GRADING SCALE

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

2009 Draft Class
Round 1: Brian Cushing LB, USC
Year One:  16 Games Started, 133 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 4 INTs, 2 Forced Fumbles
Grade: 6/5

Year Two: 12 Games Started, 76 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Grade: 4/5

Year Three: 16 Games Started, 114 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 2 INTs, 2 Forced Fumbles
Grade: 5/5

Round 2: Connor Barwin OLB, Cincinnati
Year One: 16 Games Played, 18 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks,
Grade: 3/4

Year Two: 1 Game Played (injured, out for season)
Grade: 0/2 (scale reduced due to injury)

Year Three:  47 Tackles, 11.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Grade: 4.5/4

Round 3:  Antoine Caldwell C/G, Alabama
Year One: Played in 11 Games, Started 3
Grade: 2/3

Year Two: Played in 12 Games, Started 7
Grade: 2.5/3

Year Three: 5 Games Played, 3 Starts
Grade: 1/3

Round 4: Glover Quin CB, New Mexico
Year One: 12 Games Started, 68 Tackles,
Grade: 2/2

Year Two: 16 Games Started, 85 Tackles, 3 INTs, 1 Forced Fumble
Grade: 3/2

Year Three: 16 Games Started, 77 Tackles
Grade: 2.5/2

Round 4: Anthony Hill TE, NC St.
Year One: 5 Games Played, 1 Reception, 9 Yds
Grade: .25/2

Year Two: 0 Games Played, No Stats
Grade: 0/2

Year Three: 7 Games Played, 2 Starts, 2 Receptions, 10 Yds (with Colts)
Grade: 0/2

Round 5: James Casey TE, Rice
Year One: 15 Games Played, 6 Receptions, 64 Yds
Grade: .25/1

Year Two: 16 Games Played, 4 Starts, 8 Receptions, 98 Yds
Grade: .5/1

Year Three: 14 Games Played, 7 Starts, 18 Receptions, 260 Yds, 1 TD, 11 Rushing Yds
Grade: 1/1

Round 6: Brice McCain CB, Utah
Year One: 15 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 Start
Grade: .5/0

Year Two: 25 Tackles, 3 Starts
Grade: .5/0

Year Three: 28 Tackles, 2 INTs
Grade: .5/0

Round 7:  Troy Nolan FS, ASU
Year One: No Stats
Grade: 0/0

Year Two: 49 Tackles, 1 Sack, 3 INTs
Grade: 1/0

Year Three: 35 Tackles, .5 Sacks
Grade: .5/0

GRADES

Year One: 14/17  82%  B-

Year Two: 11.5/15 77%  C

Year Three: 15/17  88% B+

Analysis:  The Texans 2009 Draft class’s grade held up pretty consistenly after three years.  It started out with a solid B- but dipped a little in year two when Connor Barwin was out with an injury and Brian Cushing missed time due to a suspension.  If I was grading it off the first year I would have said it had a good chance for growth as Barwin was still learning to play defensive end.  He really took off when the team switched to a 3-4 and used him as an outside pass rusher.  The  big miss in this draft was their 4th round pick of Anthony Hill who was released and now plays for the Colts.  Antoine Caldwell hasn’t played to the level of a third round pick, but at least he was able to provide a little production. The rest of this class was very solid with two pro bowl caliber players in Cushing and Barwin and nice later choices of Quin, Casey, McCain, and Nolan.

1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck QB Stanford
I like Andrew Luck, and he perfectly fits the mold of what you look for in a franchise QB. My only issue is, when you have a chance to get 3-4 first round picks for someone, you have to at least consider it, especially when you have Peyton Manning on the roster. In my opinion this pick should be traded to the Browns. The Colts get 2 2012 first round picks, a first rounder from 2013, and a mid round pick or Colt McCoy. They could use these picks to address the offensive line need, and also get a strong developmental QB to put behind PM for a year or two (unless the Browns value McCoy too much). However, I can see the interest in a guy like this, and I hope we don’t see a repeat of what happened to Stafford.

Keep reading the 3 Round NFL Mock 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:  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.

GRADING SYSTEM
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:  Jake Locker QB, Washington - 542 Passing Yds, 4 TDs, O INTS, 9 Rush Yds
Analysis: The Titans weren’t expecting to have to use Locker this season after signing Hasselbeck, but he ended up appearing in a few games and looked very good.  He didn’t appear in enough games to warrant a higher grade.  Locker will likely be their starter in 2012.
Grade: 3.5/5

Round 2:  Akeem Ayers LB, UCLA - 76 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis:  Ayers earned a starting  spot and played well his rookie season.  A very solid pick for the Titans.
Grade: 4/4

Round 3: Jurrell Casey DT, USC: 52 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis:  Casey was an excellent third round choice and appears set for a starting gig in ’12.
Grade: 3/3

Round 4:  Colin McCarthy LB, Miami - 68 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 INT
Analysis: McCarthy went on a tear at about midseason and was racking up the tackles faster than green grass through a goose.  Looks likle another future starter for this defense.
Grade: 2/2

Round 4: Jamie Harper RB, Clemson - 44 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 4 Receptions, 32 Yds.
Analysis: Harper got a little playing time as the third stringer in Tennessee but their running game struggled all season, and he really didn’t do much.
Grade: 1/2

Round 5: Karl Klug DT/DE, Iowa - 20 Tackles, 7 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles
Analysis:  7 Sacks and two forced fumbles from a 5th round pick? Any team in the league will take that.
Grade: 2/1

Round 6:  Byron Stingily OT, Louisville -  0 Games Played
Analysis:  Didn’t play so no grade.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7:  Zach Clayton DT, Auburn – 3 tackles
Analysis: Clayton appeared in a few games and made some tackles but not enough to warrant any points.
Grade: 0/0

Round 7: Tommie Campbell DB, Califonria, PA - 8 Tackles, 1 forced Fumble
Analysis:  Campbell earned playing time and made a couple plays.  Titans have to be excited about his potential.
Grade: .5/0

TOTAL SCORE   15.5/17
FINAL GRADE: 91%   A-

Analysis:  This was a great class for the Titans.  While he didn’t play much this season, Jake Locker will be their quarterback of the future.  In addition to that they also landed 4 potential starters on their defense.  If the Titans become contenders in the next few years this class will be a big reason why.

Other Grades:
Day 1: Carolina Panthers
Day 2: Denver Broncos
Day 3: Buffalo Bills
Day 4: Cincinnati Bengals
Day 5: Arizona Cardinals
Day 6: Atlanta Falcons
Day 7: San Francisco 49ers

GRADING SYSTEM
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: Patrick Peterson CB, LSU - 64 Tackles, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 699 Punt Return Yds, 4 TDs
Analysis:  Peterson actually struggled in coverage for most of the season but still racked up the tackles.  Where he made his biggest impact was at punt returns.  Peterson was an absolute beast scoring 4 times, and always giving the opposing team something to worry about.  The Cardinals got a game changer.
Grade: 5.5/5

Round 2:  Ryan Williams RB, Va. Tech –
Analysis:  Williams was hurt in the preseason so it isn’t fair to grade him on the full 4 point scale, but we can’t totally throw out the grade either. So……..
 Grade: 0/2

Round 3:  Rob Housler TE, Florida Atlantic – 12 Rec, 133 Yds
Analysis: The Cardinals brought in Todd Heap this offseason so the likely weren’t expecting a ton out of Housler but his 12 receptions for 133 yds, is below average production for an early third round choice.
Grade: 1/3

Round 4: Sam Acho OLB, Texas - 40 Tackles, 7 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles
Analysis: Acho came on about halfway in the season and blossomed into a pass rushing force.  He looks to be inline for a starting gig next season.
Grade: 3/2

Round 5: Anthony Sherman FB – UCONN – 3 Rush yds, 8 Receptions, 72 Yds
Analysis:  Sherman started seven games and did a good job in pass protection and opening up holes for Beanie and company.  He also caught the occassional pass.
Grade: 1/1

Round 6: Quan Sturdivant LB, UNC -  No stats
Analysis: Sturdivant couldn’t find his way onto the field this season.
Grade: 0/0

Round 6: David Carter DT, UCLA – 16 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis:  Carter appeared in all 16 games, and played well enough to earn even more playing time in 2012.
Grade: 1/0

Round 7:  DeMarco Sampson WR, San Diego St. – 3 Receptions, 36 Yds.
Analysis: Sampson appeared in 12 games and caught 3 balls, not bad for a day 3 pick.
Grade: .5/0

TOTAL SCORE   12/13
FINAL GRADE: 92% A

Analysis:  The Cardinals had a very solid draft this year.  Patrick Peterson is a game changer as a return man and will only get better in coverage in year two.  Housler was a bit of a disappointment but Acho was a 4th round steal.  Williams being out skews the grade and the system a bit, but this class is chalk full of future starters for this team.

Other Grades:
Day 1: Carolina Panthers
Day 2: Denver Broncos
Day 3: Buffalo Bills
Day 4: Cincinnati Bengals

GRADING SYSTEM
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: AJ Green WR, Georgia - 65 Rec, 1,057 Receiving Yds, 7 TDs, 53 Rushing Yds
Analysis: A lot of draft gurus figured Green would be a great receiver, but no one expected it to happen so soon.  Green found a connection with fellow rookie Andy Dalton and put up one of the better rookie receiving seasons in recent memory.
Grade: 6/5

Round 2:  Andy Dalton QB, TCU - 3,398 Passing Yds, 20 TD, 13 INT, 152 Rushing Yds, 1 TD
Analysis:  Dalton came in took over the starting job and played very well for most of the season.  He appears to be the Bengals answer at the QB position for years to come.  Excellent pick.
Grade: 5/4

Round 3:  Dontay Moch OLB, Nevada - No Stats
Analysis: Coulnd’t crack the starting lineup or even appear in a game, had issues with migraines.
Grade: 0/3

Round 4: Clint Boling G, Georgia - 3 Starts
Analysis: Boling appeared in 6 games and started half of them, decent production from a 4th rounder.
Grade: 1.5/2

Round 5: Robert Sands S, W. Virginia - No Stats
Analysis:  Like Moch, Sands had problems getting on the field, but did appear in one game.
Grade: 0/1

Round 6: Ryan Whalen WR, Stanford - 4 Rec, 24 yds
Analysis: Appeared in 4 games, caught a few balls, could be worse.
Grade: 0.25/0

Round 7:  Korey Lindsey CB, Southern Illinois - Released
Analysis:
Grade: 0/0

Round 7: Jay Finley RB, Baylor - Released
Analysis: 
Grade: 0/0

TOTAL SCORE   12.75/15  85%
FINAL GRADE: B

Analysis:  The Bengals knocked their first two picks out of the park.  AJ Green is on the way to becoming an elite receiver in this league and Dalton should be the Bengals QB for the next 10 years.  They didn’t get much out of their mid round picks this season but Moch, Boling, and Sands are all guys who will compete for playing time next season.  This was truly a great draft by the Bengals.

Other Grades:
Day 1: Carolina Panthers
Day 2: Denver Broncos
Day 3: Buffalo Bills