Category Archives: NFL Draft
49ers Draft Review
San Francisco 49ers:
Picks: WR Michael Crabtree, RB Glen Coffee, LB Scott McKillop, QB Nate Davis, TE Bear Pascoe, S Curtis Taylor, DT Ricky Jean-Francois
The 49ers struggled early last season which led to the dismissal of coach Mike Nolan mid season. With Mike Singletary as coach the 49ers played well down the stretch finishing with a 7-9 record. With their first pick the 49ers were elated to see Michael Crabtree, superstar wide receiver from Texas Tech, fall to them. Crabtree fell due to a foot injury he suffered and his inability to run a 40 time for NFL teams and also a rumored “diva” like attitude. Crabtree was one of the top players in the draft and they couldn’t afford to pass on him even though they probably had bigger needs. The 49ers then traded their second round pick for a 2010 first round pick with Panthers. In the third round they selected running back Glenn Coffee from Alabama. He should be a nice compliment to starter Frank Gore although running back wasn’t that big of a need. Fifth round pick Scott McKillop should at worst be a solid special teams players with the potential to start at linebacker. The 49ers also took a chance on Ball State QB Nate Davis in the fifth round. Davis had an outstanding year at Ball State but slipped in the draft due to a learning disability. If he can overcome that he could be a steal here in the fifth round. Bear Pascoe, who they took in the sixth round, should a good blocking tight end. In the seventh round they took a pair of LSU players in safety Curtis Taylor and defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois who never played up to his potential in college. The 49ers got a stud in Crabtree but the rest of the draft class will determine how good this draft actually was.
Grade: B
Rams Draft Review
Saint Louis Rams:
Picks: OT Jason Smith, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Bradley Fletcher, DT Dorell Scott, WR Brooks Foster, QB Keith Null, RB Chris Ogbonnaya
The Rams struggled last year to a 2-14 record and the second pick in the draft for the second year in a row. They brought in Steve Spagnuolo, who was previously the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants to be their new head coach. With their first selection they choose Jason Smith, an offensive tackle from Baylor. Smith should come right in and start at right tackle for the Rams and eventually switch to left side when ready. In the second round they got a steal in linebacker James Laurinaitis who should start at middle linebacker who should anchor the defensive and provide great leadership. Their next pick, defensive back Bradley Fletcher out of Iowa, was a questionable one. There were better players on the board and he might not ever become a starter. The rest of their picks were nothing to write home about. Dorell Scott could be a nice backup at defensive tackle and Brooks Foster could be backup receiver and good special teams player. Their last two picks, RB Chris Ogbonnoya and QB Keith Null, will battle to make to the team as reserves. The Rams did a solid job with their first two picks but the rest of the selections were questionable.
Grade: B-
Seahawks Draft Review
Seattle Seahawks:
Picks: LB Aaron Curry, C Max Unger, WR Deon Butler, QB Mike Teel, S Courtney Greene, DE Nick Reed, TE Cameron Morrah
The Seahawks suffered badly from injuries last year losing Matt Hasselbeck and the majority of the receiving corps which led to a dismal 4-12 record and the fourth pick in the draft. They used the 4th pick to select Aaron Curry, a linebacker from Wake Forest, who many claimed to be the safest and best prospect in this year’s class. Curry should team with Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill to form one of the best linebacker trios in the league. They selected Max Unger with their second round pick. Unger is a versatile offensive lineman who can play four positions. He should add some solid depth and could potentially start this year. The Seahawks then traded up to select Deon Butler, a wide receiver from Penn State. They gave up a lot to get him but he does have the potential to be a starting wide receiver one day and should be a slot receiver this year. The Seahawks didn’t pick again until the sixth round and selected Rutgers QB Mike Teel who is an interesting developmental prospect. With their three seventh round picks they took Rutgers safety Courtney Greene, Oregon defensive end Nick Reid, and Cal tight end Cameron Morrah. The Seahawks also picked up Denver’s first round pick in 2010 via trade. The Seahawks had a solid draft addressing needs and getting good value with their picks.
Grade: B
Cardinals Draft Review
Arizona Cardinals:
Picks: RB Chris Wells, LB Cody Brown, S Rashad Johnson, CB Gregory Toler, G Herman Johnson, DE Will Davis, RB Larod Stephens- Howling, G Trevor Canfield
The Cardinals are coming off their first Super Bowl appearance after a remarkable playoff run but they still had holes to fill on draft day. With their first pick of the draft they selected running back Chris “Beanie” Wells. Wells fell in the draft due to concerns about his durability which hampered him while at Ohio State but to get him at pick 31 was a steal. His drafting led to release of Edgerrin James which should give the Cardinals some cap room to sign some of their veterans to contract extensions (Adrian Wilson, Karlos Dansby, and Anquan Boldin). Wells should start immediately and is a legit candidate for rookie of year. In the second round the Cardinals addressed their pass rush need by selecting hybrid DE/OLB Cody Brown from Connecticut. Brown should provide depth as a pass rusher and could push to start. Their next pick was Rashad Johnson, a safety from Alabama. Johnson is a ball hawk in the secondary and could also play some corner if necessary. They also added Gregg Toler, a corner from small school St. Paul, who they hope can make the transition from small school to the NFL, Herman Johnson, a mammoth offensive lineman from LSU, Will Davis a defensive end from Illinois and LaRod Stephens-Howling, who main strength is in the return game. Arizona looks like their headed in the right direction with a good draft following their Super Bowl appearance.
Grade: B+
