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 2008 Draft Recap
by Dan Shonka
General Manager & National Scout
Ourlads’ Scouting Services LLC
12/6/2007
ARIZONA CARDINALS: B
One of the top rated corners, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, filled an immediate need for the Birds as the 16th pick in the draft. He is a talented ascending player with range, rare speed, and athletic ability. Calais Campbell is a 3-4 end and has the flexibility to move inside as a tackle as a 4-3 pass rusher. Early Doucet fills the void that was created by the departure of Bryant Johnson. He can be the third receiver in sub packages if he can stay healthy. Kenny Iwebema is a defensive end that is particularly explosive from the left side. Tim Hightower will be battling for a backup running back spot after a productive college career. He will also contribute on special teams. Chris Harrington is a projected strongside outside linebacker candidate. Brandon Keith has long arms and a wide body. He’s an athletic developmental offensive tackle.
ATLANTA FALCONS: B+
 Matt Ryan (pictured) was drafted not only for his ability as a quarterback, but as an image cleansing for a once-troubled franchise. Ryan brings productivity, intelligence, and leadership to the high profile position. Sam Baker fills a major need at left offensive tackle. Drafting middle linebacker, Curtis Lofton, allows the Falcons to move Keith Brookings to the weakside spot, making up for the loss of Demorrio Williams in free agency. What Chevis Jackson lacks in long speed as a corner, he makes up for in athletic ability and instincts. Harry Douglas is an instinctive wide receiver that understands the passing game. He had ten 100-yard receiving games over the past two years. Safety Thomas DeCoud also has experience at cornerback. He is an aggressive in run support and man to man coverage. Robert James is an undersized linebacker that will compete on the weakside. Productive Kroy Biermann will move from defensive end to outside linebacker. Thomas Brown is a change of pace back with cutback ability. Wilrey Fontenot played opposite Antoine Cason. He is smart, instinctive, and competitive despite his less than ideal size for the position. Keith Zinger was drafted after a good athletic workout at LSU. He should be a practice squad tight end.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: B-
Joe Flacco was important enough for the Ravens to move back up to the 18th spot to draft him after dropping back to the 26th position. Athletic and mobile for a big man, he has a live arm and can throw the ball accurately through a small window. Ray Rice is a short, stocky, compact runner with good inside vision. He will compete for a backup job behind Willis McGahee. Tavares Gooden may be the heir apparent to fellow Miami grad, Ray Lewis. He controls the blockers with his strong hands and can play inside or outside. Tom Zbikowski is a strong safety that is aggressive and physical in run support, an intense competitor that finishes plays. Oniel Cousins projects inside at guard. A work in progress, he is raw, but aggressive and physical in his play. Wide receiver Marcus Smith is a former running back with reliable hands. Offensive tackle David Hale is a good athlete that is mature, competitive, and smart. Free safety Haruki Nakamura is a special teams coverage core player. Justin Harper has good athletic ability. A possession type receiver he has long arms and natural hands to pluck the ball. Running back Allen Patrick possesses explosive first step quickness into the hole, a physical runner that runs hard.
BUFFALO BILLS: B-
Leodis McKelvin was the top corner on most draft boards. He fills an immediate need and will compete for a starting job. James Hardy was also targeted to play opposite Lee Evans and to give the Bills a huge red zone target. Chris Ellis is an edge pass rusher that could work into a rotation with Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel. Reggie Corner gives more depth to the secondary at corner. He is instinctive with good ball skills. Derek Fine fills a need as a pass catching tight end. He is smart, tough, and consistent in his overall play. Alvin Bowen projects as a weakside linebacker and special teams contributor. Xavier Omon is the only back that rushed for over 1500 yards four consecutive years in college. A between-the-tackles power runner, he is physical and talented. Demetrius Bell is a developmental offensive tackle. Steve Johnson is a clutch receiver that needs to improve his footwork in and out of his cuts. Kennard Cox will get a strong look at corner before he moves inside to safety.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: A-
 Carolina had a game play heading into the draft and came away with Jonathan Stewart, a big running back with quickness and strength. He will team with DeAngelo Williams to pack a one-two punch in the running game. Jeff Otah (pictured) brings strength and toughness to the offensive line. He was acquired in a trade with Philadelphia, for a 1st round selection in 2009 as well as two 2008 picks, but he fills a huge need. Charles Godfrey projects as a safety with corner experience, fast and aggressive with good ball skills. Dan Connor was too good a player for the Panthers to pass on. He can play either inside or outside linebacker. Gary Barnidge is a complete tight end as a blocker and pass catcher. Competitive and athletic, he was a value pick in the fifth round. Nick Hayden, a blue collar run stuffer, can hold his ground and plays to the whistle. He will compete for a spot in the defensive line rotation. Hilee Taylor projects to a defensive end despite his size, but should contribute on special teams. Geoff Schwartz is a big mauler that played offensive tackle in a pass offense. Mackenzy Bernadeau is a developmental project as an offensive guard from a small college.
CHICAGO BEARS: B
The Bears addressed their greatest needs on the first day by drafting offensive tackle Chris Williams and running back Matt Forte. Williams is one piece of the offensive line puzzle that will help both the running and passing game. John Tait will move to right tackle to help lengthen his career. Forte is a between-the-tackle power runner that Cedric Benson was drafted to be. Earl Bennett fell to the third round because there were no first round receivers selected. Bennett brings productivity as the all-time SEC leading receiver and a good value in the third round. Marcus Harrison is a projected starter down the line if he stays healthy and keeps his nose out of trouble. Craig Steltz projects as a future starter because of his smarts and instincts. Zackary Bowman was the top corner on team boards in 2006 before his knee injuries. If he stays healthy, the Bears got the steal of the draft. Kellen Davis adds depth and competition to the tight end position. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin, offensive guard Chester Adams, linebacker Joey LaRocque, and offensive tackle Kirk Barton are all developmental squad candidates. Marcus Monk missed seven games his senior year, but is a big target with talent.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: B
 Linebacker Keith Rivers is a run stuffing and pass rushing sideline to sideline presence. He was the consolation prize after the Bengals lost Sedrick Ellis to the Saints. He fills a big need. Jerome Simpson is an outstanding athlete with rare physical tools, ultra long arms, and huge hands. An ascending receiver that needs pattern work, he will compete for early playing time. Pat Sims needs to improve his use of hands to disengage from the blocker. He is a high risk defensive tackle with long arms and big hands. Andre Caldwell has the talent to be a feature receiver in the league. He possesses the speed to get deep and separate from the defensive backs and was Florida’s all-time leading receiver. Anthony Collins was a good value pick in the fourth round. He is a developmental project that needs to improve his footwork and consistency. Jason Shirley is a massive run stuffer that flashes dominant ability to control inside running lanes. A good athlete, he is a boom or bust project that is only limited by his work ethic. Corey Lynch has a chance to play safety as well as a special teams contributor. Matt Sherry is a developmental pass receiving tight end. Angelo Craig may have to bulk up to play a 4-3 defensive end. Mario Urrutia is a big wide receiver with long arms who missed most of his senior year with a turf toe.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: C
Brady Quinn was drafted in 2007 with the Browns traded first round pick. He along with Corey Williams (2nd) and Shawn Rogers (3rd) erased the first three 2008 selections. Beau Bell has talent and tools to project as a 3-4 inside linebacker, but instincts and injury history are big question marks. Martin Rucker was a need pick with Kellen Winslow II and Steve Heiden both coming off surgeries. He is a big physical mismatch because of his size and pass catching ability. Ahtyba Rubin was a great value pick in the sixth round. A 3-4 nose tackle candidate with sudden short area quickness, he has innate strength to push the pocket. Paul Hubbard is a big possession receiver with long arms that ranks in the developmental category. Alex Hall is a defensive end/linebacker that is projected to be an edge pass rusher in the 3-4 system, a developmental player. With the Brady pick in 2007 and the free agency acquisition the Browns would earn a B grade, however the 2008 selections rate a C.
DALLAS COWBOYS: B+
 The Cowboys made as many trades as it had picks in the 2008 draft. Elusive Felix Jones should make an immediate impact as a change up from Pro Bowler Marion Barber. Rashard Mendenhall was still on the board, but Jones brings a bigger contrast in running style. Mike Jenkins (pictured centre) adds depth to an upgraded corner position that includes newly acquired Adam Jones from the Titans. Martellus Bennett is a former basketball player that improved drastically over his football career in college. Anthony Fasano was traded to Miami the day before the draft which opened the door for Bennett. He is more of a threat in the passing game than Fasano. Tashard Choice is a power runner that is the total package of running, catching the ball, and blocking. He will also compete on special teams. Corner Orlando Scandrick is the sleeper of the Cowboys’ draft. He is smooth and athletic with rare catch-up speed. Erik Walden played end in college but projects to an outside 3-4 linebacker.
DENVER BRONCOS: B
Ryan Clady was drafted to replace left tackle Matt Lepsis. He is a long armed natural knee bender with good flexibility. He is a better pass protector than run blocker at his point. Eddie Royal is a receiver and return specialist that smacks of Carolina’s Steve Smith. He is an explosive and smooth darter with good field awareness. Kory Lichtensteiger is a scrappy, intense overachiever that can play both guard and center. Jack Williams is a physical corner that can play press as well as off coverage. Ryan Torain is a downhill running back that is a good fit if the torn ligament in his foot is healed. Carlton Powell will compete at both defensive tackle positions. Spencer Larsen brings intensity and instincts to the linebacker position. He should contribute on special teams or possibly as a fullback. Josh Barrett is a big athletic safety that will get his chance to replace John Lynch. Peyton Hillis is a versatile player that has played fullback, H-back, tailback, tight end, wide receiver, and return specialist.
DETROIT LIONS: C+
After losing out on defensive upgrades, Derrick Harvey and Jerod Mayo, the Lions dropped back two picks and selected Gosder Cherilus. The huge lineman played left tackle as a senior, but walks in as the starting right tackle where he is most comfortable. Jordon Dizon projects as a Tampa-2 middle linebacker. Ultra productive he is effective in getting depth in pass drops. The Lions traded up for the first pick in the third round and selected productive running back Kevin Smith, a north/south runner with good vision and cutting ability. Andre Fluellen is a disruptive inside player that will get a look at nose and under tackle. Cliff Avril is a pass rushing end that is instinctive with a closing burst to the ball carrier. Kenneth Moore is a utility player that will backup at running back, wide receiver, and return specialist. Fullback Jerome Felton was drafted to be a short yardage back and lead blocker. Defensive tackle Landon Cohen is a developmental player that must get bigger. Strong safety Caleb Campbell has the size of a linebacker with run support skills. The Army graduate will also compete on special teams.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: B+
 After a trip to the NFC championship game the Packers came into the draft to upgrade depth at several positions. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson was a second round pick but Green Bay’s first on the weekend. He has the size and ability to compete for a spot in the multiple receiver sets. Brian Brohm was drafted to add depth and competition to a position left with a gaping hole after Brett Favre’s retirement. He closed his career as the Big East’s all-time passing yardage leader with 10,775 yards. Patrick Lee will compete for a nickel cornerback spot as a rookie, but projects to a future starter. Jermichael Finley is an athletic tight end with good hands. He needs developmental time to mature into the position. Defensive end Jeremy Thompson adds depth and flexibility to a position that doesn’t need immediate help. Josh Sitton projects as an offensive guard and Breno Giacomini will get a shot at both offensive tackle spots to see where he plays best. Matt Flynn projects as the third quarterback. He is a developmental prospect that is smart and tough. Brett Swain is a practice squad selection at wide receiver.
HOUSTON TEXANS: C
The Texans’ offensive line has been in flux for the six years of the franchise. Left tackle has been a nightmare and Houston projects Duane Brown will end the bleeding. Brown is a converted tight end who moved to tackle. He has experience at both the right and left tackle spots. On the surface, this pick looked like a monumental reach, but after further review, Brown is an ascending player who has the physical skill set to excel at the position. Antwaun Molden is an athletically gifted corner that needs developmental time. Steve Slaton was a touchdown machine as a college running back and projects as a third down back that excels in space. Xavier Adibi adds depth to a logjam at linebacker, but is versatile enough to compete at all spots. Frank Okam had to convince the Texans he wanted football more than law school. He’s a huge athletic presence as a defensive tackle, but may project to the offensive line. Dominique Barber is an instinctive safety that is quick to read and react. Alex Brink is an accurate and productive quarterback that will be competing for the third spot.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: B+
Few teams replenish their rosters with quality in the draft as consistently as the Colts. Mike Pollak, the top center in the draft, fits the Colts’ mold of intelligent, versatile, and athletic as do Steve Justice and Jamey Richard. Philip Wheeler will play multiple linebacker positions but will not blitz as much as he did in college. Jacob Tamme is a consistent pass receiver from the tight end position and will be a move guy in their offense. Marcus Howard reminds the Colts of Robert Mathis, an undersized pass rusher that has speed off the corner. Tom Santi is a versatile tight end that is smart and a good receiver. Justice fits the Colts’ offensive line as noted. Mike Hart will compete for a reserve running back position. He has all the tools except long speed. Pierre Garcon is a developmental receiver with good measurables from a Division III school. Richard has experience at center like Pollak and Justice, but can play any of three positions.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: B
 The Jags hope Derrick Harvey (pictured) will be as aggressive on Sunday as they were trading up to get him; a package of their first choice (26th), two thirds, and a fourth to move up to Baltimore’s spot at number eight. Harvey is the elite pass rusher needed to close the gap on the Colts in the AFC South. He has an explosive first step and is a disruptive pass rusher who plays with passion and urgency. Quentin Groves has the ability to turn speed to power as a pass rusher. He flashes a burst to get around a tackle with quickness and should contribute as a nickel pass rusher immediately. Thomas Williams will contribute as a special teams coverage linebacker. Trae Williams brings secondary depth and special teams coverage ability. Chauncey Washington will compete for the third running back position behind Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: A+
Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good, but it is really productive on draft day if you have a little of both. The Chiefs had Christmas in April when Glenn Dorsey fell into their laps at the fifth overall pick. Dorsey was the top player on many teams’ boards and the draft’s best defensive player. He will make an immediate impact in the middle of the Kansas City defensive line. Branden Albert was the Chiefs’ target in the first round and his stock skyrocketed when offensive line coaches projected him as a left tackle. Brandon Flowers was the top corner in the draft, less his straight line forty time. He has good ball skills and tackling ability. Jamaal Charles has breakaway speed and is a perfect complement to Larry Johnson’s power running style. Brad Cottam could be the sleeper of the Chiefs’ draft if he can stay healthy. He has the physical skills to replace Tony Gonzalez when he retires. DaJuan Morgan will contribute first on special teams before competing for a starting safety job. William Franklin is a big athletic receiver who adds speed and depth. Brandon Carr is a small college corner with good speed and cover skills. Barry Richardson will go into camp to compete for the right offensive tackle position. He is big and powerful. Kevin Robinson must make the team on his innate punt and kickoff return skills. Brian Johnston is a situational pass rusher from a small college. Mike Merritt is a blocking tight end that is a developmental player.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: B+
Teams win in the offensive and defensive lines and the Dolphins used four of their first five selections in the line. Jake Long signed his 57 million dollar contract on the Friday before the draft to be Miami’s first pick. He strengthens the overall line and gives confidence to running back Ronnie Brown and whoever earns the quarterback position. Phillip Merling is a good fit as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. He would have gone higher if not for the sports hernia injury. Chad Henne will compete for the starting quarterback position immediately. Kendall Langford is a physically gifted developmental player that adds youth to the defensive end spot. Shawn Murphy is a good effort player that is a better run blocker than pass protector. Jalen Parmele is a between-the-tackles power runner that adds depth. Donald Thomas is a developmental guard. Lex Hilliard is a hard-nosed runner that will have to make the roster on special teams. Lionel Dotson is a developmental defensive end if he can stay away from injuries.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: B
 When evaluating the Vikings’ 2008 draft, you must calculate in their first, two thirds, and an exchange of sixth round picks for the Chiefs’ Jared Allen. The NFL 2007 sack leader brings a proven talent. The remaining part of the draft was to add competition and depth. Tyrell Johnson brings a physical presence as a run stuffing safety. He plays better the closer he is to the line of scrimmage. John David Booty (pictured) is better breaking the pocket and throwing on the run. He will compete for the number three job with Brooks Bollinger. Letroy Guion is a one gap penetrator that will compete for a reserve defensive tackle role. John Sullivan was drafted to eventually replace Matt Birk at center and may get some time at guard. Jaymar Johnson is a developmental project at wide receiver.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: B
New England wanted to get younger and faster on defense heading into the 2008 draft and it appears the mission was accomplished. Jerod Mayo is a versatile linebacker that fits the Patriots’ multiple defensive schemes. He is productive and competitive. Terrence Wheatley is a talented cover corner and kickoff return specialist. Shawn Crable is more of a linebacker than a defensive end in the Pats’ system. Kevin O’Connell is the highest player taken at the quarterback position in the Belichick era. He figures to compete for the backup spot behind Tom Brady. Jonathan Wilhite will compete for a job in the secondary and contribute in the kicking game. Matt Slater adds speed to the return game and must make the team as a kickoff return and coverage specialist. He is the son of former NFL great, Jackie Slater. Bo Ruud is a developmental linebacker that may land on another roster before the 2008 season.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: C+
New Orleans addressed a major need by trading up and drafting the explosive defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Ellis brings a hell bent for leather and relentless playing style to the Saints’ defense. Tracy Porter is a Baton Rouge native and a top flight cover corner. He will also get a look as a punt return specialist. DeMario Pressley is a value pick in the fifth round and helps fill an additional inside need on the defensive line. Carl Nicks, a huge offensive tackle, is versatile enough to eventually compete for either guard or tackle positions. He needs to mature on his off-field decisions. Taylor Mehlhaff was the first place-kicker taken in the 2008 draft. He can kickoff as well as kick field goals and PATs. Adrian Arrington was the product of a late trade with Green Bay. The wide receiver is rangy, athletic, and provides depth.
NEW YORK GIANTS: B+
 Five of the World Champion Giants’ picks were on the defensive side of the ball. They stressed value and need, and one player that was both was safety Kenny Phillips. Phillips was the top rated and most complete safety in the draft. He can play the pass as well as support the run. Terrell Thomas is a long-armed corner and provides depth in the secondary. Receiver Mario Manningham’s (pictured) talent overrode his failed drug tests and off-the-field bad decisions. He will compete for the third receiver position. Bryan Kehl is a big, smart, versatile linebacker that is good in coverage. He will compete at both Sam and Will positions. Jonathan Goff will work at middle linebacker and compete on special teams. Andre Woodson was drafted to develop and grow as a quarterback in the Giants’ system. Woodson was productive and has a strong skill set. Robert Henderson is a size and speed project at defensive end who is an athletic developmental player.
NEW YORK JETS: C+
The Jets needed a big time pass rusher and grabbed Vernon Gholston with the sixth pick in the draft. Gholston has the ability to line up as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 or a defensive end in the 4-3 alignments. He is a logical fit for the Jets’ hybrid schemes. Dustin Keller is a specialty tight end that is really a big wide receiver. He will work out of the slot and as move tight end. Dwight Lowery is a zone corner that will contribute right away in sub packages. He let the country in interceptions in 2006 and has some punt return skills. Erik Ainge is an angular quarterback that is an average athlete and has leadership qualities. He’ll compete for the third spot. Marcus Henry is a tall red zone target as a possession type receiver. Nate Garner is a big offensive tackle that is a developmental squad candidate.
OAKLAND RAIDERS: C
The Raiders didn’t let need get in their way when they focused on drafting Darren McFadden. The Black and Silver could have drafted Glenn Dorsey, but opted for flash and dash. The DeAngelo Hall trade must also be figured in this year’s draft. He was acquired for a 2nd round choice. McFadden is a talented and productive running back that is a game breaking playmaker. He will take the pressure off of last year’s number one pick JaMarcus Russell. Tyvon Branch is a standout athlete that can play either cornerback or safety. He also returns kicks. Wide receiver Arman Shields is a height, weight, and speed athlete that fits the Raiders’ profile. Trevor Scott plays hard and to the whistle as a defensive end. Chaz Schilens is a big receiver that lacked production in his career.
 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: B
The Eagles have gained a reputation for not developing their younger players, but there are some keepers in this group. Trevor Laws (pictured) should earn his way into the rotation behind Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley. DeSean Jackson will need to earn his keep as a return specialist while he learns the offense. Bryan Smith is a pass rush specialist that will contribute on special teams first. Michael McGlynn is tough and physical and will get looks at both guard and center. Quintin Demps has played both corner and safety. He is ball hawk that can run. Jack Ikegwuonu will go on the physically unable to participate list for the year while he rehabs his knee. Mike Gibson, another blue collar tough lineman will compete for a guard job. Joe Mays and Andy Studebaker must make the team as special teams performers. King Dunlap is a long tackle with talent.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: B+
The Steelers did a good job of letting the draft come to them and were rewarded by one of the top running backs and receivers falling to them. Rashard Mendenhall is a perfect power running complement to Willie Parker’s slash and dash running style. After Limas Sweed was picked up in the second round, Ben Roethlisberger was the happiest guy in the Steel City. This value pick adds size to a blue collar group of receivers. Bruce Davis projects to an outside linebacker in the Steelers’ scheme. He was a very productive defensive end in college. Tony Hills started at left offensive tackle before he fractured his leg in 2007. He will be ready to go by training camp. Quarterback Dennis Dixon is now working his way back into physical shape after his ACL injury late last fall. He is athletic and skilled. Mike Humpal is a projected inside linebacker. Last year he played Sam on the outside. Smart and instinctive, he is experienced in coverage. Ryan Mundy is a smart and mature safety that should contribute on special teams.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: B
Tough choices are a part of everyday life in the NFL and the Rams pulled the trigger on one of the two top defenders in the draft. Chris Long was a definite need pick for a team that was crying out for a right defensive end. Long is multi-dimensional and can play the run as well as the pass. Receiver Donnie Avery reminds the Rams of Isaac Bruce. Possibly a reach as the first receiver taken in the draft, but he has speed to burn and will stretch a secondary. John Greco is a blue collar tough guy that teams with fellow draft choice Roy Schuening to be the future guards for the Rams. Justin King was a value pick in the fourth round. He was an early second round pick on several draft boards and has great speed. Keenan Burton is a top athlete that has size and speed to compete for the fourth receiver spot. Chris Chamberlain is an undersized linebacker that will compete for a special teams job. David Vobora Mr. Irrelevant was anything but on the game field. He is a high motor productive tackling machine that is athletic and speedy.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: B-
 The Chargers have one of the leagues’ deepest rosters, so quality was a premium. Antoine Cason (pictured) was the Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back. He was selected to replace Drayton Florence as the third cornerback. Cason has excellent ball skills and can play in any coverage scheme. Jacob Hester is a dual threat as a running back and pass catching fullback. A sure-handed ball carrier, he fumbled only once in his college career. He will also contribute on special teams. Marcus Thomas and Hester will help fill the void left by Michael Turner who signed with Atlanta as an unrestricted free agent. DeJuan Tribble provides depth at the cornerback position. He is quick to read and react to the run or pass. Corey Clark is a practice squad offensive tackle.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: C+
In 2007, the Niners traded away what turned out to be the seventh pick in the 2008 draft and gained starting tackle Joe Staley with the selection. Kentwan Balmer is versatile enough to play inside at nose tackle in the 3-4 or move to defensive end if he lacks the required push. He is a boom or bust selection because of career consistency. Chilo Rachal will replace either Justin Smiley who was lost in free agency or Larry Allen if he decides to retire. Reggie Smith projects to safety because of his lack of elite speed at cornerback. He has good instincts and tackling ability. Cody Wallace is a knee bender that adds depth at guard and center. Josh Morgan is a big physical receiver that projects to the practice squad while he learns Mike Martz’s system. Larry Grant may be the sleeper of the 49ers’ draft and will show his wares quickly on special teams.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: B-
Seattle addressed some major needs early in the draft and came away with more solid picks than sexy ones. Lawrence Jackson adds depth behind Darryl Tapp and Patrick Kerney. He may move down inside on pass rushing downs. John Carlson is a solid inline blocker with good hands and receiving skills. The sleeper of the ‘Hawks draft could be Red Bryant who was a target for the Seahawks in the third round before they used the pick to trade up for Carlson. They were elated he was still available in the fourth round. He adds depth and push to the defensive front. Owen Schmitt is a short neck road grader fullback they hope will replace Mack Strong. Tyler Schmitt was drafted because he was the best long snapper graded by the Seahawks and they hope this shores up a sore spot in 2007. Justin Forsett is a third down back that looks to be headed to the practice squad. Brandon Coutu is a consistent kicker that will compete for the job in camp.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: B-
 Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen rolled the dice on some picks and hope the players don’t come up snake eyes. Aqib Talib is fortunate that Tampa Bay kept him on their board with his failed drug tests. He fits their scheme and hopefully has put the drugs behind him. He is a boom or bust pick. Dexter Jackson (pictured) will return kicks and compete for a receiving job in the slot for the Bucs. Jeremy Zuttah projects to go inside, but is versatile enough to help at all the offensive line positions. Dre Moore is a one-gap penetrator that is a fit for the Tampa defensive scheme. Josh Johnson is a developmental quarterback option that knows the West Coast offense. Geno Hayes will contribute first on special teams, then will work his way into the weakside linebacker spot. Cory Boyd, if given the chance, could be the sleeper of the Bucs’ draft. A hard running, short-yardage specialist, he will be ready to play when Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett are injured.
TENNESSEE TITANS: D+
Tennessee plays aggressively, but came away from the draft totally opposite. Chris Johnson was not a running back on some team boards because of durability concerns. He was a receiver. But everyone respects his hands and the Titans will use him in a variety of alignments to get him in space. He is also a top flight kickoff return specialist. Jason Jones has long arms and is very athletic, but he is still raw and technique poor. He may be used at defensive end. Craig Stevens may be the best Titan selection in this draft. He is a strong run blocker and productive run after catch tight end. William Hayes is a developmental pass rusher that had a good workout at his college, but could have been selected later or signed as a free agent. Lavelle Hawkins is another in a long line of rather unremarkable receivers that don’t help Vince Young elevate his game. Stanford Keglar is an athletic linebacker that may eventually replace Keith Bulluck or David Thornton. For now he will compete on the special teams. Cary Williams is a practice squad cornerback.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS: B+
The Redskins’ first three selections were all value picks and give Jason Campbell additional weapons. Devin Thomas was the top receiver on most draft boards, but not all as a first round pick. He has all the measurables to succeed in the physical NFC East. Fred Davis gives the Redskins another tight end receiving option in their two tight end sets along with Chris Cooley. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly was a steal in the second round. His stock dropped after running mediocre 40-times, but he was the next highest player on the Skins’ board. Chad Rinehart is a smart, heady lineman that is physical and has good awareness. He projects as an offensive guard. Justin Tryon was the first defensive player the Redskins selected and adds depth at cornerback. Durant Brooks will compete with veteran Derrick Frost for the punting job next season. Kareem Moore played corner but projects to safety because of his good tackling skills. Colt Brennan is a developmental quarterback that needs overall body strength. Rob Jackson is a high motor, high effort defensive end that needs to get stronger. Chris Horton is a productive run defender from the safety position, but needs to work on his ball skills and coverage.
Dan Shonka is the General Manager & National Scout of Ourlads’ Scouting Services LLC
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