NFC West Draft Grades
May 2, 2008
Video of Todd McShay providing Draft Grades for the NFC West
USA Today: B+
Arizona Cardinals: This team helped itself. RB Tim Hightower, picked in fifth round, is a good short-yardage back. Filled need at CB in first round with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and got a huge DE (6-8 Calais Campbell) in second round, which represents good value. Cardinals suffered from injury at DE last few years. Early Doucet will find a crowd at WR but the Cards may eventually move disgruntled Anquan Boldin.
Pro Football Weekly: B+
The Cardinals’ first two picks, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and DE Calais Campbell, are loaded with upside but have boom-or-bust potential and played too soft in their final seasons. Both filled pressing concerns on defense. Iowa DE Kenny Iwebema might see more action early than Campbell and was a solid value pick in the fourth round, especially given that the Hawkeyes’ former defensive line coach is on the staff and should mesh well with him early. The Cardinals’ four final Round 4-7 selections are all tough and physical and embody what Ken Whisenhunt desires.
NFL.com:
The Cardinals filled their most pressing needs on the defensive side with their first two picks, drafting cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and defensive end Calais Campbell. Both players have high ceilings and could have an impact this season. Fourth-round pick Kenny Iwebema also adds depth on the defensive line. Receiver Early Doucet could be pushed into the mix if the team trades Anquan Boldin, otherwise, he will fill the departed Bryant Johnson’s role. Running back Tim Hightower is in the mix to back up Edgerrin James.
Dr. Z - SI.com: “Business as usual”
They said they loved Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the 4.29 corner, and by golly they were one of the few teams not lying. I wish Ken Whisenhunt and his speedy corner the best of luck, and that goes for DE Calais Campbell, who has been mentioned as an underachiever, but not to him, I’ll wager.
USA Today: C+
St. Louis Rams: Much internal debate but they went with Chris Long, seeking some pressure from the edge, over DT Glenn Dorsey. Only got 5½ sacks from DEs last year and Leonard Little will soon be 34. Looks like not only a safe pick but a good one. WR Donnie Avery went too high but the Rams love the speed and have the positional need. CB Justin King should be the nickel back right away. They failed to address their o-line issues.
Pro Football Weekly: C+
Chris Long was not the first choice of the coaching staff, but he could prove to be a very valuable addition to the defense. Making inconsistent-catching WR Donnie Avery the first receiver drafted could set back the offense, as could the selection of WR Keenan Burton in the fourth round. While both are supremely talented in physical terms, they are very inconsistent catchers. John Greco and Roy Schuening were solid additions to the offensive line and bring much-needed help. OLBs Chris Chamberlain and David Vobora could bring immediate help on special teams. The Rams found some solid linemen on both sides, but nothing great, and their selection of skill talent was very questionable.
NFL.com:
St. Louis’ 2007 season unraveled as injuries began to mount on the offensive line. The team addressed that need by drafting tackle John Greco in the third round. Defensive end Chris Long means that last year’s top pick, Adam Carriker, will remain on the inside and give the club a pretty good foundation on the defensive line. The team released long-time receiver Isaac Bruce during the offseason, so taking Donnie Avery in the second round and Keenan Burton in the fourth round answers the call at the position.
Dr. Z - SI.com: “Okay”
Chris Long is a good, safe pick at No. 1. Leonard Little’s getting old, after all. Guard John Greco is too. Got to protect Mark Bulger before he’s a basket case. But with every wideout on the board available for you in the second round, why take Donnie Avery. You what? You owe his father money? I’ve heard enough.
USA Today: B
San Francisco 49ers: Kentwan Balmer came on strong and the 49ers needed an inside presence at NT. So Balmer is a fit. Outside rusher or a WR looked like more of a priority. Not quite a steal but good value here in building the strength of a team already oriented toward defense. Chilo Rachal could start at G immediately. DB Reggie Smith could play CB or S.
Pro Football Weekly: B
The Niners sought to improve both lines and added great size, strength and power with the selections of DT Kentwan Balmer and USC OG Chilo Rachal, their first two picks. Neither has huge character concerns, but both come with some maturity questions that could affect their development. DB Reggie Smith and WR Josh Morgan brought solid value in the third and sixth rounds, respectively. C Cody Wallace was a reach in the fourth, but he is a smart, hardworking overachiever who could prove the Niners right. LB Larry Grant could bring special-teams value. Having come away from last year’s draft with OT Joe Staley, who proved to be their best offensive lineman as a rookie, really helps their cause, although he did essentially cost them the seventh overall pick in this draft.
NFL.com:
The 49ers traded away their top pick to the Patriots last year in order to draft tackle Joe Staley, who moves to left tackle this season. Offensive and defensive lines were a priority, so taking defensive end Kentwan Balmer was a good move. Guard Chilo Rachal provides more depth on the offensive line as offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s offense will put a quarterback at risk. Not taking a receiver until the sixth round was kind of startling, but the team must be content with veterans Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson.
Dr. Z - SI.com: “Single or double shots”
Two big guys to provide a grain of toughness on both sides of the ball, For the interior defense, to keep people off their inside linebacking phenom, Patrick Willis, they got 307-pound Kentwan Balmer in the first round. Next pick was a bruising guard, Chilo Rachal, who perfected his game at USC.
USA Today: C
Seattle Seahawks: Dropped down in first round in trade with Dallas and went a little bit off the mainstream trail with Southern California DE Lawrence Jackson. He’ll work in as a situational pass-rusher. Space-eating run-stopper came later in Red Bryant. Thinking was they’d go TE, which they did later with John Carlson, though Fred Davis was still on the board. Carlson isn’t quite as good a receiver. Love face-busting FB Owen Schmitt as replacement for Mack Strong. Sixth round pick Tyler Schmitt is only the second long snapper taken in draft history.
Pro Football Weekly: B
With a very deep roster, the Seahawks sought to address a thin defensive line and were able to land DE Lawrence Jackson and DT Red Bryant, two big run stuffers who should help up front. TE John Carlson was a very safe selection in the second round. Owen Schmitt could attempt to replace FB Mack Strong. LS Tyler Schmitt and PK Brandon Coutu could be penciled in as starters and upgrade the special teams.
NFL.com:
The Seahawks released Shaun Alexander, but the team must have confidence in Julius Jones as they didn’t draft a running back until selecting Justin Forsett in the seventh round. Defensive end Lawrence Jackson could one day replace Patrick Kearney. Seattle has long struggled to find receivers who can catch the ball, so it is kind of a surprise that the team didn’t move in that direction during the draft, especially with the health of Deion Branch in question.
Dr. Z - SI.com: “I’m not wild about these”
Category: 2008 Season, NFL Draft | Tags: 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, NFC West, NFL Draft, Rams, SeahawksI can find only three interesting names, DE Lawrence Jackson and Notre Dame TE John Carlson at the top, and then a drop to the fifth round for a peek at 250-pound fullback Owen Schmitt.
