ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -    C
60 -69 -   D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 2:  Stefen Wisniewski G, Penn St. – 16 Games Started
Analysis: The Raiders drafted Wisniewski as a center and moved him to guard where he went on to start all 16 games.
Grade: 5/4

Round 3: DeMarcus Van Dyke CB, Miami - 13 Tackles, 1 INT
Analysis:  Van Dyke’s stats aren’t super impressive, but he did play in 14 games with 4 starts.  That gives the Raiders some value for their third round choice.
Grade: 2/3

Round 3: Joe Barksdale OT, LSU – 16 Games played
Analysis:  Barksdale didn’t start any games but he did appear in 16 as a rotational tackle.
Grade: 2/3

Round 4: Chimdi Chekwa CB, Ohio St.- 8 Tackles
Analysis: Chekwa appeared in 4 games with one start but was hampered by a hamstring injury most of the season, and it eventually put him on I.R. in November.
Grade: 1/2

Round 4: Taiwan Jones RB, Eastern Washington – 73 Rush Yds, 2 Receptions 25 Yds
Analysis: Jones participated in 13 games mostly as a return man but he did get a few carries and caught a couple balls.
Grade: .5/1

Round 5: Denarius Moore WR, Tennessee – 33 Receptions, 618 Yds, 5 TDs, 61 Rushing Yds, 1 TD
Analysis:  Moore  was a huge steal for the Raiders.  He blew up in week 2 and became their most dangerous target in the passing game.  He added a bit as a returner as well.  His stats would be even better if he didn’t miss 3 games with an injury.
Grade: 2/1

Round 6: Richard Gordon TE, Miami - 1 Reception, 2 Yds
Analysis:  Gordon played in 14 games, starting one,. He was primarily used as a blocker.
Grade: .25/0

Round 6:  David Ausberry WR/TE, USC – 2 Receptions, 14 Yds
Analysis:  Ausberry played in 12 games and caught a couple balls.  Most teams get less from a sixth rounder.
Grade:  .25/0 

TOTAL SCORE: 13 / 14
FINAL GRADE:   93%  A

Analysis:  The Raiders didn’t have a first round pick in 2011 but still managed to find plenty of help in this draft.   In fact they got a little production out of every pick they made.   Wisniewski played very well at guard and will start there again next season or possibly move to center.  The other highlight of this class is Denarius Moore.  He was electric in training camp and he carried that over into the regular season.  He looks to be a future starter and possibly their no. 1 receiver.  The rest of their picks will see increased playing time in 2012 so this grade should hold up over time.  The Raiders showed they can have an impactful drat class even without a first round pick, which is good, since they may not have another one until the 2014 Draft.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 - ��  B
70-79 -    C
60 -69 -   D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Derek Sherrod OT, Missippi St. - 5 Games Played
Analysis: Sherrod had trouble getting on the field as he battled minor injuries the first half of the season and then broke his leg in the Chiefs game.  He will be in line to start at either right tackle or guard in 2012.
Grade: 1/5

Round 2: Randall Cobb WR, Kentucky – 25 Receptions, 375 Receiving Yds, 1 TD, 5 Rushing Yds
Analysis:  Cobb was good in spurts as a receiver in the Packers aerial attack, but it was as a return man he made the biggest impact.  He had 941 kick return yds, and 295 punt return yds and scored a TD doing both.  Good return on their second round investment.
Grade: 4/4

Round 3: Alex Green RB, Hawaii- 11 Rush Yds
Analysis:  Green played sparingly before getting hurt in late October and was put on I.R.
Grade: 0/2 (scale reduced due to injury)

Round 4: Davon House CB, New Mexico St.- 1 Tackle
Analysis: House appeard in 2 games and in one of those he made a tackle.  Most teams would hope for a little more from a fourth rounder.
Grade: 0/2

Round 5: DJ Williams TE, Arkansas – 2 Receptions, 13 Yds
Analysis: Williams did appear in 13 games which is impressive but he only hauled in two balls which isn’t.
Grade: .25/1

Round 6: Caleb Schlauderaff G, Utah - Cut
Analysis:  Caleb was cut by the Packers but was picked up by the Jets where he ended up playing in 6 games and starting one.
Grade: 0/0

Round 6:  DJ Smith LB, Appalachian St. – 43 Tackles, 1 INT
Analysis:  Smith was a pleasant surprise for the Packers as he made a bunch of tackles and even an interception in the 16 games he played in.
Grade: 1.5/0

Round 6:  Ricky Elmore LB, Arizona - Cut
Analysis:  Elmore was cut by the Packers and picked up by the 49ers.
Grade:  0/0

Round 7: Ryan Taylor TE, UNC – 1 Reception, 4 Yds, 1 TD
Analysis:  Taylor played in 15 games, and even caught a touchdown pass.
Grade: .5/0

Round 7:  Lawrence Guy DT, ASU – Placed on I.R.
Analysis: Guy did nothing for the Packers in year one.
Grade: 0/0

TOTAL SCORE: 7.25 / 14
FINAL GRADE:   52%  F

Analysis:  The Packers 2011 Draft Class didn’t make a huge impact in its first year at Lambeau.  Derek Sherrod had trouble staying healthy and it cost him valuable playing time.  The same can be said for third round choice Alex Green.  There were some year one hits though, as Randall Cobb was impressive as a return man and showed plenty of promise at WR.  They also got a sixth round steal in LB DJ Smith who played well above 6th round expectations.  This grade does have fairly high growth value as Sherrod, and Green should see much more playing time in year two, and Cobb and Smith will only get better in their sophomore campaigns.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 -69 -   D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Cameron Heyward DE, Ohio St. - 11 Tackles, 1 sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: The Steelers have a history of bringing their young defensive lineman along slowly, nevertheless Heyward’s stats are disappointing for a first rounder.
Grade: 2/5

Round 2: Marcus Gilbert OT, Florida – 13 Starts
Analysis:  Gilbert started thirteen games at tackle and gained valuable experience.
Grade: 4/4

Round 3: Curtis Brown CB, Texas – 14 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis:  Brown appeared in 12 games and helped out sparingly.
Grade: 1.5/3

Round 4: Cortez Allen CB, Citadel - 15 Tackles
Analysis: Allen played in 15 games this season and made about a tackle a game.
Grade: 1/2

Round 5: Chris Carter LB, Fresno St. – 3 Tackles
Analysis: Carter’s rookie years was rather uneventful as he played in just 8 games.
Grade: 0/1

Round 6: Keith Williams G, Nebraska – Cut
Analysis:  Williams was cut by the Steelers, picked up by the Bills, and did nothing.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7:  Baron Batch RB, Texas Tech – No stats
Analysis:  Like many 7th rounders, Batch failed to play a meaningful snap.
Grade: 0/0

Undrafted: Weslye Saunders TE, South Carolina  4 Receptions, 29Yds, 1 TD
Analysis:  Saunders stats aren’t mind boggling, but the did start 6 games which is impressive for an undrafted rookie.
Grade:  .5/0

TOTAL SCORE: 9 / 15
FINAL GRADE:   60 %  D-

Analysis:  The Steelers 2011 Draft Class didn’t produce great results after season one.  Cameron Heyward was the biggest disappointment as he produced very little for his first round status.  Marcus Gilbert gained valuable playing time with 13 starts and will likely be in line for a starting gig his sophomore campaign.  There was little else to get excited about in year one except for maybe Weslye Saunders who played pretty well for an undrafted rookie.  This grade should grow well the next few seasons, especially with the top 3 selections all in line for much more playing time in 2012.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 -69 -   D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Muhammad Wilkerson DE, Temple - 49 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: Wilkerson started all 16 games and played well for the Jets.  He is definitely the bright spot of this draft class.
Grade: 4.5/5

Round 3: Kenrick Ellis DT, Hampton – 7 Tackles
Analysis: Ellis appeared sparingly for the Jets and did little to prove worthy of a third round choice.
Grade: 0/3

Round 4: Bilail Powell RB, Louisville – 21 Rushing Yds, 1 Reception, 7 yds
Analysis:  This surprising pick for the Jets appeared in just two games and did next to nothing.
Grade: 0/2

Round 5: Jeremy Kerley WR, TCU – 29 Receptions, 314 Yds, 1 TD, 28 Rushing Yds, 41 Pass Yds
Analysis: Kerley was the second best pick in this draft showing promise as a receiver but also a bit of a jack of all trades, helping the team out as a return man and gadget play guy.
Grade: 1/1

Round 7: Greg McElroy QB, Alabama – No Stats
Analysis: McElroy never saw the field, but wasn’t expected to.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7: Scotty McKnight WR, Colorado – Released
Analysis:  The Jets mercilessly cut Scotty boy.
Grade: 0/0

TOTAL SCORE: 5.5 / 11
FINAL GRADE:   50 %  F

Analysis:  The Jets got one really good player in this draft.  Muhammad Wilkerson will be a long time starter at end for them and should develop into a upper echelon defender.  Jeremy Kerley also has promise but it’s unlikely he’ll develop into anything more than a no. 3 receiver/return man.  Kenrick Ellis was a disappointment in year one and there is still a chance he could be deported.  Maybe Bilail Powell takes over the running back reigns in a couple years but that is doubtful.  Overall there isn’t a lot of upside in this class, and the grade has low growth potential.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -   B
70-79 -    C
60 -69 -  D
0-59 -      F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Gabe Carimi OT, Wisconsin - 2 Games Started
Analysis: Carimi started the first two games for the Bears and then was injured and missed the rest of the season.  The expectations are still high for this tough blocker from the dairyland.
Grade: 1/3 (scale reduced due to injury)

Round 2: Stephen Paea DT, Oregon St. – 14 Tackles, 2 Sacks
Analysis:  Paea played in 11 games with no starts, he offered a little production including a safety.
Grade: 2/4

Round 3: Chris Conte S, CAL – 30 Tackles, 1 Sack
Analysis:  Conte gave the Bears a decent return on their third round investment with 9 games started in addition to the stats listed above.
Grade: 2.5/3

Round 5: Nathan Enderle QB, Idaho- No Stats
Analysis: Enderle held the clipboard in year one, just as the Bears envisioned when they drafted him.
Grade: 0/1

Round 6: JT Thomas LB, West Virginia – No Stats
Analysis: Thomas was placed on I.R. and will give it another try next season.
Grade: 0/0

TOTAL SCORE: 5.5 / 11
FINAL GRADE:   50 %  F

Analysis:  The Bears 2011 Draft goes down as a disappointment after year one.  That is mainly due to the injury suffered to Gabe Carimi.  Once healthy, he will be looked to lock down one of the tackle positions next season.  Second round pick Stephen Paea was just okay and will need to battle for playing time in year two.  Chris Conte was their most productive rookie but he looks like a solid player at best with a limited ceiling.  Enderle will continue to develop but year two may be too soon for him to take over the backup job.  This is an unsexy draft for the Bears and I predict just minimal growth in the grade over the years.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 – 69 -  D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Jimmy Smith CB, Colorado – 20 Tackles, 2 INTs
Analysis: Smith started just 3 games and appeared in 12.  He did get better as the season progressed and was credited with 8 pass breakups, but a little more production would have helped the grade.
Grade: 2.5/5

Round 2: Torrey Smith WR, Maryland – 50 Receptions, 841 Yds, 7 TDs
Analysis:  Smith burst onto the NFL scene by scoring 3 TDs in his first game.  He became a deep threat that teams had to constantly plan against, and added a much needed explosive element to the Ravens offense.
Grade: 5/4

Round 3: Jah Reid OT, Central Florida - 0 Starts
Analysis:  Reid didn’t start any games but he did appear in all 16 games as a rotational lineman.
Grade: 2/3

Round 4: Tandon Doss WR, Indiana – No Stats
Analysis: Doss played in a number of games but failed to haul in a single ball.
Grade: 0/2

Round 5: Chykie Brown CB, Texas – 4 Tackles
Analysis: Brown played in 7 games and made 4 tackles.  Not great by any means.
Grade: 0/1

Round 5: Pernell McPhee DE, Mississippi St. – 23 Tackles, 6 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: McPhee played in all 16 games and proved to be a steal, using his quickness off the edge to register 6 sacks.
Grade:  2/1

Round 6: Tyrod Taylor QB, Va. Tech – 18 Pass Yds, 2 Rushing Yds
Analysis:  Taylor completed the one pass he attmepted this year and saw a little action in some gimmick plays.
Grade: .25/0

Round 7: Anthony Allen RB, Ga. Tech – 8 Rush Yds
Analysis:  Allen played in 3 games but his 8 rushing yards isn’t enough for any pointage.
Grade: 0/0

Undrafted: LaQuan Williams WR, Maryland – 4 Receptions, 46 Yds
Analysis:  Williams played in 12 games and in addtion to his 4 receptions, he had 109 kick return yds, and even 4 tackles on defense.
Grade: .5/0

TOTAL SCORE: 12.25 / 16
FINAL GRADE:   77 %  C+

Analysis:  The Ravens found talent throughout the 2011 Draft.  Jimmy Smith showed a lot of promise in year one, and got better as the season progressed.  Torrey Smith was a great second round choice and was one of the better receivers to come out of this draft.  Pernell McPhee was a steal in the fifth, and guys like Jah Reid, and undrafted WR LaQuan Williams showed a lot of potential that can be cultivated in year two.  Overall, this was a solid draft for the Ravens even if the year one production was just average as a whole.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 – 69 -  D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Jonathan Baldwin WR, Pitt – 21 Receptions, 254 Yds, 1 TD
Analysis: Baldwin’s career in KC got off to a rough start as he broke his hand in a training camp fight.  He missed the first five games of the season, and while he showed some flashes, he did not live up to his first round status.
Grade: 2/5

Round 2: Rodney Hudson G, FSU – 1 Game Started
Analysis:  Hudson appeared in all 16 games and started one.  He should be worked into the starting lineup in year two.
Grade: 2.5/4

Round 3: Justin Houston OLB, Georgia - 56 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: Houston proved to be an excellent choice as he blossomed into a fine edge rusher who brought the QB down 5.5 times.
Grade: 3/3

Round 3: Allen Bailey DE, Miami – 10 Tackles, 1 Sack
Analysis: Bailey appeared in 1o games, but didn’t give the Chiefs equal return on their third round investment.
Grade: 1/3

Round 4: Jalil Brown DB, Colorado – 8 Tackles
Analysis: Brown played in 14 games but his 8 tackles weren’t worth a fourth round pick.
Grade: .25/2

Round 5: Ricky Stanzi QB, Iowa – No Stats
Analysis:  Stanzi wasn’t expected to play this season, but it’s a little sad he couldn’t beat out Tyler Pako for playing time.  He’s the likely backup in 2012.
Grade:  0/1

Round 5: Gabe Miller LB, Oregon St. – No Stats
Analysis:  Miller was placed on I.R. and had no impcat whatsoever on the outcome of the Chiefs 2011 season.
Grade; 0/1

Round 6: Jerell Powe NT, Ole Miss – 1 Game Played
Analysis:  Powe played a few snaps in one game in 2011.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7: Shane Bannon FB, Yale  - No Stats
Analysis:  Bannon was cut by the Chiefs.
Grade: 0/0

TOTAL SCORE:  8.75/19
FINAL GRADE:   46%  F

Analysis:  The Chiefs 2011 draft class failed as whole in season one.  There were bright spots like the play of third rounder Justin Houston but all the other immediate returns were substandard.  Jonathan Baldwin was the biggest disappointment, first hurting himself in a locker room fight and then just not playing up to the high level expected of him.  The Chiefs still have to be excited about the potential of this class though as Baldwin, Hudson, Houston, and Bailey should all continue to grow and gain experience in year two and I would very much expect this grade to rise in the next few seasons.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 – 69 -  D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  James Carpenter OT, Alabama – 9 Games Started
Analysis: Carpenter started the first 9 games before getting injured and placed on I.R.
Grade: 4/5

Round 3: John Moffitt G, Wisconsin - 9 Games Started
Analysis: Like Carpenter Moffitt started the first 9 games for the Seahawks before being suspended to the league’s substance abuse policy.  Looks to be a long term starter.
Grade: 2.5/3

Round 4: KJ Wright OLB, Mississippi St. – 65 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: Wright was a force for the Sehawks defense and blossomed into a playmaker.  The Seahawks got a steal here.
Grade: 3/2

Round 4: Kris Durham WR, Georgia – 3 Receptions, 30 Yds
Analysis: Durham did little before getting hurt and placed on I.R.
Grade: 0/3

Round 5: Richard Sherman CB, Stanford – 55 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 4 INTs
Analysis: Sherman was a find for the Seahawks.  He started 10 games, made a ton of plays and lead all rookies in interceptions.
Grade: 2/1

Round 5: Mark LeGree S, Appalachian St. – No Stats
Analysis:  LeGree was released by the Seahawks and picked up by the Jets.
Grade:  0/1

Round 6: Byron Maxwell CB, Clemson – 1 Tackle
Analysis: Maxwell made one tackle, but it was a doozy.
Grade; 0/0

Round 7: Lazarius Levingston DE, LSU – 1 Tackle
Analysis:  Levingston made one tackle and appeared in 4 games.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7: Malcom Smith LB, USC – 16 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis:  Smith appeared in 12 games and performed at a level higher than what was expected of a late 7th rounder.
Grade: 1/0

Undrafted: Doug Baldwin WR, Stanford – 51 Receptions, 788 Yds, 4 TDs
Analysis:  Baldiwn was a huge surprise for the Seahawks.  He didn’t just make the squad he turned out to be one of the better wide receivers in this year’s rookie class.  A huge find.
Grade: 2/0

TOTAL SCORE:  14.5/15
FINAL GRADE:   97%  A

Analysis:  The Seahawks got things started by making one of the more suprising choices in round 1, when they took James Carpenter at 25.  Carpenter proved to be a worthy selection as he solidified the right side of their line and played with a mean streak.  Their third round pick John Moffitt also locked down a starting gig until being suspended.  Those two picks helped give the Seahawks one of the best young lines in the league.  They upgraded their defense on Day 3 with the selections of KJ Wright and Dick Sherman who both appear to not just be starters in year two but impact players.  The Seahawks weren’t done though even after Mr. Irrelevant was named.  They made one of the better undrafted free agent signings in WR Doug Baldwin who produced at a level worthy of at least a second round pick.  Overall this was a great draft for the Seahawks based on the production they got in year one.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 – 69 -  D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Cameron Jordan DE, CAL - 31 Tackles, 1 Sack
Analysis: The Saints took Jordan hoping he’d help them in the sack department.  He failed to do that, and really didn’t make much of an impact at all, 15 starts.
Grade: 2/5

Round 1: Mark Ingram RB, Alabama - 474 Rushing Yds, 5 TDs, 11 Receptions 46 Yds
Analysis: The Saints gave up their 2012  first rounder to move up and take Ingram here.  After year one, they have to be questioning that move.  Ingram did play well in spurts but he had problems in short yardage and goaline situations and was outplayed by fellow RB Darren Sproles. He was later lost for the season with a toe owie.
Grade: 3/5

Round 3: Martez Wilson LB, Illinois - 10 Tackles, 1 Sack
Analysis: Martez played in 13 games and started one.  He didn’t do a whole lot but will likely be in line for a bigger role next season.
Grade: 1.5/3

Round 3: Johnny Patrick CB, Louisville - 6 Tackles
Analysis: Patrick didn’t get a ton of playing time in his first year in the Big Easy.  He played in 9 games and his contributions were minimal.
Grade: .5/3

Round 7: Nate Bussey LB, Illinois - No stats whatsoever.
Analysis: N/A
Grade: 0/0

TOTAL SCORE:  7/16
FINAL GRADE:   44%  F

Analysis:  The Saints got very little production from this draft class in year one.  They thought they had a gift fall into their laps when Cam Jordan, who many thought was a top fifteen pick, fell to them at 24.  He only registered one sack and mustered just over 30 tackles.  They will hope his production increases greatly in his sophomore season.  The Saints then got frisky and traded this year’s first rounder to move up and take Mark Ingram.  Ingram had his moments in his rookie season, but overall was disappointing as he battle injuries and was being outplayed by the likes of Darren Sproles.  The rest of the Saints draft class wasn’t much better as both their third rounders offered little as well.  This class still  has a ton of potential and I would expect a major jump in grade after year two.

ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3  – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*

FINAL GRADING SCALE

90-100 – A
80-89 -    B
70-79 -   C
60 – 69 -  D
0-59 -       F

2011 Draft Class

Round 1:  Danny Watkins G, Baylor – 12 Games Started
Analysis: Watkins started 12 games for the Eagles and was playing at a high level by season’s end.
Grade: 4/5

Round 2: Jaiquwan Jarrett S,  Temple – 17 Tackles
Analysis: Jarrett appeared in 12 games and started two.  He made very little impact on the field.
Grade: 1/4

Round 3: Curtis Marsh CB, Utah St. – 2 Tackles
Analysis: Marsh appeared in 7 games, and made two tackles.  It’s almost like he didn’t play at all.
Grade: 0/3

Round 4: Casey Mathews LB, Oregon - 37 Tackles, 1 Sack
Analysis: Matthews started off the season playing well, and then became ineffective.  His play picked up again in the later portion of the season after being replaced for an extended period.
Grade: 1.25/2

Round 4: Alex Henery K, Nebraska – 24/27 FGM, 88.9%
Analysis: Henery was okay in his first season as the Eagles kicker, but he didn’t make anyone forget about David Akers.
Grade: 1.75/2

Round 5:  Dion Lewis RB, Pitt – 102 Rushing Yds, 1 TD, 1 Reception, – 3 Yds
Analysis:  Lewis appeared in 15 games, getting a carry here and there.  He also returned a few kicks and appears in line to be McCoy’s backup next season.
Grade: .5/1

Round 5:  Julian Vandervelde G, Iowa – 1 Game Played
Analysis: The big man with the voice of an angel, appeared in just one game for the Eagles in 2011.
Grade:  0/1

Round 6: Jason Kecle C, Cincinnati – 16 Games Started
Analysis:  Kelce was a huge steal for the Eagles as he started every game for them at center.
Grade: 2/0

Round 6: Brian Rolle LB, Ohio St. – 54 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis:  Rolle started 13 games for the Eagles and played very well, and was much more productive then the Eagles could have hoped for in year one.
Grade: 2/0

Round 7: Greg Lloyd LB, Cincinnati – No Stats
Analysis: Nothing to report here.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7:  Stanley Havili FB, USC – No Stats
Analysis: Havili did nada in year one.
Grade: 0/0

Undrafted: Chas Henry P,  Florida – 2,831 Punt Yds, 42.9 AVG
Analysis:  Henry lead all rookie punters in total punt yards, and was quite the undrafted find for the Eagles.
Grade: 1/0

TOTAL SCORE:  13.5/18
FINAL GRADE: 75%   C

Analysis:  The Eagles grade was really hurt by the terrible return they got from their Day 2 picks.  Jarrett and Marsh were very disappointing in year one as neither one could crack the starting lineup or even get on the field all that much.  Fortunately for the Eagles the rest of their draft was much better.  They got two future starters on their offensive line in Watkins and 6th round steal Jason Kelce.  Brian Rolle played very well at outside linebacker and should remain there in 2012.  They got their special teams situated as well in this draft, having landed both their kicker and punter of the future in Henry and Henery.  Dion Lewis also should earn more touches next season as the primary backup to Shady McCoy.