Monday, April 23

NFC report card: Rams rise with defense

By Mel Kiper

ESPN.com

Here's how I graded each NFC team in the 2001 NFL draft:

NFC EAST Arizona Cardinals: Leonard Davis will more than likely be moved to guard, which will give them an opportunity to potentially have a good offensive line. By adding Davis after drafting Thomas Jones and L.J. Shelton to go with Jake Plummer over the last few years, the Cardinals may just try to outscore people. They did address their defense from the second round on. They drafted Kyle Vanden Bosch, a real hustler. I would have taken Aaron Schobel instead. Michael Stone isn't a bad player; he could move inside, but he should play corner, something they desperately need. I like Adrian Wilson as a pure safety. He has a lot of potential. Bill Gramatica should become their kicker. I thought they reached for Marcus Bell, and overall, their second-day choices didn't impress me. Grade: B-

Dallas Cowboys: I have major problems with the Cowboys' draft and was critical of them on both days of the draft. I thought quarterback Quincy Carter, whom they took in the second round, was at best a fifth-round pick. Tony Dixon, a safety from Alabama, isn't a bad player, but I thought he was more of a fourth- or fifth-round pick. He, like Morgan, was a major reach. Defensive tackle Willie Blade isn't a bad third-round pick if his shoulder holds up. I thought linebacker Markus Steele was overrated going into the draft, but I can live with him as a fourth-round pick. Center Matt Lehr was their best choice. He can play center and guard and is both strong and tough. Drafting Lehr in the fifth round saved the Cowboys from an "F" grade. Defensive tackle Daleroy Stewart had an injury, which clouds his status going into training camp. Colston Weatherington is a developmental defensive end. Char-ron Dorsey may have a chance as a backup tackle. Grade: D-

New York Giants: I like aggressive teams that make a move when they see a player who may not be available at their pick. The Giants made a good move to draft Will Allen, a solid corner. He didn't play as well as a senior, but he has all the physical skills and is a bright player. He could be a No. 2 cornerback opposite Jason Sehorn. Cornerback William Peterson was outstanding early in his career at Michigan before transferring to Western Illinois. He has ideal size and a lot of upside. Ultimately, I wouldn't be shocked if he turned out to be a better cornerback than Allen. The Giants really solidified the cornerback spot. Defensive end Cedric Scott was productive at Southern Mississippi. I really like the selection of quarterback Jesse Palmer. Kicker John Markham was a reach. With his speed and kickoff-return ability, receiver Jonathan Carter could be a factor. He's one of the fastest players in the draft. Defensive tackle Ross Kolodziej is a battler and hustler from Wisconsin. Grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles: I like the Freddie Mitchell pick in the first round. The Eagles need weapons for Donovan McNabb. Mitchell is a big-play receiver with a positive approach and a lot of confidence. Linebacker Quinton Caver made sense in the second round. Defensive end Derrick Burgess went early than I thought, but he has some pass-rush ability. I really like the selection of running back Correll Buckhalter in the fourth round. They needed a backup and some insurance behind Duce Staley, who is coming off a knee injury. Buckhalter is an excellent, underrated back who runs downhill, has breakaway speed and good size. He can also catch the football. Tony Stewart is an H-back type of tight end because he has great pass-receiving skills, although he is a suspect blocker and is not really fast. His receiving skills, though, could make him a factor for coach Andy Reid. And I know Reid likes quarterback A.J. Feeley. Even though he backed up Joey Harrington at Oregon, Feeley could become like Brad Johnson, an overlooked quarterback who backed up Casey Weldon at Florida State. Grade: B

Washington Redskins: Receiver Rod Gardner was an outstanding pick and is a big-time talent. He makes their draft because they needed a top-quality receiver. He dropped into their laps at No. 15. He could have a major impact opposite Michael Westbrook. Fred Smoot was a first-round possibility for a number of teams, but he needs to get in the weight room and improve his strength. He only did one bench-press rep and is 178 pounds. If he stays focused, the Redskins got the best cover cornerback in the draft. They liked quarterback Sage Rosenfels, but I would have opted for Jesse Palmer. Darnerian McCants is a sleeper at receiver who made sense as a second-day selection. Mario Monds was overrated at defensive tackle. He doesn't always play the ball well or play up to the level of his physical ability. He's not an instinctive player. Grade: B-

NFC CENTRAL Chicago Bears: After Andre Carter -- the player they targeted -- was off the board, they audibilized to receiver David Terrell, who could be a weapon for whomever the Bears have at quarterback, whether it's Cade McNown, Shane Matthews or Jim Miller. Running back Anthony Thomas went about where he was projected, but he was a little overrated because he benefitted from Michigan's great offensive line. I like the pick of guard Mike Gandy. Defensive end Karon Riley was a nice choice, as was center Bernard Robertson. Receiver John Capel could help out as a return man. They managed to fill some needs. Grade: B-

Detroit Lions: Tackle Jeff Backus was a nice first-round choice. Center Dominic Raiola was taken about where he was expected to go. He needs some experience in pass protection. We will have to see how defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, with his injury, responds this season. He is more of a pick for the future. Receiver Scotty Anderson, quarterback Mike McMahon and linebacker Jason Glenn weren't bad in the late rounds. Grade: B-

Green Bay Packers: The Packers really wanted a receiver, but they needed a pass rusher like defensive end Jamal Reynolds. And he is a natural pass rusher. Getting Robert Ferguson in the second round diminishes the criticism of them not getting a receiver in the first round. Ferguson is a great talent, so the Packers did a nice job rebounding. Bhawoh Jue has a chance to be a corner in their defensive system. Torrance Marshall is the type of versatile linebacker they needed. I like the pick of guard Bill Ferrario because he's a battler. Tight end David Martin was a receiver who put on weight. He caught the football well in workouts before the draft. Grade: B

Minnesota Vikings: I know they had to replace Robert Smith, and Michael Bennett has speed and is a game-breaker, but I thought defense took precedence over running back, especially when you know they could have taken running backs later in the draft. Willie Howard, however, made sense at defensive end. He can play tackle or end. Defensive back Eric Kelly didn't play as well as a senior as he did as a junior. I thought he should have gone later than the third round. I also thought defensive tackle Shawn Worthen and receiver Cedric James were reaches. Linebacker Patrick Chukwurah and defensive back Carey Scott have a chance to be contributors, but the Vikings still didn't get enough defensive help. Grade: C

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tackle Kenyatta Walker fell into their laps after Jacksonville took Marcus Stroud. Walker has a chance to be their left tackle of the future, something they need. Defensive back Dwight Smith made a ton of big plays at Akron and is a nice third-round pick. John Howell, an in-the-box safety like John Lynch, is a tough kid who played a similar style at Colorado State. Guard Russ Hochstein was a reach. Running back Jameel Cook didn't excite me as a sixth-round pick. The other picks weren't too interesting. Grade: C+

NFC WEST Atlanta Falcons: Michael Vick has enormous potential. There is no question he's worth a roll of the dice if you consider someone who could develop into a Pro Bowl quarterback. And Atlanta believes that. Along with Vick, the Falcons tried to address other need areas. They took tight end Alge Crumpler. They drafted a quality center in Robert Garza, who I thought was a steal in the fourth round. Matt Stewart, in addition to being a reserve linebacker, should be their deep snapper. I like Vinny Sutherland; he is a Tim Dwight type as a return man, with good speed at receiver. As a late-round pick, tackle Kynan Forney has a chance to make the team. Corey Hall brings some versatility at either corner or safety. Quentin McCord was a nice seventh-round pick at receiver. Grade: B-

Carolina Panthers: I like the Dan Morgan selection in the first round. He can play outside linebacker with Lester Townes in the middle. Morgan gives their defense an attitude. I really like defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. His stock was rising, and he can be an outstanding pick. Steve Smith is a versatile receiver who can also help in the return game. Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke, a fourth-round pick, could be the heir apparent at quarterback to Jeff Lewis and be starting pretty quickly, considering how Lewis has struggled. Of their late-round picks, safety Jarrod Cooper went about where he was projected. Tight end Mike Roberg could be a nice seventh-round pick. Grade: B

New Orleans Saints: They drafted running back Deuce McAllister, who has been one of my favorites all year. His selection is a wakeup call to Ricky Williams. Even if Williams is there, McAllister can be worked in as a punt or kickoff returner and as a receiver. Linebacker Sedrick Hodge, a third-round pick, needs to use his hands better to get off blockers quicker, but he's a great physical talent with tremendous speed. Defensive tackle Kenny Smith played really well early in his career at Alabama, but his play leveled off. Moran Norris was the No. 2 fullback on the board, but he did not play as well as senior as he did as a junior and was banged up. Receiver Onome Ojo could be a decent sleeper pick in the fifth round. Defensive tackle Ennis Davis, at one time in his college career, looked like a first- or second-rounder. He didn't play well last season. Grade: C+

St. Louis Rams: Defensive tackle Damione Lewis, because he is a penetrator with quickness, is a nice pick. With his toughness, safety Adam Archuleta will be ideal paired with Kim Herring. Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett was a bit of a reach, but he came out as a junior and has some upside. He's worth the risk as a third first-round pick. Tommy Polley came back from a knee injury and didn't make as many impact plays, but he got his weight up to the 235 pounds and is an excellent football player. He can fill a hole at outside linebacker. The Rams also drafted his teammate, linebacker Brian Allen. He is only six feet tall, but he is super strong and fast and was productive. Receiver Milton Wynn could be a steal. At more than 6-foot-2 with 4.5 speed, he gave Utah cornerback Andre Dyson all kinds of problems last season. Brandon Manumaleuna could be a backup tight end. Jerametrius Butler was on the rise before the draft because he was running outstanding 40 times. He also played well in coverage at Kansas State. Francis St. Paul is a similar player to Az Hakim. He has the same size and tremendous 4.31 speed as a return man. Grade: B+

San Francisco 49ers: I like the aggressive move they made, trading up to get defensive end Andre Carter. They know they needed to get ahead of Chicago to the No. 7 pick, and they did. Carter is an excellent, solid football player. Linebacker Jamie Winborn is a tackling machine. He will work well in their system. The 49ers needed a running back, and Kevan Barlow is a big back who can bounce plays outside, run up the gut, or catch balls as well. I really like receiver Cedrick Wilson. He's a spunky player who can run the inside routes or get deep. He is a good third or fourth receiver and a solid return man. Cornerback Rashad Holman had his moments at Louisville, but he lacked consistency. Menson Holloway has some pass-rush ability. Alex Lincoln could be a backup linebacker and special-teams player. Eric Johnson has decent hands and was a productive pass-catching tight end at Yale. Grade: B

AFC report card: Seahawks fly highest

By Mel Kiper ESPN.com

Here's how I graded each AFC team in the 2001 NFL draft:

AFC EAST Buffalo Bills: Nate Clements could start at corner opposite Antoine Winfield. I really like the pick of defensive end Aaron Schobel. Running back Travis Henry was drafted a little high, but he runs hard. Will he have enough of a burst? We'll have to find out. He caught the ball well and is very good in short-yardage situations. Defensive tackle Ron Edwards slumped his senior year; I don't think he should have been drafted as high as the third round. Jonas Jennings is a versatile lineman who can play guard or tackle, but I thought he was drafted too high as well. I thought linebacker Brandon Spoon was a little bit overrated. Tackle Marques Sullivan was a nice fifth-round pick. I like defensive back Jimmy Williams. Receiver Reggie Germany, where they got him, was a solid choice. I also like the selection of junior-college defensive tackle Tyrone Robertson in the seventh round. Grade: B

Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne has the best hands and is the best route runner of all the receivers and gives the Colts another strong option opposite deep threat Marvin Harrison. Idrees Bashir was a player on the rise leading up to the draft. He is a solid cover guy who can play strong or free safety. Defensive back Cory Bird was a reach of about three rounds, so I'm critical of that pick. I like guard Ryan Diem as a fourth-round pick. Defensive backs Raymond Walls and Jason Doering and guard Rick DeMulling were all solid picks. Grade: B-

Miami Dolphins: I have no problems with the selections of cornerback Jamar Fletcher and receiver Chris Chambers in the first and second round respectively. Fletcher gives them a third quality cover man to go with Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain. Running back Travis Minor went higher than expected, but he could settle in as a backup to Lamar Smith. They like Morlon Greenwood for their system. He's not one of the biggest linebackers, but he's certainly fast and athletic and more of a finesse player. Tackles Shawn Draper and Brandon Winey could help out their offensive line. Quarterback Josh Heupel could settle in as a backup. Defensive end Otis Leverette is a major-college sleeper. Grade: B

New England Patriots: They needed to get more weapons for Drew Bledsoe, but instead they went for Richard Seymour at defensive tackle, another position where they needed help. Matt Light is a left tackle who can also move to guard. Brock Williams could be a nickel corner like Ray Mickens. I like Kenyatta Jones, another versatile guard-tackle type of lineman. I had no problem with them getting a pair of tight ends, Jabari Holloway and Arther Love. Love has some long-range potential. Safety Hakim Akbar was a steal in the fifth round. Leonard Myers has potential to contribute in the Patriots' secondary. Kicker Owen Pochman was overrated, but drafting him in the seventh round wasn't bad. T.J. Turner could be a backup at linebacker. Grade: B

New York Jets: Santana Moss was a solid first-round pick who gives them speed and big-play ability at receiver and on returns. Lamont Jordan can come in as a quality backup to Curtis Martin, and backup running backs are vital. Tackle Kareem McKenzie looked like a first-round pick going into the season. He didn't play as well as expected, but in the third round he was a nice choice. With his versatily, Jamie Henderson can play either cornerback or safety. Their late-round picks of defensive tackle James Reed and guard Tupe Peko were not spectacular, though. Grade: B

AFC CENTRAL Baltimore Ravens: Todd Heap gives the Super Bowl champions gives them a second tight end to Shannon Sharpe that they really need. Brian Billick likes two-tight end sets. Gary Baxter will be their third corner and can really help out on special teams. Casey Rabach, who played center and some guard at Wisconsin, will be given an opportunity to start at guard. Edgerton Hartwell should settle in as the backup to Ray Lewis at linebacker. He also has the ability to play on the strong side. Chris Barnes can become the backup running back. Joe Maese is only a deep snapper; he really doesn't have a position. He was one of the top two or three deep snappers in the draft. Dwayne Missouri could be a backup at defensive end after they lost Keith Washington to free agency. Grade: B

Cincinnati Bengals: They needed an impact defensive end and got one in Justin Smith. I thought the Bengals stole receiver Chad Johnson in the second round. Tight end Sean Brewer was drafted a little early, but they feel he can stretch the middle of the field with his speed. Running back Rudi Johnson will be the backup to Corey Dillon. I don't think guard Victor Leyva or linebacker Riall Johnson did much for them as later-round picks. Grade: C+

Cleveland Browns: Defensive tackle Gerard Warren was one of the best players in the draft. Receiver Quincy Morgan was a bit of a gamble on greatness. He's a boom-or-bust type. I like the selection of running back James Jackson in the third round; he like his hard-running style. Defensive back Anthony Henry was an excellent fourth-round pick. Receiver Andre King, the next-to-last pick in the draft, was a great choice in the seventh round. He's an outstanding special-teams player and good receiver. Grade: B-

Jacksonville Jaguars: I question the selection of defensive tackle Marcus Stroud because guard Steve Hutchinson and tackle Kenyatta Walker were still on the board. But they rebounded with tackle Maurice Williams in the second round. Eric Westmoreland is a weak-side linebacker and special-teams player. Defensive back James Boyd was a nice third-round pick. David Leaverton could end up as their punter next season. Guard Chad Ward, linebacker Anthony Denman and defensive Marlon McCree were not bad late-round picks. All three could contribute. Grade: B-

Pittsburgh Steelers: With Casey Hampton at nose tackle, the Steelers can move Kimo von Oelhoffen back outside to defensive end. I like the Kendrell Bell pick. He's a linebacker on the upswing with a lot of physical ability. Mathias Nkwenti can play guard or tackle. He's a strong kid who was a solid player at Temple and has potential. Chukky Okobi is a little short at 6-foot-1, but he can play center or guard and is a feisty player. Rodney Bailey showed flashes of pass-rush ability at Ohio State, but he wasn't very consistent. Receiver Chris Taylor has speed but needs to be more polished. Grade: B-

Tennessee Titans: Because they made a trade with the Rams to acquire Kevin Carter, the Titans didn't have a first-round pick. Defensive back Andre Dyson, the younger brother of Titans receiver Kevin Dyson, made a ton of big plays at Utah. He goes after interceptions and anticipates well in coverage. He gambles when he has to, has good hands and can take an interception the distance. Shad Meier had moved up to become the third-rated tight end. He fills a need for them as a player who accentuate what Frank Wycheck does at the other tight end. Receiver Justin McCareins doesn't play the level of his 40 time, but he was productive and had great workouts. I like Eddie Berlin as a backup receiver and return man. Dan Alexander could settle in as a backup to Eddie George. He is a straight-line runner who has breakaway speed, but he needs to improve his pass-receiving skills. Tackle Adam Haayer is a solid late-round pick. I can't argue with the selection of linebacker Keith Adams in the seventh round. Grade: B-

AFC WEST Denver Broncos: Cornerback Willie Middlebrooks made sense in the first round. Defensive end Paul Toviessi was a nice second-round pick who has some upside as a pass rusher. Reggie Hayward, even though he was a productive defensive end at Iowa State, was drafted a little too high in the third round. Center Ben Hamilton is ideal for their offensive line and their blocking scheme. Nick Harris should become their punter; they were 24th in the league in punting last year. He should be able to boom his punts in Denver. He did a great job as a pooch punter as well at Cal. Receiver Kevin Kasper was one of the steals of the draft in the sixth round. He is a Ricky Proehl type of player. Grade: B

Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive tackle Eric Downing was a major reach in the third round. I thought he would either be a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent. Receiver Marvin "Snoop" Minnis was probably a stretch too. Defensive Monty Beisel, though, was a solid pick. Running back George Layne went a little earlier than I thought. I like the picks of tight end Billy Baber, running back Derrick Blaylock and guard Alex Sulfsted and then defensive back Shaunard Harts in the seventh round. Grade: C

Oakland Raiders: Derrick Gibson was the No. 2-rated safety and has great physical talent, but he needs to be more consistent. He is an upgrade on what they have at safety. I would have probably picked tight end Todd Heap as a big-time weapon for Rich Gannon, even though they traded for Roland Williams. But I can see why they drafted Gibson, to fill the need that cost them an opportunity to compete with Baltimore in the AFC championship game. I like quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo. He's a Gannon type who could be the heir apparent. He is ideal for coach Jon Gruden with his mobility and winning approach. DeLawrence Grant went where he was projected as a pass-rushing defensive end. I thought both defensive back Raymond Perryman and defensive tackle Chris Cooper were major reaches. I can't argue with the selection of receiver Ken-Yon Rambo in the seventh round. At one point he looked like a second-round pick. Grade: C+

San Diego Chargers: I have no problem with the selection of running back LaDainian Tomlinson, after trading out of the No. 1 spot and moving down to No. 5. General manager John Butler hopes he can do for the Chargers as Thurman Thomas did for the Bills. I like Drew Brees going in the second round. He is competitive and has a Captain Comeback mentality. Playing in San Diego with better weather conditions could enhance his arm strength a bit. That was a question mark about him going into the draft. Tay Cody could be a backup defensive back. I thought linebacker Carlos Polk was overrated. Tackle Elliot Silvers is nothing special as a fifth-round pick. Zeke Moreno, who could be a backup linebacker, also has value as a deep snapper. Defensive back Robert Carswell played better as a junior than he did as a senior. Grade: C+

Seattle Seahawks: I had an A+ for the Seahawks after the first day. They did the best of any team, led by the selection of receiver Koren Robinson. He is a tremendously gifted, explosive football player who is only 20. Guard Steve Hutchinson was one of the top players in the draft. He can play hole guard or tackle. Ken Lucas will battle Ike Charlton for the starting cornerback job opposite Shawn Springs. Lucas, a former receiver, is a big corner who is progressing as a player. Heath Evans was the best fullback in the draft and is great for the West Coast offense. He can catch the football and is an underrated blocker. He is a hard-nosed, multidimensional player. Orlando Huff is a nice-looking linebacker who can either be a backup or maybe a starter in the future. Defensive back Curtis Fuller was a slight reach in the fourth round, but not by much. "Pork Chop" Womack could be a backup tackle. Receiver Alex Bannister needs some work. He must do a better job of maximizing his height. He should be a backup as he is transitioning into the NFL. Josh Booty has the arm but needs to make better decisions and get more experience. Who better to help a raw quarterback develop than Mike Holmgren. Harold Blackmon was beaten some in coverage last season, but he battled and hangs tough. He could be a backup or special-teams player. I like tackle Dennis Norman in the seventh round. He is light on his feet and needs to become better at driving defenders at the point of attack. Kris Kocurek could be a read-and-react, stay-at-home type of defensive tackle. Grade: B+

-- Mark (Karch222@aol.com), April 25, 2001

Answers

Only one team (the Cowboys without a #1 pick), had a lower grade than the Vikes. I think I see a trend here.

-- Mark (Karch222@aol.com), April 25, 2001.