SportsCrack

A look back: The 2002 NFL Draft (with grades!)

After writing my recent article about grading NFL team’s first few draft picks my thoughts were triggered by a statement by our very own, Afraid of Ed Hochuli:


He was referring to how we give grades out on draft picks, but have absolutely no idea how they’ll turn out. Sure, we can predict what they’ll do. We can watch as much game tape and read as much stats as we want, but all we’re really doing is making an educated guess. We’re Nostradamusing the NFL Draft. Sometimes we’re right (See: Peyton Manning) and sometimes we are terribly, terribly wrong (See: Ryan Leaf).

So, I figured why not go back a couple of years and grade the drafts? I mean, I have a kid -- so my social life is effectively over, why not put my free time to good use?! I didn’t want to go back too long, about 5 years or so ago so that we have a better handle on where those picks are right now -- in what should be the prime of their careers. More importantly, we can get a handle on how teams did selecting players and what those players contributed to the teams future.

Please note that although I will take into account how a player contributed to the team that drafted him, I will also take into account how that player did on other teams as well. The draft is all about scouting, after all and the grades that follow are essentially a scouting mark based on the team's total number of picks and their overall performance.

First off, let’s get into some explanations of some statistics you‘ll be seeing (as if you couldn‘t figure it out on your own…):

Number of Pro Bowlers selected: Self-explanatory

Number of quality players selected: While I’m not going to completely define a ‘quality player’ or give term qualifying stats, let’s just say a quality player is someone who has had a fairly successful career since 2002 and is generally regarded as a good draft choice.

Number of busts (a.k.a. disappointments… let’s be nice): Selections within the first two rounds that a team wasted because they did not pan out at all for one reason or another.

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: The number of players selected that are still in the NFL and played in at least four games during the 2007 season.

Number of those choices still with the team that drafted them: Number of active draft choices who are still with the team that drafted them.

Number of quality late round picks: The number of players who are still doing or have made significant contributions and were selected in Round 4 or later.

Grades will take into account the preceding statistics as well as the intangibles, a la if the draft class had players who were key in a playoff or title run and the like. Since there was so much info I decided to break this up into three parts. Part one is the breakdown of the first ten teams’ drafts who selected in Round 1. Part two is will be the next ten and part three will be, you guess it, the final twelve teams. I wanted to do it all in one shot but it would have been way too big and I’m only human. As always, enjoy and feel free to discuss at length in the comments. Oh, and a special thanks to [User:AfraidofEdHochuli| AOEH] for giving me the idea in the first place.

First up, April 27th, 2002. The date of the 2002 NFL Draft and more importantly, the Houston Texans birthday!

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players selected: 5 (David Carr, Jabar Gaffney, Chester Pitts, Fred Weary, Demarcus Faggins)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 5

Number of those players still with Houston: 3 (Chester Pitts, Fred Weary, Demarcus Faggins)

Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Sixth rounder: Demarcus Faggins)

Breakdown: 2002 was the Houston Texans inaugural year in the NFL and because of this they got the first pick in each of the first six rounds (not to mention some other picks thrown in for good measure). While 5 of their 12 selections went on to have successful careers, David Carr was not the QB they thought he would be when they drafted him. While he wasn’t a bust by any means, the Texans would go on and neglect to get him any offensive line help and he would be sacked 249 times in his 5 year stint with the Texans. But for 2002, their draft went quite well and three of the five quality selections they took are still with the team.

Grade: C +

Number of Pro Bowlers: 1 (Julius Peppers)

Number of quality players selected: 3 (Julius Peppers, Deshaun Foster, Will Witherspoon)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 3

Number of those players still with Carolina: 1 (Julius Peppers)

Number of quality late round picks: 0

Breakdown: The Panthers hit a home run with their first round selection of Julius Peppers. Generally regarded as a “freak” because of his combination of strength, speed and his incredibly long arms, Peppers would go on to have a Pro Bowl career for the Panthers. Carolina’s next two selections, Deshaun Foster and Will Witherspoon would both play key roles in the Panthers 2003 championship push. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost the Super Bowl that year to the New England Patriots, but that doesn’t make their first three picks in the 2002 Draft any less impressive.

Grade: A -

(OT)

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players selected: 3 (Joey Harrington, Kalimba Edwards, Andre Goodman)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 4

Number of those players still with Detroit: 0

Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Fifth rounder: John Owens)

Breakdown: Joey Harrington’s four years in Detroit were marred by mediocrity. At times, he looked he may be the man to save Lions football, yet at other times he looked like he belonged in Arena football. However he at least showed he had potential and is still in the league, albeit with a career high 77.2 QB rating (2007 with the Falcons). Second round selection Kalimba Edwards, while not a blue chip or anything, did make contributions on defense. The rest of their selections, save for Andre Goodman, didn’t quite pan out in the long run.

Grade: D +

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players selected: 1 (Josh Reed)

Number of disappointments : 1 (Mike Williams)

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 5

Number of those players still with Buffalo: 3 (Josh Reed, Ryan Denney, Coy Wire)

Number of quality late round picks: 3 (Third rounder: Coy Wire, Fifth rounder: Justin Bannan, Seventh rounder: Mike Pullico)

Breakdown: First round selection Mike Williams just did not work out at all. While generally a good run blocker, he was not as skilled at pass blocking and was cut by the team three years after he was drafted. Any time a first round pick (not to mention a Top 5 one) doesn’t work out, it sets the team back immensely. Unfortunately for the Bills, the rest of their draft didn’t go as well, with Josh Reed being the only real contributor to the team.

Grade: D -

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players: 4 (Quentin Jammer, Reche Caldwell, Ben Leber, Justin Peele)

Number of disappointments: 1 (Toniu Fonoti)

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 4

Number of those players still with San Diego: 1 (Quentin Jammer)

Number of quality late round picks: 2 (Third rounder: Ben Leber, Fourth rounder: Justin Peele)

Breakdown: The Chargers had a very productive 2002 draft, with Quentin Jammer panning out to be the anchor of the secondary for the defense, Reche Caldwell proving to be a skilled receiver (but never a number one), Ben Leber starting many games at linebacker, and Justin Peele proving to be a competent pass catching number two TE. Second round pick Toniu Fonoti, while a skilled player had injury problems and off the field issues that limited his stay in San Diego to a mere two years. You can’t really penalize San Diego for not foreseeing these problems at the time of the draft, though.

Grade: B +

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players: 1 (Scott Fujita)

Number of disappointments: 2 (Ryan Sims, Eddie Freeman)

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 2

Number of those players still with Kansas City: 0

Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Fifth rounder: Scott Fujita)

Breakdown: While Ryan Sims was not necessarily a bust, he certainly didn’t put up the numbers that a defensive lineman taken in the Top 10 should. In five seasons with the Chiefs he only had 75 tackles, 5 sacks and 1 interception. I’m even being nice and counting assisted tackles. The remainder of the Chiefs picks didn’t bode quite well, either. With the exception of Scott Fujita all of Kansas City’s picks did nothing to improve the team in any way. To add insult to injury, Fujita left after his third season with the team, leaving them with nothing at all to show for the 2002 draft at this point in time.

Grade: F

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players: 2 (Bryant McKinnie, Brian Williams)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 3

Number of those players still with Minnesota: 1 (Bryant McKinnie)

Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Fourth rounder: Brian Williams)

Breakdown: The Vikings first round selection of Bryant McKinnie is perhaps my favorite selection in the entire 2002 draft. In addition to being a fantastic blocker, he’s also been an absolute workhorse. He’s started every single Minnesota Vikings game since 2003. Every single one. The Vikings appeared to like him too, giving him a 7 year, $48.5 million dollar deal. Hopefully, nothing will come of his recent legal troubles. While most of the other picks paled in comparison to the McKinnie selection, the Vikings did find another gem in the fourth round: Brian Williams. Although he is currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars, he’s started every game he’s been able to when he’s not been injured (save for his rookie year). Although he’s not there, the Vikings still got a solid 4 years out of him.

Grade: B +

Number of Pro Bowlers: 2 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode)

Number of quality players: 3 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode, Antonio Bryant)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 2

Number of those players still with Dallas: 2 (Roy Williams, Andre Gurode)

Number of quality late round picks: 1 (Sixth rounder: Tyson Walter)

Breakdown: The Cowboys struck gold with their first two selections in the 2002 draft, selecting two eventual Pro-Bowlers. Roy Williams wouldn’t waste any time, being sent to the Pro Bowl in just his second year. It took Andre Gurode a bit longer but he is currently on back to back Pro Bowl nominations for 2006 and 2007. Antonio Bryant was looking like a solid selection as well until he violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy in 2006. They also found a gem (but not a starter, apparently) in Tyson Walter in the sixth round.

Grade: A

Number of Pro Bowlers: 1 (John Henderson)

Number of quality players: 3 (John Henderson, Akin Ayodele, David Garrard)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 3

Number of those players still with Jacksonville: 2 (John Henderson, David Garrard)

Number of quality late round picks: 2 (Third rounder: Akin Ayodele, Fourth rounder: David Garrard)

Breakdown: The Jaguars selection of John Henderson in Round 1 proved to be a great one, with Henderson becoming a 2 time Pro Bowlers in 2004 and 2006. He along with Marcus Stroud would ensure the Jaguars had one of the most feared defensive lines up until 2007. Third rounder Akin Ayodele would prove to be a workhorse linebacker and improved the Jaguars defense greatly while he was there. David Garrard wouldn’t get his time to shine until 2005 and would eventually be named the starting quarterback over Byron Leftwich. Garrard led the Jaguars to an 11-5 record and a wild card playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Grade: A -

Number of Pro Bowlers: 0

Number of quality players: 3 (Levi Jones, Matt Schobel, Marquand Manuel)

Number of disappointments: 0

Number of draft choices still actively playing in the NFL: 4

Number of those players still with Cincinnati: 1 (Levi Jones)

Number of quality late round picks: 2 (Third rounder: Matt Schobel, Sixth rounder: Marquand Manuel)

Breakdown: The tenth overall selection of Levi Jones in the 2002 Draft has proved to be a smart one. Save for an injury plagued 2006 season, Jones has started 74 out of 80 possible games. He was also a large part of Rudi Johnson’s 4,000+ yards from 2004-2006 and it could even be said he was key in Rudi’s Pro Bowl bid in 2004 as well. While Lamont Thompson contributed, he was released after one year with the team. Matt Schobel put in some work from 2002-2005, racking up 938 yards and 9 touchdowns. Marquand Manuel has also played sporadically with both the Bengals and several other teams who needed secondary help.

Grade: C +

NFL Draft Team Grades (Rounds 1-2)

The first two rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft were full of surprises, intrigue and many perplexing decisions involving the wide receiver crop. Some players were taken where they were projected, others not yet taken at all. There were reaches, big trades and even a little tension between Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Berman. What more could you ask for? Oh, grades of the first two round picks for each team you say? Alright, here you go.

Teams are in alphabetical order because I figured if we're going to be giving out grades, we might as well keep it school oriented. Oh and there are no F’s in my class, although some teams were pretty close.

Arizona Cardinals

Picks: Round 1 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB), Round 2 - Calais Campbell (DE)

The Cardinals filled in two key weaknesses by landing a CB and a DE with their first two picks. Cromartie also gives them a return specialist while Campbell has the potential to finally give their defense a legitimate pass rush threat.

Grade: A

Atlanta Falcons

Picks: Round 1 - Matt Ryan (QB), Sam Baker (OT), Round 2 - Curtis Lofton (ILB)

After kicking themselves in the ass after giving away Matt Schaub, the Falcons decided the time was now with the third pick in the draft and selected Matt Ryan from Boston College. Ryan is generally regarded as the best QB in the draft and along with Sam Baker and second round pick Curtis Lofton, should make an immediate impact.

Grade: A

Baltimore Ravens

Picks: Round 1 - Joe Flacco (QB), Round 2 - Ray Rice (RB)

Everyone knew the Ravens needed a QB and apparently, so did they. After trading down and acquiring more mid round picks, the Ravens selected Delaware QB Joe Flacco, perhaps the most accurate QB of the bunch. Ray Rice was selected in Round 2 to spell McGahee and the two give a great upgrade to what otherwise was an anemic offense last year. They still need receivers, though.

Grade: A -

Buffalo Bills

Picks: Round 1 - Leodis McKelvin (CB), Round 2 - James Hardy (WR)

The Bills get the top rated CB in McKelvin who should sure up their defensive pass attack and James Hardy, a second round receiver with the potential to be great.

Grade: A -

Carolina Panthers

Picks: Round 1 - Jonathan Stewart (RB), Round 2 - Jeff Otah (OT)

The Panthers decided to continue the trend of two-back systems by taking Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. He will be a fine power compliment to DeAngelo Williams speedster style. The Panthers also landed Jeff Otah in at pick 19, which is amazing considering some had him going as high as the Top 10.

Grade: A

Chicago Bears

Picks: Round 1 - Chris Williams (OT), Round 2 - Matt Forte (RB)

Why the Bears didn’t take a QB is completely beyond me. Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton? Come on! Brian Brohm and Chad Henne both fell to them and they failed to pull the trigger. Chris Williams however, is a great offensive tackle and Matt Forte will usher in the end of the disappointing Cedric Benson era. I’ll give the Bears the benefit of the doubt and assume they’re going to take a Woodson or Brennan later on in the rounds.

Grade: B -

Cincinnati Bengals

Picks: Round 1 - Keith Rivers (OLB), Round 2 - Jerome Simpson (WR)

Keith Rivers is going to be a great linebacker and will finally fill the void of a playmaking linebacker that was left after the departure or Takeo Spikes. Jerome Simpson in Round 2 perplexed the shit out of me, however.

Grade: C -

Cleveland Browns

Picks: N/A

Dallas Cowboys

Picks: Round 1 - Felix Jones (RB), Mike Jenkins (CB), Round 2 - Martellus Bennett (TE)

Reports said Jerry Jones wanted Felix Jones in the first round and it turned out to be true. In fact, it turned out to be really true because the Cowboys probably could have waited until their twenty-eighth pick to get him. Instead, they took Mike Jenkins -- a curious decision considering the amount of corner back depth they already have at the position. The round two selection of Martellus Bennett will go well in two TE sets along with Jason Witten.

Grade: B +

Denver Broncos

Picks: Round 1 - Ryan Clady (OT), Round 2 - Eddie Royal (WR)

As with the Bengals selections -- the Broncos first round selection of Ryan Clady was a good one (if a little puzzling due to his size) however their second round pick of Eddie Royal while many of the top receivers were still on the board? Um, what?

Grade: C -

Detroit Lions

Picks: Round 1 - Gosder Cherilus (OT), Round 2 - Jordon Dizon (OLB)

I’m not going to knock the Lions first and second round picks of Cherilus and Dizon, respectively, however I am going to knock the fact that they failed to take Rashard Mendenhall after he fell to them twice. Hey, at least they didn’t take a wide receiver.

Grade: C +

Green Bay Packers

Picks: Round 2 - Jordy Nelson (WR), Brian Brohm (QB), Patrick Lee (CB)

A lot of people were surprised with the Jordy Nelson pick but I don’t think he was that much of a stretch. He’s going to be a good player. You got to feel for Aaron Rodgers, though. After finally ridding himself of Brett Favre and the starting job in his sights, the Packers go and select a supreme talent in Brian Brohm. So now he has the constant worry of Packers fans calling for his head after he throws two consecutive picks in a game. Poor kid. Patrick Lee was the best available pick at corner for the Packers.

Grade: B -

Houston Texans

Picks: Round 1 - Duane Brown (OT)

The Texans had a need for an offensive tackle and Duane Brown will fit the bill. Simple enough.

Grade: A -

Indianapolis Colts

Picks: Round 2 - Mike Pollak (C )

The Colts are apparently planning for the future at the center position and Mike Pollack was considered by many the best one in this years draft.

Grade: A -

Jacksonville Jaguars

Picks: Round 1 - Derrick Harvey (DE), Round 2 - Quentin Groves (DE)

With the departure of Marcus Stroud the Jaguars didn’t want to lose their reputation of having a fearsome offensive line to go with a smash mouth offense. They did just that by obtaining Derrick Harvey (in some what of a reach) in round one and Quentin Groves in round two.

Grade: B

Kansas City Chiefs

Picks: Round 1 - Glenn Dorsey (DT), Branden Albert (OG), Round 2 - Brandon Flowers (CB)

The most impressive first day out of any team, I think. They had three high profile picks and they stuck to their game plan and didn’t take what they didn’t need. Some thought they would take a QB early but there are still plenty available. Glenn Dorsey could be a franchise corner stone, Branden Albert must have Larry Johnson smiling and Brandon Flowers will make their secondary better.

Grade: A +

Miami Dolphins

Picks: Round 1 - Jake Long (OT), Round 2 - Phillip Merling (DE), Chad Henne (QB)

Another great first day, the Dolphins selected Jake Long who could anchor their offensive line for the next decade, Phillip Merling (who freefell to them for some strange reason) and Chad Henne who will battle for the starting job and most likely get it.

Grade: A +

Minnesota Vikings

Picks: Round 2 - Tyrell Johnson (S)

The Vikings filled a need with a great safety here. Done and done.

Grade: A

New England Patriots

Picks: Round 1 - Jerod Mayo (OLB), Round 2 - Terrance Wheatley (CB)

I’m not going to lie, me and my friends were flipping out after we traded up to number ten and the Bengals took Keith Rivers. After the selection though, we all began to calm down and realized Mayo is just as good if not better than Rivers. Belichick does know a thing or two about defensive players. Terrance Wheatley, while not one of my top choices is a great athlete who should do just fine in the system.

Grade: B +

New Orleans Saints

Picks: Round 1 - Sedrick Ellis (DT), Round 2 - Tracy Porter (CB)

Trading up to the number seven pick, the Saints made an immediate upgrade to their defensive line with Sedrick Ellis. Does the selection of Tracy Porter in round two suggest that the Saints are no longer in the running for Lito Shephard?

Grade: A

New York Giants

Picks: Round 1 - Kenny Phillips (S), Round 2 - Terrell Thomas (CB)

The defending Super Bowl champion Giants upgraded their weaknesses with Kenny Phillips, the best safety in the draft and Terrell Thomas, a great athlete with the potential to make an impact.

Grade: A -

New York Jets

Picks: Round 1 - Vernon Gholston (DE), Round 2 - Dustin Keller (TE)

Again, I won’t lie. I’m jealous. Not for the Dustin Keller pick, although it was a good one -- but for the fact that Jets fans get to enjoy Vernon Gholston for the next couple of years. I got a little too attached to Gholston over the past few weeks and while I knew he wouldn’t fall to the Patriots, I just wish he hadn’t gone to the Jets. I’m still a fan, though.

Grade: A

Oakland Raiders

Picks: Round 1 - Darren McFadden (RB)

You can’t knock the Raiders for taking the best running back in the draft, but you can knock them for doing it after giving Justin Fargas a three year deal and having Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes on the roster. Still though, he’s a prime talent and they made a good decision. Or should I say Al Davis did.

Grade: A -

Philadelphia Eagles

Picks: Round 2 - Trevor Laws (DT), DeSean Jackson (WR)

The Eagles upgraded their defensive line with Laws who should be a great professional player. DeSean Jackson gives them a playmaker, but they still don’t have a tall, physical possession receiver. Plenty of picks left to get one.

Grade: B+

Pittsburgh Steelers

Picks: Round 1 - Rashard Mendenhall, Round 2 - Limas Sweed (WR)

Although I think Willie Parker is one of the few backs in the NFL who should not be a part of a RB by committee, he has been an injury risk and Mendenhall fell right to them. It was a good pick and will be a fearsome duo. They also aimed to please Big Ben with the selection of Limas Sweed, a big tall receiver to replace the void left by Plaxico Burress.

Grade: A

San Diego Chargers

Picks: Round 1 - Antoine Cason (CB)

I thought they might take an offensive lineman with this pick, but Antoine Cason is a great cornerback.

Grade: B+

San Francisco 49ers

Picks: Round 1 - Kentwan Balmer (DT), Round 2 - Chilo Rachal (OG)

I thought the 49ers would take one of the top tier QB’s early since Alex Smith has been a disappointment, instead they improved their offensive and defensive lines -- something they sorely needed to do. Still many QB’s left on the board for them to select.

Grade: B

Seattle Seahawks

Picks: Round 1 - Lawrence Jackson (DE), Round 2 - John Carlson (TE)

Why they didn’t take Phillip Merling is beyond me, but Lawrence Jackson is still a solid defensive end. John Carlson gives them a great catching and blocking tight end.

Grade: B -

St. Louis Rams

Picks: Round 1 - Chris Long (DE), Round 2 - Donnie Avery (WR)

Chris Long was the obvious pick in round one but Donnie Avery in round 2? There were so many better wide receivers on the board! Did the teams know something we didn’t about the top receivers?

Grade: C

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Picks: Round 1 - Aqib Talib (CB), Round 2 - Dexter Jackson (WR)

Aqib Talib perhaps would have been the best CB available was it not for his off the field problems. Dexter Jackson in round two? The definition of reach. What were they thinking?

Grade: C -

Tennessee Titans

Picks: Round 1 - Chris Johnson (RB), Round 2 - Jason Jones (DE)

No wide receivers for Vince Young? Seriously? Chris Johnson is a great running back and Jason Jones a very capable defensive end, but why oh why wouldn’t you have taken one of the top receivers with the top two picks especially after every single one fell to the second round?

Grade: D+

Washington Redskins

Picks: Round 2 - Devin Thomas (WR), Fred Davis (TE), Malcolm Kelly (WR)

No Chad Johnson? No problem! The Redskins get the best wide receiver in the draft in Devin Thomas, the next best one in Malcolm Kelly and a fantastic receiving tight end in Fred Davis. Hey Tennessee, this is what trying to help out your QB by giving him weapons looks like.

Grade: A

NFL Draft Positional Breakdown: Quarterbacks

Yes, that’s right, it’s yet another NFL Draft article from yours truly. But since we’re less than a week away from the actual thing and with the AGM Mock Draft going on as we speak, I figured it would be okay. Let’s hope so.

The positional breakdown will break down the Top 5 players at each given position. It is not a list on how I think the quarterbacks will be drafted, just on what I think their skill level is and how successful of an NFL career they will have. And no, I’m not doing every single position (I’m not that crazy) so I’ll be breaking it down to rank the skill positions, defensive lineman, offensive lineman, linebackers, etc. As always, please enjoy.

1. Brian Brohm

Yeah, that’s right -- I did it. Matt Ryan is going to go ahead of Brohm in the draft, obviously, but I honestly believe in my heart that Brian Brohm is going to have a more successful career. Also, if I had to have one of the two quarterbacks for my own team (if I had one), it would be Brohm. I just think he is more talented. Don’t forget, Brohm was the unanimous number one last year if he had chosen to come out -- and he really didn’t take too much of a step backward this year other than having a less talented team. It puzzles me to no end how he isn’t the number one ranked quarterback.

2007 stats: 4,024 yards, 30 TD’s, 12 INT’s, 65.1% completion percentage

2. Matt Ryan

Not to say that I don’t think Ryan is talented. He’s very talented and I agree that he has some of the intangibles that make a great quarterback. All of last year, Ryan did more with less -- but that still doesn’t make him a better quarterback than Brohm. But please look at their stats before commencing with the bashing! Criticism aside, he still could save the Falcons franchise should they choose to take him. Or at least I hope so, for their sake.

2007 stats: 4,258 yards, 28 TD’s, 18 INT’s, 60.3% completion percentage

3. Joe Flacco

I’ve heard many people say that they believe that Joe Flacco will be the steal of the draft, quarterbacks wise. I haven’t seen enough of his game film to agree, but from what I have watched and from the stats I have studied, he certainly has what it takes. It’s hard to compare the stats from Flacco to someone else from such a stronger conference, but you have to admit they are still quite impressive.

2007 stats: 4,263 yards, 23 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 63.5% completion percentage

4. Andre Woodson

In my opinion, Woodson will be the steal of the draft. He’s going to go in the second to third round and is a great value pick for whoever gets him. Yes, he played for Kentucky whose schedule wasn’t the hardest in the country last year -- but the kid had a fantastic year. It makes you wonder about the whole recruiting process when it comes to quarterbacks. Some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history have come after the first two rounds. Yet we still swear by assuming anyone taken in the mid to late rounds just cannot be a superstar.

2007 stats: 3,709 yards, 40 TD’s, 11 INT’s, 63.1% completion percentage

5. Chad Henne

Henne took a step back in 2007 but to be fair, so did his team. He has solid raw talent and if mentored under the right quarterback, could have a very respectable career. It’s also worth noting that he was a four year starter in the Big 10 and his senior year was riddled with various injuries. So, his stats are deceiving. Being essentially the fifth best quarterback in the entire draft makes this in my opinion, one of the most talented all around quarterback classes I have ever seen.

2007 stats: 1,938 yards, 17 TD’s, 9 INT’s, 58.3% completion percentage

Honorable mentions:

Colt Brennan - A lot of people think Brennan will be a good quarterback, and so do I -- but it will be interesting to see him on a level playing field when it comes to competition. Having played at Hawaii, he didn’t play too many elite teams every Saturday.

Dennis Dixon - Dixon is my sleeper of the entire draft. Had he not gotten injured at the end of the year, he very well could have led the Oregon Ducks charge for a national championship. He also has in my opinion, one of the best releases in the entire draft and can scramble with the best of them.

Sport Crack Mock Draft Part 3: 21-31

Continued from Part 1 here and Part 2 here... (or if your lazy, just scroll down)

Although they have a pressing need at defensive end, Malcolm Kelly would fit way too well as a slot receiver for them to pass up on. A legit third receiver could do wonders for the Redskins offense since Randle El and Moss are threats in among themselves so it will give Kelly a lot of chances to get open for [[Jason Campbell[[.

Thomas Jones didn’t quite live up to expectations last year in New York and while they could do anything with this pick, after Stewart there is a bit of a drop off at RB. Some brave souls are also claiming Jonathan Stewart will become a better pro running back than Darren McFadden. We’ll have to wait and see.

With Alan Faneca gone the Steelers are in obvious need of a guard. Since the Steelers have failed to cease playing smash mouth football for their entire history, expect them to take Albert with the 23rd pick -- he’ll fit in to their smashmouth just fine.

There’s one thing I can say in defense of Vince Young: As inconsistent as he’s been, he’s never really had a lot of playmakers or even what one would classify as an above average receiver on the field with him in Tennessee. Although many other receiver’s are ranked higher, and with good reason, I think Manningham will have the best pro career out of all of them -- and he’ll take Young’s game to a whole other level.

This is another of the obvious picks. The Seahawks are in need of a tight end and none of the top 24 picks of the draft look like they are going to take him. Now all the Seahawks need to do is cut Shaun Alexander and they should be all set.

Jason Taylor to the Jaguars for the 26th pick? It could happen folks. The Jaguars get a Pro Bowl caliber defensive end and the Dolphins get a talented young defensive tackle that they can pair with Chris Long. It’s a win-win for everyone!

With the release of Shane Olivea and no other glaring weaknesses that are noticeable, the Chargers taking Gosder Cherilus is another example of a pick that would just make sense. Not many people are oohing and ahhing over the kid, but he’s a strong tackle that did a great job of protecting Matt Ryan at Chestnut Hill all of last year.

If the Jets do pull the trigger and make the trade with the Cowboys for the 22nd, 28th and a mid rounder -- the 28th pick would often be the wild card of the bunch. With not too much depth or skill at cornerback, they could very well take Brandon Flowers who’s an excellent man to man cover corner and would fit right in with Eric Mangina’s defensive scheme.

I haven’t seen any other mock draft that has the 49ers taking Brian Brohm and it confuses me to no end. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: The San Francisco 49ers are in desperate need of a QB. Alex Smith is not the real deal and they need to start getting some kind of insurance for the future. If Brian Brohm went in the draft last year he would have easily been the first QB taken. He very well could be a franchise QB for the 49ers -- and to me, that’s a difficult thing to pass up.

The Packers might rather have Flowers here, but if he goes to the Jets at 28 than they’d be just as happy to take Reggie Smith. The Packers need a bit of depth at CB and Reggie Smith will be just fine being a nickel back and studying under Al Harris and Charles Woodson next year.

One of the weaknesses that the defending Super Bowl champs have going into next year is their secondary. Luckily for them, no other team really needs a safety in the first round out of those picking ahead of them. With the top rated safety in the entire draft, the Giants get lucky with this one.

-*-New England Patriots forfeit their 31st pick after allegedly violating league rules.

Sport Crack Mock Draft Part 2: 11-20

Classic case of a team filling a need. Some are saying that they are going to trade down in order to get a receiver, but there’s going to be a very talented cornerback or two available for the Bills right here. Why not take one? They could take Talib here as well and again, it's entirely up to their scouting department. Jenkins just seems like a better fit for the Bills defensive unit.

Part of Chicago’s problem are the quarterbacks they have on the team, yes -- but the other problem is the receivers. Sure, Devin Hester is a speedster and a one of a kind on special teams -- but I can count multiple times off hand of seeing him drop key passes last year. With the departure of Bernard Berrian and the lackluster quarterbacks battling for the starting job, the Bears will need a stud wide receiver here.

Does Matt Millen even realize you can take defensive players in the NFL Draft? I don’t think so and until recently, I don’t think he realized you could draft players other than receivers. While he may get some jabs for drafting a skill player yet again in the first round -- if Mendenhall is available here it only makes sense. Kevin Jones looked promising the past couple of years but he’s too much of an injury risk and they desperately need a running back to consistently compliment the passing game.

A lot of people have been blaming Edgerrin James for not producing well in Arizona. While could be partially to blame I think the real culprits are the offensive line. After his first year in Arizona (1159 yards, 6 TD), Edge was remiss about his season. He didn’t know what he was doing wrong -- until one of his coaches told him nothing. They looked at some tape together and realized he had been running exactly where he should have been the whole time and it was amazing he got as much yards as he did. The blocking got a bit better last year, but it still needs help. In steps Chris Williams.

This one of those instances where, if Harvey is here -- Minnesota is 115% going to take him. They filled a need at WR and S with the signing of Bernard Berrian and Madieu Williams respectively. Some have the Vikings taking Brian Brohm here but I think that is absolutely ridiculous -- it would effectively tell Tarvaris Jackson they have given up on him and that wouldn’t do good for his confidence, let me tell you.

With Dunta Robinson prepped to miss the entire 2008 season with an ACL injury, the Texans desperately need a CB here. The good thing is that at least one should be available. The bad thing? They will likely get stuck with whoever is left out of the batch of cornerbacks in the first round. Worse things could happen and they could all be gone -- but that is highly unlikely.

After failing to obtain Randy Moss in free agency and not really bothering to go after anyone else, the Eagles are in need of a WR. This pick could easily turn into Limas Sweed, too, and it will come down to whoever they like more. The important thing is that Donovan McNabb will hopefully get what he’s been missing since the departure of T.O. and to a lesser extent, Donte Stallworth -- a playmaker at WR.

Tampa Bay is just as much in need of a WR as Philadelphia and will likely take whoever the Eagles do not. The good thing is that both Thomas and Sweed are very talented and both should be available for them to take. But crazier things have happened in the draft, so you never know.

Sport Crack Mock Draft Part 1: The Top 10

Okay that’s it, I can’t hold it any longer...

After making a few predictions about who a couple of teams would take with their first round draft choices I realized something: I was having entirely too much fun. So, here is my interpretation of the NFL Draft (with a surprise or two).

First, it was Glenn Dorsey, then it was Matt Ryan, then the Long’s both had their turns. There have been more guesses as to who the Dolphins will take with their first pick than the times Chris Henry has been arrested. Kidding aside, though, I subscribe to the belief that Parcells will take C. Long because he’s a ‘Parcells’ type player, even though it would make a ton of sense to take a QB here. The Dolphins apparently have yet to realize this, however.

If C. Long goes first, this pick just makes sense. They don’t need a QB, they don’t need a RB and though Glenn Dorsey would be a great fit for St. Louis, if you didn’t notice last year -- the Rams offense line is absolutely horrible. Marc Bulger was apparently not aware of this, though, since he decided to still put his ribs’ health in their hands. A concussion and a few fractured ribs later, Bulger is rooting for J. Long with this pick.

Chris Redman is currently listed as the Falcons starting QB. Yes, the same Chris Redman who’s been in the league for five years, yet has only started four games. Call me crazy, but I think the Falcons taking the best QB in the draft is a smart move here.

Vernon Gholston or Glenn Dorsey -- it could go either way. But a Burgess/Gholston combo for the next couple of years will be a bit too tempting for Lane Kiffin to pass up. Wouldn’t be too surprising if Darren McFadden was picked here in a surprise pick (I mean, it’s Al Davis… come on) but the best possible pick for the Raiders to make would be to take Gholston.

Although their offensive line should be the Chiefs’ primary concern, the next best available OL (Jeff Otah) is too far of a drop off from Glenn Dorsey (or Vernon Gholston if the Raiders take Dorsey). There are ample amounts of promising offensive lineman for the Chiefs to take later -- so they would most likely go with the sure thing here.

If McFadden does indeed fall this far, I cannot see Jerry Jones passing up the opportunity to snatch him up. The Jets get pick 22 and 28 and the Cowboys get a second RB to spell with Marion Barber. If this does happen, the Cowboys will supplant the Patriots for the title of: ‘Sickest offense that everyone will play as in Madden.’

Best available cornerback filling the biggest weakness for the Patriots. Done and done. However don’t be surprised if Belichick takes Rodgers-Cromartie for special teams purposes.

Although the Ravens might take Sedrick Ellis here, the run defense last year was great (2nd in the league) and as we all know -- if it’s broke, don’t fix it. Plus, Ray Lewis isn’t getting any younger.

Ellis would be a great fit in Cincinnati especially since they are in such dire need of a defensive tackle. If Ellis is taken by the Ravens, though, the Bengals would be just as happy with Keith Rivers. It’s really a win-win for them, because barring a blue moon both Rivers and Ellis will not both go in the top 8.

While he may not be the best CB in the entire draft, he does have the potential that he can play on special teams going for him. It would be either Rodgers-Cromartie or Aqib Talib here. The Saints are in desperate, I repeat desperate need of secondary help. Expect them to take more defensive backs in the later rounds as well, to patch it up some.