having Dallas Clark and Marcus Pollard, the team acquired more tight end depth with Ben Hartsock (Ohio State) in Round 3, along with Free Agent Ben Utecht. The ex-Minnesota Gopher fell out of the draft due to a sports hernia, look for Ben to be stashed on IR this year. Four of the next five picks were on the defensive side, the headliner being Florida St linebacker Kendyll Pope in Round 4. Another interesting pick was kicker David Kimball (Penn St) in Round 7, who has 60-yard range. With Mike Vanderjagt (perfect in 2003) around, I�m guessing they have Kimball pegged as a kickoff specialist. Other interesting UFA signees include Kentucky lineman Antonio Hall along with Alabama DE Nautyn McKay-Loescher.Grade: B-
JACKSONVILLE � Nearly every mock had Kenechi Udeze going to the Jags at #9, but late reports of a torn labrum in BKU�s shoulder caused the team to instead address it�s second need at wide receiver. However, with Mike Williams ineligible for the draft the team went with Reggie Williams, who was projected as a mid first-rounder. A potential problem is that Williams (like Kellen Winslow) is represented by the Poston brothers which may be trouble. Highly regarded linebacker Daryl Smith (Georgia Tech) was the second round selection (#39 overall). Third round pick Greg Jones is expected to supplant LaBrandon Tofield as the #2 back behind Fred Taylor. The Jags traded for some additional picks in Day 2, including small school linebacker Anthony Maddox (Delta State), who was a one-time Florida State recruit before being involved in a couple of weapons violations. Other second day selections include possession receiver Ernest Wilford (Virginia Tech) along with kicker Josh Scobee (Louisiana Tech) who should solve the kicking problems that hindered the team last year. Grade: B
TENNESSEE � With severe salary cap problems, the Titans traded down and wound up selecting 13 players, mainly loading up on defensive ends including Travis LaBoy (2/40), Antwan Odom (2/57), and Bo Schobel (4/103). There should be plenty of competition finding a replacement for the departed Javon Kearse. With a third second-round pick, athletic tight end Ben Troupe was added, he will replace the retired Frank Wycheck. Many had DT Randy Starks as a sure-fire first rounder, the Titans got him in Round 3 (71st overall). Second day picks include O-lineman Jacob Bell (Miami/OH) and Tennessee HB/FB Troy Fleming, who shined in the Florida Gridiron Classic. Titans were also active in the free-agent market, acquiring standout SWAC QB Robert Kent (Jackson St) along with Miami Hurricane RB Jarrett Payton, don't be surprised when Jarrett makes the final roster.Grade: B+DENVER � Many thought the Broncos would take Stephen Jackson if available, but instead opted for Miami LB D.J Williams. Broncos did go running back with a 2nd round pick obtained in the Portis/Champ Bailey trade, taking Oklahoma State�s Tatum Bell, who says his goal is to someday lead the league in rushing. The other 2nd round pick, Marshall WR Darius Watts is considered a reach, not ranked among the top 20 receivers on most boards. Middle round picks were spent to provide depth in the secondary, with Jeremy LeSueur (3/85) and Jeff Shoate (5/152) coming on board. Denver also spent the late rounds looking for a potential QB, selecting LSU�s Matt Mauck in Round 6 and the athletic Bradlee Van Pelt late in Round 7. There were also some intriguing FA acquisitions including Florida OL Shannon Snell, 2-time Sun Belt conference defensive Player of the year Brandon Kennedy (short & squatty DT), and Washington CB Roc Alexander, who has been plagued by character issues.Grade: B
KANSAS CITY � Chief fans were worried about what the team was going to do, with coach Dick Vermeil even hinting that kicker Nate Kaeding could be the late-first round selection. Instead, KC traded down and took 344-pound DT Junior Siavii with the 36th overall pick. Kris Wilson (Pittsburgh) was the late second-round pick, the plans are for him to be utilized as combination fullback/tight end. The pressing wide receiver need was not addressed until Day 2, when Oregon�s Sammie Parker (Round 4) and Auburn�s Jeris McIntyre (Round 6) were tabbed. The fifth round pick was traded to Philadelphia for guard/tackle John Welbourn, a starter for the past four seasons. FA acquisitions include Syracuse tackle machine Rich Scanlon along with undersized but talented Northern Iowa CB Benny Sapp.Grade: B-
OAKLAND � So you really want to be an NFL player. Outside linebacker Andre Sommersell goes 6�2� 227, and runs a 4.52 40. Sommersell wound up being the final selection of the entire draft, he gets the big parade in Newport Beach this year. If you have read my draft profiles, you may have noticed that I mused about Virginia Tech center Jake Grove being a possible Barrett Robbins successor. Sure enough, Jake was a second round selection, #45 overall. Many thought WR Roy Williams would be the #2 overall pick, but tackle Robert Gallery was the choice instead. Gallery and Grove will definitely bring a new attitude to the O-line. Also fitting the Raider image will be fast safety Stuart Schweigert, who beat Lions WR Charles Rogers in 100-yard dashes in high school, but has also made the blotter a couple of times. Fourth-round WR Johnnie Morant is perhaps this years Tyrone Calico, he runs a 4.5 and has a David Boston-like physique (6�4� 225). Morant�s dad is a one-time Mr. Olympia who has been featured in numerous muscle magazines. Put this guy in BALCO�s back yard and the potential is absolutely SCARY!!!!! Grade: A-
SAN DIEGO � I imagine there were plenty of report cards back in 1998 about this time that gave the Chargers an A, which tells you all you need to know about grades two days after the draft. That said, the Manning family did the organization a HUGE FAVOR, since the team liked Philip Rivers as much, and unlike Manning, Rivers was pounding the pavement for the chance to go to San Diego. The Chargers end up coming out smelling like a rose, getting Rivers along with an additional third-rounder plus first and fifth rounders next year. That means potentially two top-ten overall picks in 2005, all the pressure now is on Manning and Giants GM Ernie Accorsi. GM A.J Smith gets extra points for not caving in and selecting Manning with the #1 pick (and forcing him to pose with a Charger jersey). Workout warrior Igor Olshansky was the Round 2 pick, according to the league he would become the first player ever to be born in the former Soviet Union. Nate Kaeding went in Round 3, he is considered the best kicking prospect since Sebastian Janikowski. The second pick of the second day brought lineman Shaun Phillips, a projected second rounder on most boards. The first fifth round selection brought UCLA sack specialist Dave Ball, who may be short on talent at the pro level but has a motor second to none. Northern Illinois� Michael �Burner� Turner came with a later fifth-round pick, whose stock has really fallen since late last season. Finally the Bolts went to the big boys to acquire O-line depth in Round 7, tabbing Miami�s Carlos Joseph along with Ohio State�s Shane Olivea. Grade: A