Draft Grades Thread

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

Figured we could use a thread with draft grades, even though they are kind of pointless this soon after the draft.

A- from this newspaper, but with an interesting quote from Carimi
http://www.rrstar.com/sports/bears/x482 ... aft-grades

2. Green Bay Packers: A-
The Packers passed the Bears on overall draft grade with their final-day choice of D.J. Williams, the Mackey Award-winning tight end from Arkansas. Jermichael Finley’s knee injury brought his welcome parade to a halt, and Williams adds potent depth at the position, as well as a viable alternative at H-back for the defending champs.

What really boosted the draft grade for Ted Thompson and his staff was quantity, more than quality. Even just after Chad Clifton’s second Pro Bowl season, and Bryan Bulaga’s emergence on the other side, tackle Derek Sherrod was a strong choice with the last pick in the first round.

And the next two picks, wideout Randall Cobb of Kentucky and running back Alex Green, certainly brought a smile to Aaron Rodgers’ face. But the fact that the Packers stockpiled 10 draft picks in three days (compared to just five by the Bears and Lions) is impressive.

And getting Williams in the fifth round shows they weren’t just grabbing any old dude.

For a team that had 15 players on IR when it went on its playoff roll, depth is obviously key.

Carimi Quote:

But even after a Super Bowl championship run, and a powerful draft, some guys will never (again) be a Packer fan.

“I was one growing up, but I’ve had my errors in my way,” the newest Bears offensive lineman Gabe Carimi said Saturday. “I’ve sinned and repented, so I’m good now. I’ve seen the light.”

Randall Cobb mentioned as a steal from SI.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/f ... index.html

Randall Cobb/WR/Green Bay/Round 2/No. 64: Cobb was rated as a late first round pick on a number of boards yet his lack of pure speed ended up pushing him deep into the second round. He'll produce for the Packers at receiver, punt returner and can run the occasional reverse.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/f ... z1L6mclqwX

CBS gave the Packers an A.
http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/s ... d-analysis

Green Bay Packers: A

General manager Ted Thompson is one of the more astute talent-evaluators in the NFL and strong, unspectacular drafts such as this one show precisely why. Recognizing the unique talent they have in Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, the Packers protected him up front with versatile offensive tackle Derek Sherrod in the first round and a variety of dynamic pass-catchers throughout the rest of the draft. Kentucky's Randall Cobb was the most versatile weapon in the draft. Hawaii running back Alex Green is a powerful runner with underrated speed and hands. Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams in the fifth round could prove a steal, as what he lacks in size (6-2, 245) he makes up for in reliable hands and surprising toughness as a blocker. Add in developmental prospects at cornerback (Davon House), pass rusher (Ricky Elmore) and defensive end (Lawrence Guy) on the third day of the draft and the Packers continue to retool the most talented roster in the league.

Fox Sports gave the Packers an A-.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/2011 ... eam-043011

Green Bay Packers: A-

Draft picks: OT Derek Sherrod (first round), WR Randall Cobb (second round), RB Alex Green (third round), CB Davon House (fourth round), TE D.J. Williams (fifth round), OL Caleb Schlauderaff (sixth round), LB D.J. Smith, (sixth round), LB Ricky Elmore (sixth round), TE Ryan Taylor (seventh round), DT Lawrence Guy (seventh round).

Analysis: General manager Ted Thompson is the best at what he does because he always drafts for value. He got at least three future starters out of this draft despite drafting in back of every round.

[Newz]

I definitely like our draft. Not sure if I would give it an A... No lower than a B though. Think we got good value with about every pick, so it's pretty much impossible to not give it an A.

[MickeyDavis]

That's exactly what I would expect Gabe to say.

Here are some more grades

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/121042349.html

[eagle13]

Well can't grade by player performance yet. Traded down & possibly missed landing semi-impact DE or OLB. TT is great -who can argue? Also he took 4 players in top 5 picks that I did.

guess=A-

[Bucksfans1and2]

B+

Love it: Sherrod, Cobb, House, DJ Williams

Like it: Elmore, Guy

Will reserve judgement: Green, DJ Smith

[RiotPunch]

I'd give it an easy A. House, Williams and Guy were complete steals where we selected them. Sherrod and Cobb were orgasmic picks. Ricky Elmore was a solid pick. The other guys IDK that well, but the hits on all the other guys alone warrant an A.

[xTitan]

I think the Packers get a very good grade because you must take into account where they drafted, I have always loved TT's philosophy of drafting more, especially if you have an excellent scouting group....I am disappointed once again in the lack of a rush player, especially with Jenkins leaving (and maybe going to the bears). I liked Elmore quite a bit, then i learned he was more .10 slower than.....um Zombo, so we will have to wait and see.

[jimmybones]

I'd give it an easy A. House, Williams and Guy were complete steals where we selected them. Sherrod and Cobb were orgasmic picks. Ricky Elmore was a solid pick. The other guys IDK that well, but the hits on all the other guys alone warrant an A.

Totally agree. I love the Cobb and House picks.

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

I liked Elmore quite a bit, then i learned he was more .10 slower than.....um Zombo, so we will have to wait and see.

I agree that his lack of speed is a bit of a concern but I think his ability to get off blockers and his relentless motor may offset that concern.

[Bucksfans1and2]

I think the Packers get a very good grade because you must take into account where they drafted, I have always loved TT's philosophy of drafting more, especially if you have an excellent scouting group....I am disappointed once again in the lack of a rush player, especially with Jenkins leaving (and maybe going to the bears). I liked Elmore quite a bit, then i learned he was more .10 slower than.....um Zombo, so we will have to wait and see.

I don't know what his 10 yard split was but from this video, he's got a lot of Clay in him.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtE9qFonW7s[/youtube]

[Max-Power]

I liked the picks. all the offense did make me lament the lack of an impact DE or OLB...on paper. But we don't know jack until we get to training camp / preseason. Its wierd having a GM who is basically untouchable when it comes to the draft. You just say "well hes probably just drafted 3 pro bowlers and 5 more solid guys" so what the fack do i know...

[Balls2TheWalls]

I feel good about the draft the day after, but I feel shallow about the process as a whole. The system where we are usually effective is ruined by the lockout, and the entire start of the season is in question. I feel good about the draft, but bad about football.

[Wilford Brimley]

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20 ... nfc-north/

[Balls2TheWalls]

I gotta say that I really like what the Vikings did after the 2nd round. I think that Rudolph is probably the slowest guy I have ever watched film on, and I think Ponder was a wicked reach. If they bring in McNabb, I think they could do some things, but I am not all that certain he has anything left in the tank.

I think that the Bears drafted the guard, and then said to themselves, "Well that is all we needed on offense." I think that their line is still a bag of garbage. I think that they fell into their old ways of drafting players onto one of the most dominant defenses.

The Lions drafted guys that I am not all that afraid of. Watching Leshoure, I was never all that impressed with his ability to make guys miss, and the breakaway speed is not useful unless you can get yourself into unguarded territory in the NFL. That being said, they got Fairley and Young, who could both be very good players. They needed help in the defensive backfield that they didn't get, and I don't see how they cover anyone on our team. They better get sacks on every down.

[Bernman]

I feel good about the draft the day after, but I feel shallow about the process as a whole. The system where we are usually effective is ruined by the lockout

That's why Trade Down Ted had even more of an impetus to live up to his nickname and acquire a slew of late picks. They are his pseudo undrafted FA's of 2011.

That strategy is one reason why I think TT deserved credit for his performance. He adapted his plan to the circumstances like we'd prefer Hammond do with the Bucks for once. Instead he tosses around cash flippantly in a competitive FA market where we are one of the least attractive options.

Another reason TT deserved credit was he managed to fill needs to fit a win-now strategy while not reaching like the teams who desperately coveted a QB could not avoid. Sherrod, Cobb, Elmore, and Williams all were value picks who should also fill a role for us early.

My only causes for disappointment and a lower than A grade were selecting House in the 4th when Cannon was a great value pick and would have helped combat the Lions' monstrous interior D-Line AND not picking up a backup QB like Devlin late in the draft to develop in order to replace Flynn when he inevitably departs in the near future.

Overall, I'd assign them a grade of A-.

[chuckleslove]

I'm not sure why people wanted us to draft a QB, we already have 3 on the roster with Harrell likely going to end up on the PS I see no room for a 4th QB, if we had been able to trade Flynn for draft picks I would have agreed.

[Newz]

I'm not sure why people wanted us to draft a QB, we already have 3 on the roster with Harrell likely going to end up on the PS I see no room for a 4th QB, if we had been able to trade Flynn for draft picks I would have agreed.

I think a lot of people wanted to see us draft someone to compete with/replace Harrell.

I would like to see what we have with Harrell before we just toss him away. I think he has what it takes to be a decent backup QB.

[chuckleslove]

I'm not sure why people wanted us to draft a QB, we already have 3 on the roster with Harrell likely going to end up on the PS I see no room for a 4th QB, if we had been able to trade Flynn for draft picks I would have agreed.

I think a lot of people wanted to see us draft someone to compete with/replace Harrell.

I would like to see what we have with Harrell before we just toss him away. I think he has what it takes to be a decent backup QB.

Well if thats the reasoning I think that is very very premature and unnecessary.

[Balls2TheWalls]

I think that in a lot of cases it comes down to Flynn looking like he will go elsewhere when his current contract is up. He is a player with a chance at cracking a starting lineup on another roster.

[Ill-yasova]

From everything I saw of Harrell in the preseason, he looked to me like he had the tools to develop into a decent QB. I definitely wanna get a better look at him.