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AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Jacksonville Jaguars
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 12-4
Points For: 361
Points Against: 269
Rushing Yards PG: 122.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 106.8
Passing Yards PG: 199.4
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 184.1
Drafted:
1.28 (28) - Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
2.28 (60) - Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
3.16 (80) - Clint Ingram, LB, Oklahoma (from Dallas)
5.28 (160) - Brent Hawkins, DE, Illinois St.
7.5 (213) - James Wyche, DE, Syracuse (from San Francisco)
7.28 (236) - Demetrice Webb, CB, Florida (from Jacksonville through San Francisco)
Comments:
The Jaguars didn’t have many picks, but they pretty much fulfilled needs. Lewis is a tall tight end that doesn’t have the speed or flash, but at 6’6” with long arms and a big body, he’ll be a great end zone target. Drew is extremely fast and quick, but at only 5’7” what will his durability be like? I’m not sure if he’s an every down back, but he’ll get his shot. If anything, he can become a dangerous return man. Ingram is an every down linebacker that can cover. Hawkins is a big-time pass rusher that will probably be converted to the linebacker spot because of his lack of size (6’2”; 240 pounds) to really compete as a defensive lineman in the NFL. Wyche is a solid player, but will probably be broken in slowly. Webb left too early as he could have used more seasoning.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C
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AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Indianapolis Colts
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 14-2
Points For: 439
Points Against: 247
Rushing Yards PG: 106.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 110.1
Passing Yards PG: 256.0
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 196.9
Drafted:
1.30 (30) - Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
2.30 (62) - Tim Jennings, CB, Georgia
3.30 (94) - Freddie Keiaho, LB, San Diego St.
5.30 (162) - Michael Toudouze, OT, TCU
6.30 (199) - Charlie Johnson, OT, Oklahoma State
6.38 (207) - Antoine Bethea, CB, Howard (Compensatory Selection)
7.30 (238) - T.J. Rushing, CB, Stanford (from Indianapolis through Tennessee)
Comments:
Goodbye, Edgerrin James… Hello, Joseph Addai. Addai is a great pickup at the tail end of the first round. He should give Dominic Rhodes and anyone else a run for the starting spot. Jennings has very good coverage skills, vertical leap, and the all-important speed. Keiaho lacks size, but is very intense about the game. Toudouze is big, athletic, and raw. Considering he made his All-Mountain West team, he has some upside. Johnson will be a project. Bethea is very fast, but isn’t the greatest cover guy. He should get better if given a real shot. Rushing is short, but fast and has excellent return ability on special teams.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C+
AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Houston Texans
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 2-14
Points For: 260
Points Against: 431
Rushing Yards PG: 113.5
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 143.9
Passing Yards PG: 139.8
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 220.1
Drafted:
1.1 (1) - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
2.1 (33) - DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
3.1 (65) - Charles Spencer, OT, Pittsburgh
3.2 (66) - Eric Winston, OT, Miami (FL) (from New Orleans)
4.1 (98) - Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin
6.1 (170) - Wali Lundy, RB, Virginia
7.43 (251) - David Anderson, WR, Colorado St. (Supplemental Compensatory Selection)
Comments:
Yes, yes, yes, there has been a lot of ink spilled on how the Texans should have taken once in a lifetime player, Reggie Bush. But, if you’re a regular reader, you know how I feel. And besides, how come every few seasons we here about that “once in a lifetime” player? I doubt people are dying every few years and regenerating.
In any case, the Texans did not need Reggie Bush because they have Domanick Davis. The Texans did not need Vince Young, the hometown favorite, because they already have David Carr who hasn’t had a real chance to shine because the offensive line has been absolutely horrid. The Texans couldn’t draft D’Brickashaw Ferguson with the first pick overall because that just wouldn’t have jived with just about everyone, besides Ferguson and his agent.
So, the Texans went with Mario Williams, a defensive end compared to Julius Peppers with the upside for Reggie White. For a team that finished as badly as they did on defense, the Texans did the right thing for the team. And people hate it now, but I think they’ll like it later.
Ryans was an excellent choice and will instantly upgrade the defense even more. He is a smart player with very good leadership ability. Ryans comes to play and brings it every down. He should start on the weak or strong side. Spencer and Winston in the third round were excellent choices to upgrade their offensive line. Both have a very good shot at starting. Daniels is big, fast, and athletic. He won’t be pigeonholed as either a blocker or receiver because he has the tools to do both. Lundy could be a good back up or a good practice squad player. Anderson will likely be a special teams player.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Pittsburgh Steelers
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 11-5
Points For: 389
Points Against: 258
Rushing Yards PG: 138.9
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 86.0
Passing Yards PG: 182.9
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 198.0
Drafted:
1.25 (25) - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St. (from N.Y. Giants)
3.19 (83) - Anthony Smith, S, Syracuse (from Minnesota)
3.31 (95) - Willie Reid, WR, Florida St. (from Seattle through Minnesota)
4.34 (131) - Willie Colon, OG, Hofstra (Compensatory Selection)
4.36 (133) - Orien Harris, DT, Miami (FL) (Compensatory Selection)
5.32 (164) - Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
5.35 (167) - Charles Davis, TE, Purdue (Compensatory Selection)
6.32 (201) - Marvin Philip, C, California
7.32 (240) - Cedric Humes, TB, Virginia Tech
Comments:
Antwaan Randle El who? The Steelers traded up six spots in order to grab Holmes and why not? He should be as electric as Randle El was in the return game, but should be a lot better in the receiving game. Holmes has the speed to stretch the field, runs routes well, and definitely one of the best wide receivers, if not the best, wide receiver in a weak class. But that shouldn’t take away from Holmes, who is a legit playmaker.
Smith has great tools. He’s athletic, heady, has good ball skills, and doesn’t let many tackles slip him up. Smith has a ton of talent. He should start for the Super Bowl champs, which almost sounds impossible for rookie to do, but Smith just might. Reid was an excellent pick there at that position. He is another candidate to pick up the return duties left behind when Randle El joined the Washington Redskins.
Colon will be groomed to take over a guard or tackle spot on the offensive line, possibly in 2007. Harris is a solid player, but that’s about it. Jacobs was a very good QB last season at Bowling Green – throwing for 41 touchdowns versus four steals – but will be the backup’s backup in Steel City. Davis will try to become the next Antonio Gates – a college basketball player with athletic ability and soft hands. Phillip is kind of short, but does snap the ball quickly. Humes has some upside, but I wouldn’t count on him.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Cleveland Browns
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 6-10
Points For: 232
Points Against: 301
Rushing Yards PG: 93.9
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 137.6
Passing Yards PG: 190.4
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 179.2
Drafted:
1.13 (13) - Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida St. (from Baltimore)
2.2 (34) - D’Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland (from New Orleans)
3.14 (78) - Travis Wilson, WR, Oklahoma
4.13 (110) - Leon Williams, LB, Miami (FL)
4.15 (112) - Isaac Sowells, OL, Indiana (from Atlanta)
5.12 (145) - Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington St.
5.20 (152) - DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia (from New England)
6.11 (180) - Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado
6.12 (181) - Babatunde Oshinowo, NT, Stanford (from Baltimore)
7.14 (222) - Justin Hamilton, DB, Virginia Tech
Comments:
Wimbley was a good pick as he can penetrate through the line and get into the backfield to either tackle for a loss or sack the quarterback. He’ll be learning his position from Willie McGinest, one of the better defenders of all time., so he a lot of things in place to succeed, but I doubt he has the endurance to be on the field for every snap, which isn’t always a bad thing as he’ll get some blow before getting back on the field and be a little bit more rested.
The only real drawback on Jackson is that he’s a little short, but so was Mike Singeltary and we all know how good of a career he had. Jackson can get after the ball and covers a lot space. Some ranked him as the best middle linebacker in the draft, and I can’t say I disagree. His toughness and feel for the game stand out.
Wilson is tall and has the ability to score TDs, even though it didn’t show last season. He’ll find the open spots. Despite being big and athletic Williams can’t shed blockers enough to consistently be effective. Sowells is one of those athletic versatile types that should have a long career in the NFL.
Will the Senior Bowl be more indicative of how Harrison will do or his two inconsistent seasons in Washington State? Hopefully for the Browns and Harrison it’s the former. But, considering his height (5’9”), it’ll be tough to get any consistent touches anywhere. Minter has some talent and did put up solid numbers at Georgia, but is he quick enough to succeed at this level?
Vickers is a good blocker and can catch out of the backfield. He won’t get many plays, but when he does, he should make them count. Oshinowo is nothing more than backup material, in my opinion. Same can be said for Hamilton, but that’s why they’re late round picks.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Cincinnati Bengals
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 11-5
Points For: 421
Points Against: 350
Rushing Yards PG: 119.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 115.6
Passing Yards PG: 238.8
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 223.1
Drafted:
1.24 (24) - Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
2.23 (55) - Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU
3.27 (91) - Frostee Rucker, DE, USC
4.26 (123) - Domata Peko, DT, Michigan St.
5.25 (157) - A.J. Nicholson, LB, Florida St.
6.24 (193) - Reggie McNeal, QB, Texas A&M
7.1 (209) - Ethan Kilmer, DB, Penn State (from Houston)
7.23 (231) - Bennie Brazell, WR, LSU
Comments:
Joseph has the size, speed, and athleticism to succeed in the NFL. However, he may be relying too much on his talent and physical skills. Joseph will need to improve his technique to really do well in the league, but that will inevitably come with experience. He could push for a starting spot in the defensive backfield and not just as a nickelback.
Whitworth has the desirable long arms for an offensive lineman and is very athletic for his position. He’s an excellent run blocker and the thing that has me thinking he’ll be pretty good is that he’ll be learning form Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, the incumbents at the line right now. Whitworth has a good head on his shoulders, so I’m sure any lesson will not be left unlearned.
The Rucker pick could be a very good one for the Bengals. He’s a high motor guy that can close space in a hurry. Rucker is effective against the run and can use his speed to his advantage in rushing the passer. Peko is just a big guy that can collapse and push the pocket to free those behind him to make plays. Because of his ability to affect the pocket, Peko is a good run defender.
Nicholson might be the best value pick for the Bengals as he has the ability to knock someone out with his hard tackles. However, Nicholson had some off-the-field issues and his stock inevitably dropped. He’ll probably be looked on to contribute to special teams at this point until he can get straight. McNeal probably won’t be a quarterback in the NFL and I would expect he’ll be converted to the wide receiver position. Kilmer and Brazell will both contribute to special teams if they stick with the team, particularly Kilmer.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Baltimore Ravens
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 6-10
Points For: 265
Points Against: 299
Rushing Yards PG: 100.3
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 99.4
Passing Yards PG: 193.0
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 184.9
Drafted:
1.12 (12) - Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon (from Cleveland)
2.24 (56) - Chris Chester, OL, Oklahoma (from N.Y. Giants)
3.23 (87) - David Pittman, CB, Northwestern St. (from N.Y. Giants)
4.14 (111) - Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
4.35 (132) - P.J. Daniels, RB, Georgia Tech (Compensatory Selection)
5.13 (146) - Dawan Landry, S, Georgia Tech
5.34 (166) - Quinn Sypniewski, TE, Colorado (Compensatory Selection)
6.34 (203) - Sam Koch, P, Nebraska (Compensatory Selection)
6.39 (208) - Derrick Martin, CB, Wyoming (Compensatory Selection)
7.11 (219) - Ryan LaCasse, DE, Syracuse
Comments:
Ray Lewis, ask and ye shall receive. Lewis asked the organization to get him a big defensive lineman to free him up and contain blockers and the Ravens accommodated. Naturally, the decision wasn’t going to be based solely on Lewis’ wishes, but because Ngata is pretty good AKA pretty huge. While Ngata lacks explosion off the snap, he does have some speed, which allow him to put some legit pressure on the opposing quarterback.
Chester is a converted tight end that is athletic and fast. However, he is still inexperienced at the offensive line position and will need time to grow there. So, don’t expect him to be starting any time soon. However, don’t be surprised to see him lined up as an eligible receiver at the line as part of some trickery and getting the pass thrown to him.
Pittman has very good coverage skills and will probably play the nickel for the
Ravens. Williams is largely being heralded as a steal in the fourth for the Ravens due to his size and the production he had at Oregon. Daniels did lead the ACC in rushing in 2004, so that’s saying something about his ability to run. Add the fact that he has the ability to catch balls out of the backfield and we might have something here. Too bad Daniels won’t get any chances this season with both Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson on the team.
Landry is a decent defensive back that should be a steady NFL player when he gets on the field. A lack of speed is what’s keeping him off it on the regular. Sypniewski will only see the field as a blocker, not a pass-catching tight end. Koch is a kicker… no need to explain, right? Martin is a work in progress, although he does have some good upside. LaCaase has good speed and athletic ability, but may only be the one that gets everyone elses bags on road hames.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
Long Ass Thread Thursday: Let’s Do It Again
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Kudos, MLB, NBA, NFL,
EndScore Nation, welcome to the second edition of this particular… I don’t know what to call it… feature? Column? How about YOUR chance to actively participate here at EndScore. Let’s make this, whatever you want to call it, a pandemic!!! Spread the word of EndScore to the world!!! Remember, this only works when you comment about anything and everything that is sports (or not sports).
Last week, we got to 35 comments… this week, let’s get to 50. That’s our goal here people. Start a comment yourself or respond to one… just play nice.
So, what can we all talk about?
How about Barry Bonds taking a BP ball off his head? Anyone catch this performance by Bonds? The histrionics equaled that of a dying character in a high school play!!! It was almost goofy. I mean, let’s be real, you know that didn’t hurt Bonds, the owner of a cast-iron forehead. I swear for a brief moment it looked like Bonds didn’t notice he got hit, but then remembered he had to make belive he was human and just went down. The ultimate would have been if Wiliam Shatner could have done a voiceover making belive he was Bonds:
“Ouch. I’ve… been… hit… yes. Help.”
What else? How about some blatant self-promotion on my part. Check out my latest column on SI.com and tell me how awesome I am!!!
OR how long it’s taking me to post all the NFL Draft Grades, having only finished 25% of the teams in the NFL, and tell me how much I actually stink! But, speaking of the NFL Draft, how do you guys think the teams did?
Albert Pujols… would you pitch to him?
Am I the only one that thinks LeBron James can be BETTER than Michael Jordan?
Let’s discuss…
AFC WEST Draft Grade: San Diego Chargers
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 9-7
Points For: 418
Points Against: 312
Rushing Yards PG: 129.5
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 84.3
Passing Yards PG: 218.4
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 224.9
Drafted:
1.19 (19) - Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida St.
2.18 (50) - Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
3.17 (81) - Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson
5.19 (151) - Tim Dobbins, ILB, Iowa St.
6.18 (187) - Jeromey Clary, OL, Kansas St.
6.19 (188) - Kurt Smith, K, Virginia (from Miami)
7.17 (225) - Chase Page, DT, North Carolina
7.19 (227) - Jimmy Martin, OT, Virginia Tech (from Minnesota)
Comments:
The Cromartie pick surprised me as he is coming off a bad knee injury, but I guess the Chargers were looking at what Cromartie did beforehand. In that case, I’ll accept this because Cromartie was a playmaker for the Florida State Seminoles, athletic and quick. If he stays healthy, Cromartie has the talent to be one of the better corners in the league for the next several seasons.
McNeill is McHUGE! He definitely had the talent to go in the first round, but injury concerns about his back eliminated that idea. Back at Auburn, he helped open many holes for the running backs and can pass protect. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be All Pro good.
Whitehurst has some injury concerns regarding his shoulder and hasn’t put together a solid string of production the last few years at Clemson. However, he has the talent to do some things. It’ll just probably be as a second-stringer as the Chargers are going to justify that huge Phillip Rivers contract, making Rivers the starter with Drew Brees now gone to the New Orleans Saints.
Dobbins is a very solid linebacker with a good motor and should do well in the 3-4 defensive scheme. Clary is nothing special, but should be a solid producer on the line for the Chargers. Smith is a kicker that hasn’t done anything special enough for me to comment on. Page is big and should make an impact as a pass-rusher if anything at all. Martin is a player that can play in the league for 15 years, but no one will even know this.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B-
AFC WEST Draft Grade: Oakland Raiders
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 4-12
Points For: 290
Points Against: 383
Rushing Yards PG: 85.6
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 128.1
Passing Yards PG: 223.9
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 202.7
Drafted:
1.7 (7) - Michael Huff, S, Texas
2.6 (38) - Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
3.5 (69) - Paul McQuistan, OT, Weber St.
4.4 (101) - Darnell Bing, S, USC
6.7 (176) - Kevin Boothe, OL, Cornell
7.6 (214) - Chris Morris, C, Michigan St.
7.47 (255) - Kevin McMahan, WR, Maine (Supplemental Compensatory Selection)
Comments:
Wow, didn’t those Vince Young rumors die almost as quickly as they started. Obviously, they would never had gotten a chance to take Young, but still, it was almost as solid as Reggie Bush going number one overall. But, we all know how that went.
So, with Young off the board, the next logical train of thought was the Raiders going with Matt Leinart with their first rounder. Not so much. Instead, the Raiders went with the best available player, who happened to be the very versatile Huff. Huff has the ability to play anywhere in the secondary and can play both the pass and the run. He’s a hard hitter and should become what Charles Woodson was supposed to.
Howard can fall back into coverage and run very well. But that isn’t a surprise considering he used to play defensive back for UTEP. As solid (definitely not gamebreaking) as Howard is, I think this pick was a little bit of a stretch in this round.
McQuistan was a solid choice and should settle in at the line for the next decade. Bing will be converted to linebacker with the Raiders and he should adapt to the position well. I know this much about Boothe – he’s a smart guy. I mean, he did go to Cornell, right? Other than that, I am dubious to his adjustment from an Ivy League school to the NFL. Morris should be like McQuistan and eventually settle in at the line for a long time. McMahan is this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” a title which may not end here as I don’t know if he’ll make the cut after camp.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C+
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