Grading the draft.(Draft 2004)

 
Grading the draft 
 
By Dan Pompei 
 
Team                      Grade    Comment 
 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A+       The Lions got the best receiver and 
                                   running back in the draft, as well 
                                   as an outside linebacker, cornerback 
                                   and offensive tackle who should be 
                                   solid starters by next season. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A+       In addition to getting an elite 
                                   quarterback and 10 other solid 
                                   players, the Chargers received 
                                   first- and fifth-round picks next 
                                   year. Plus, they had an outstanding 
                                   second day. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A        With every pick, the Falcons took a 
                                   solid prospect who fit their system 
                                   and filled a hole. All seven choices 
                                   should make the team, and a few 
                                   should be big contributors. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A        The first two picks, OT Robert 
                                   Gallery and C Jake Grove, make the 
                                   Raiders' draft. They should be the 
                                   foundation of Oakland's offensive 
                                   line for years to come. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A-       The Cardinals didn't need WR Larry 
                                   Fitzgerald as much as they needed 
                                   players at other positions but he'll 
                                   be a star. The got good value with 
                                   subsequent picks. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A-       Denver needed LB D.J. Williams more 
                                   than it needed RB Steven Jackson. 
                                   And knowing the Broncos, Tatum Bell 
                                   will develop into a 1,000-yard back. 
                                   Their first day was excellent. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A-       The 49ers fulfilled their objectives 
                                   well. They needed a lot of warm 
                                   bodies, so they acquired multiple 
                                   picks and made them count. There 
                                   weren't any reaches here. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    A-       The Titans had a lot of holes, so 
                                   they cast a wide net and came back 
                                   with 13 players. They could end up 
                                   with six starters from this draft. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B+       The Texans had a nice first round 
                                   with CB Dunta Robinson and OLB Jason 
                                   Babin. Robinson could be the best 
                                   corner in the draft. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B+       DE Kenechi Udeze may have been a 
                                   steal with the 20th pick, and he's 
                                   just what the Vikings need. 
                                   Minnesota had a great second day, 
                                   starting with OT Nat Dorsey 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        The Bears took some calculated risks 
                                   on players with significant upside: 
                                   DTs Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson, 
                                   WR Bernard Berrian, OLB Leon Joe and 
                                   DE Claude Harriott. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        The Jaguars wanted to move up for WR 
                                   Roy Williams but had a solid draft. 
                                   They scored with some nice Day 2 
                                   picks: WR Ernest Wilford, CB Chris 
                                   Thompson, DE Bobby McCray. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        The Dolphins did what they had to do 
                                   to get Vernon Carey, who will be 
                                   their starting right tackle. CB Will 
                                   Poole might have been the best value 
                                   pick of the draft in the fourth 
                                   round. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        DT Vince Wilfork is a great fit and 
                                   was a good value. TE Ben Watson 
                                   might have been a slight reach. RB 
                                   Cedric Cobbs and WR P.K. Sam were 
                                   excellent Day 2 choices. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        You have to admire the Saints for 
                                   picking the best player on their 
                                   board, Will Smith, even though they 
                                   didn't need a defensive end. They 
                                   could have addressed needs better, 
                                   though. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        This was a good, solid draft with 
                                   logical picks throughout. If there 
                                   is a complaint, it's that the 
                                   Steelers probably won't get much 
                                   help this year from this class. 
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]    B        RB Steven Jackson was an ...