Nope! I totally slipped. Honestly, I could've been more aggressive in picks, but overall, it was not pretty. That is, of course, MY mock draft. I had a lot of teams picking the same positions that I predicted, just not the same players. It was a fun draft to watch, and holding the first round in primetime is a great idea. The season in which they play, is so short, but now the NFL has found away to have a season in the off-season. Right in the middle of March Madness, NFL opened free agency and people were more glued to that than the tournament, and now during the NBA playoffs, more people were watching the NFL draft.
Now that the draft is over, the season seems closer now. Here are my grades for each team's draft. Don't get offended folks, it's just an opinion!
Arizona Cardinals
Horst Report Card- A
After getting Carson Palmer some protection with Jonathon Cooper, G UNC, they picked up 2 players from a really good LSU defense over the past 2 years, Mathieu, and LB Kevin Minter, and Swoope, WR Texas A&M, could prove to be a silent steal.
Atlanta Falcons
Horst Report Card- C-
CB Desmond Trufant is a great pick up, but on a team this strong, it's hard to get the best players where you need. I think they may have stretched a bit with Motta, S Notre Dame, but with Umenyoria signing, they bulked up the secondary.
Baltimore Ravens
Horst Report Card- B
Ravens' General Manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best draft G.M.''s in history, and he had another great draft to add to his resume this year. Picking up S Matt Elam (which I called) in the first helps that huge gaping hole in the secondary left by Ed Reed. Along with Arthur Brown LB Kansas St., and John Simon DE Ohio St., the Ravens stacked up on D, and are now looking for the captain. Good job, Oz.
Buffalo Bills
Horst Report Card- B-
The Bills moved down to get a QB, and they received another pick as well, drafting EJ Manuel, and WR Robert Woods with those picks, the Bills are looking for a fast paced, high energy running offense, to put on the field. I like what they did, and I hope that they continue to put up points. They can, they usually have pretty good games against the Patriots, but we'll see.
Carolina Panthers
Horst Report Card- C+
The Panthers think very highly of Luke Kuechly and they went out and gave him two big defensive tackles, Star Lotulelei and Kawaan Short. I always say, win battles in the trenches, and big plays will be made.
Chicago Bears
Horst Report Card- C-
Ok, they got a guard in the 1st to help protect Cutler, but they could have got him in the 2nd. They reached, and I think they reached a little too far. Jon Bostic LB Florida, is a good pick, and they did get another o-linemen and LB, just a bit too early perhaps.
Cincinnati Bengals
Horst Repor Card- B
The Bengals had a very productive draft, and were able to pick up a couple more playmakers on offense. That will help Andy Dalton and AJ Green for sure. Their defensive picks were great I thought as well, Margus Hunt DE, and S Shamarkko Williams helps in the pass rush. Bengals are a favorite in the AFC for wild cards, but it's too tough of division to win consistently.
Cleveland Browns
Horst Report Card- D
Mingo DE LSU isn't a smart pick, and he doesn't have the discipline or conditioning to play as a 3 down pass rusher. It's almost as if the Browns didn't take this draft seriously. They could have made so many trades and picked up so much more but chose to be silent, and I think that's how the season will go for them, as usual.
Dallas Cowboys
Horst Report Card- D
Centers usually aren't taken in the first round because that is such a leadership position, and it takes a few years to get good at it and learn how to get QB's comfortable with sticking their hands under your ass, so for Jerry Jones to make this pick is eyebrow raising. Gavin Escobar TE SDST., was a good pick but they already have two good TE's. Don't overstock in a position that can't be used to the matter you are trying for. TE's, S's, FB's, C's, these type of position.
Denver Broncos
Horst Report Card- B
The Broncos could have traded out, they di have that possibility, but with Sly Williams DT UNC falling to them at 28, he was too good to pass up. At first I was questioning the pick, thinking, why not Cordralle Patterson WR, Eddie Lacy RB, Matt Elam S, but then I saw that 7 out of 15 scouts had him in the top 5, and 5 more had him as a top 10 pick. They like his character, and were super happy that he was there. And now with Dumervil gone, they need Derek Wolfe to rotate outside at end more, but this gives them D. Wolfe, Kevin Vickerson, Terrence Knighton, Robert Ayers, Malik Jackson(who was out the entire year last year), and signing Shuan Phillips, LB from the Chargers, the Broncos added plenty of talent to an already talented defense. Then in the 2nd round, I lost my mind because in my Mock draft I had the Broncos picking him. So I was fist pumpin' like a fuckin gelled up Jersey Shore guido! Then I remembered how much of a dumb ass I am, because, the night before the draft, in my final edition, I had Green Bay picking him instead! I am so stupid! But am also so excited for Montee Ball RB Wis, I'm thinking about getting a Ball jersey. I watched him a lot at Wisconsin for the past 2 years, and he reminds me a lot of a Clinton Portis type player. If he can get better a t blocking, we could have a very dangerous backfield, with McGahee, Ball, Hillman and Moreno. This will help Willis stay healthy for the full season, and Ball can get out of the backfield faster and catch better. So with the edition of Welker, Manning will be passing a lot more, and Ball will get some playtime. Elway knows what he's doing, and my faith in Coach Fox is increasing, so I think that overall this was a good draft for Denver.
Detroit Lions
Horst Report Card- C
The Lions got Ziggy Ansah DE BYU, which I called, to help Suh and the D-line, picked up Darius Slay CB, but seemed to have just sailed through some picks, Riddick RB Notre Dame. With Reggie Bush in the backfield and a slew of WR's, they should have just kept the focus on defense. They couldn't stop Rodgers, Cutler, Ponder, my friend Richard's grandmother (yo happy birthday Mrs. W!) last year, and they should've focused on that. They passed up a lot of good talent in a lot of good spots.
Green Bay Packers
Horst Report Card- B
Ted Thompson is a draft guru, and showed why here. Datone Jones DE UCLA, Eddie Lacy RB Ala, Jonathon Franklin RB UCLA was a steal, they picked up some good linemen, and are now trying to build a run game for Aaron Rodgers and his $20 million+ a year contract. The Packers shot up to the top of the list for contenders in the NFC with Lacy and Franklin, and that is going to be a sweet duo to watch for a few years. Think Bo Jackson, and Marcus Allen, now with Aaron Rodgers.
Houston Texans
Horst Report Card- C+
DJ Swearinger S, in the 2nd round is a hell of a pickup, and he will fit well with Ed Reed. DeAndre Hopkins WR Clem., in the first will help out Andre Johnson, but getting Sam Montgomery DE LSU, in the 4th is a good pick, and he should help out that line, and JJ Watt.
Indianapolis Colts
Horst Report Card- C
The Colts got a good pass rusher in Bjoern Werner DE FSU, but didn't feel the need to go get a fast LB to help in coverage which is where they got burned a lot last year. They need to keep Andrew Luck healthy because when the Broncos and Peyton come to town, it's going to get messy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Horst Report Card- C+
Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M, fell right into their laps, and this should help MoJo Drew, and who ever becomes the QB, a ton. They also picked up Jonathon Cyprien S, and Josh Evans S, to help in the secondary, and I think they slowly are moving in the right direction here.
Kansas City Chiefs
Horst Report Card- C+
The Chiefs changed up the entire top 10 with pick Eric Fisher OT C. Mich., and I thought it was genius. But after that they seemed to ease up on the pedal, getting Travis Kelce TE, RB Kniles Davis, in an already good offense, and picked Nico Johnson LB, a little high I thought.
Miami Dolphins
Horst Report Card- B
I think the Dolphins did a fine job especially the way they were able to use some extra picks to get some good players, like the trade with Oakland at number 3 to get Dion Jordan LB Ore.. They were also able to get CB Jamarr Taylor, and they are looking to be in competition for a wild card spot this season.
Minnesota Vikings
Horst Report Card- A
This is how you manipulate the draft to get the players you want. Shariff Floyd DT, fell into their hands, and CB Xavier Rhodes was still there with the pick from Seattle. Then, they traded back into the first to get Cordralle Patterson, which is a great pick, but 4 picks is a little too steep in my book. They picked up some playmakers to go with Adrian Peterson, and are hoping for a better year with Ponder.
New England Patriots
Horst Report Card- C+
The Pats usually draft well, but they haven't had so much luck with WR's, and I think Aaron Dobson went a little early. They have a solid run game, but they need to get younger at O-line. But Tom Brady can pretty much take them to the Super Bowl, but how much help can you give him to win it again. Adam Vinitiari isn't coming back anytime soon.
New Orleans Saints
Horst Report Card- B
After a real tough year in the Bayou, the Saints look ready to bounce back and they had a solid draft here. Kenny Vacaro S, is a great pick, and Terron Armstead OT, I believe is a steal. They also got John Jenkins DT Ohio St., to help with the run defense, and another good WR, Kenny Stills for Drew Brees. The Saints will be back in contention this season.
New York Giants
Horst Report Card- C-
Wow, the Giants didn't see that much talent in the first round I guess, and they went with Justin Pugh G Ore.. But then they turned it around and got John Hankins DT Ohio St., and Demontae Moore DE Texas A&M, and got more studs for the D-line. As long as Eli Manning has the ball, anything is possible for the Giants, and they didn't trade Victor Cruz like I thought they might.
New York Jets
Horst Report Card- C
Dee Millner CB is a solid pick, but Sheldon Richardson DT over Sly Williams DT, was a gamble I feel. And getting Geno Smith QB shows that Mark Sanchez is going to be looking for a place to stay in the next couple weeks. Tebow just got released, so it looks like Smith is gonna be holding the ball from the get go. Rex Ryan likes rookie QB's though, so it could work. They also picked up 3 OL's as well for that awfulness they suffered last year.
Oakland Raiders
Horst Report Card- B
The Raiders were able to get an extra pick from Miami and took, who I believe is the 3rd best CB in the draft, Joe Hayden. He just wasn't rated that high, but along with Sio Moore LB, they got a whole lot faster on that side of the ball. Getting QB Tyler Wilson is a good pick, only because Matt Flynn has only played in like 3 pro games.
Philadelphia Eagles
Horst Report Card- B+
I like Chip Kelly a whole lot, and I think that he did an excellent job at his first NFL draft. Dion Jordan was taken away at no. 3, so he took the best linemen available Lane Johnson from Oklahoma. Then picked up the sure handed TE Zach Ertz from Stan., Jordan Poyer CB Boise St., who is a beast, and Matt Barkely QB USC, which is good to put pressure on Vick, and I'm not buying Nick Foles, neither is Kelly. Good draft for the Eagles I feel.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Horst Report Card- B+
If I had an NFL franchise, I would want my coach to be exactly like Mike Tomlin. Jarvis Jones is the perfect Steelers linebacker, and he was still available which was surprising, and I called it so that was awesome! With LaVon Bell RB MSU, and Markus Wheaton WR Oregon St., they gave Big Ben some more weapons to work with.
San Diego Chargers
Horst Report Card- D+
OT DJ Fluker was a good pick to help Rivers' backside, but Manti Te'o is a huge risk. He's not that fast for his smaller size, and isn't strong enough to consistently pass rush. If he stays in a 3-4 defense, he should play well, but it was a risky pick, especially with Kevin Minter right there.
San Francisco 49ers
Horst Report Card- B
The 49ers add enough picks to do as they please, and they did a good job. The NFC Champs didn't miss a beat and loaded up with some great talent. They traded with Dallas at no. 18, and got Eric Reid S LSU, who was my best Safety. Adding Tank Carridine DE FSU will help the pass rush, and Vance McDonald TE, was the fastest TE in the draft. That will be a huge weapon with Davis on the other side. This team should be good for awhile, especially with drafts like this.
Seattle Seahawks
Horst Report Card- C-
The Seahawks were quiet this year, with the 1st round pick traded to Minnesota, but getting Christine Michael RB from Texas A&M, was a bit strange to me. Pete Carroll has been out of college football for a few years, and I think he wasn't able to get any solid linemen for Russell Wilson.
St. Louis Rams
Horst Report Card- A-
I think the Rams had the best draft, and I love how Jeff Fisher drafts. Trading up for WR Tavon Austin at no. 8 was a good move. This gives Bradford a fast and versatile weapon, then to be able to trade down and have LB Alec Ogletree there is astounding! And I have been saying that TJ McDonald S USC, is one of the best Safeties in the draft, and Jeff Fisher thought so as well. They picked up Austin's buddy, WR Stedman Bailey to give a nice combo for Bradford. To top off a stellar draft, they got Center Barrett Jones form Alabama, a four year starter, and is also able to play guard or tackle, he is a solidified leader for the offensive line. Rams got some impact players and trading that number 2 pick last year for RGII is paying off.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Horst Report Card- D+
With the trade for Revis, I'll count it, and give them a C-, but why another CB, Jonathan Banks, Miss. St.? Then QB Mike Glennon over Tyler Wilson and Matt Barkley?? I like William Ghoslton DE MSU a lot and I think that was their best pick, and it was in the 4th round?! Josh Freeman will be a free agent after the season, and it doesn't look like the Buccs are keeping him around, so they will probably just hold off to get a QB.
Tennessee Titans
Horst Report Card- C
Drafting an offensive linemen from the SEC is usually a good way to go, G Chance Warmack, and trading up for WR Justin Hunter was smart, but after that, they just coasted through the rest of the draft.
Washington Redskins
Horst Report Card- B+
Mike Shanahan usually has pretty good drafts and I think this was another one of them. Jordan Reed TE Florida was a good pickup for Griffin in the Red zone, Phillip Thomas S, is a good addition, and Amerson CB was a solid pickup in the 2nd round. They bulked up where they needed to and should have another solid year in the NFC East.
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