Monday, April 27, 2009

FRANKE'S NFC NORTH DRAFT GRADE


Packers: Ted Thompson actually traded up in the draft to nab the most versitile USC LB available in the draft, Clay Matthews. They adressed they need for an anchor in the middle of the new 3-4 D formation in taking BC standout NT B.J. Raji. Both of those moves were just what the team needed. My only question marks in the Packers draft was the selection of LSU FB Quinn Johnson in the 5th round, when CB was still a need with a declining Al Harris. Overall Grade: B+
Vikings: I thought it was a no brainer that the Vikings would use their 1st round pick for a RT, which was without question the biggest need when you have the NFL's best back, but that of course means that Childress would go with an off field problem child in Percy Harvin. Anyone who is stupid enough to hit the "hippy lettuce" before the draft when they know their gonna test, is a moron in my book. He does have some serious talent, but who knows if he'll get to play? OT Loadholt from OKL was a stretch and Brinkley at LB was a good pick. Overall Grade: C
Bears: After getting Jay Cutler from Denver, Da Bears traded entirely out of the first day of the draft when the WR's they wanted were gone. They had a very interesting day 2, adressing some major needs on D, by bringing in a speedy athletic D-linemen by the name of Jarron Gilbert. You will hear this guy's name a lot. The Bears picked 3 WR, starting with Jauquin Iglesias from OKL, a solid number 2 and a speedster by the name of Johnny Knox, (not to be confused with Johnny Knoxville) allegedly the fastest WR in the draft. They added a LB from OH ST, Marcus Freeman, a steal in Rd 5. Overall Grade: B+
Lions: Everyone knew if they could work out the deal in time that the Lions were going with Matt Stafford the GA QB. They did, although in my opinion they needed to build up front with Jason Smith, who to me is the best lineman I have seen in years. With that said, who did the rest go? Not that good overall. They picked a stud at TE with the 2nd 1st rounder, which may be a late need with all the talent at TE in the draft. They got a great S in Louis Delmas, but skipped on Ray Maluauga from USC. They only picked one OL, which means to me that they are going to have to sign some guys, or Stafford will be David Carr. Overall Grade: D+

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