With the 2011 regular season freshly over it is time to go back and evaluate every team’s draft classes based on performance this year. I will use a formula to grade each pick and calculuate a final grade for each team. The New England Patriots are up today.
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: Nate Solder OT, Colorado – 13 Games Started
Analysis: Solder was a bit of a surprise pick at #17 as his stock seemed to be pointing down before the Draft. He played very well for the Pats and could be their left tackle of the future.
Grade: 5.5/5
Round 2: Ras I Dowling CB, Virginia – 3 Tackles
Analysis: Three tackles from the 33rd overall pick is a very bad return on such a high investment.
Grade: 0/4
Round 2: Shane Vereen RB, CAL – 57 Rushing Yds, 1 TD
Analysis: I thought this was a bad pick on draft day and after year one, I look to be correct.
Grade: 0/4
Round 3: Stevan Ridley RB, LSU – 441 Rushing Yds, 1 TD, 3 Receptions, 13 Yds
Analysis: Ridley got a decent amount of carries and proved he is an NFL caliber back. He also added a little in the return game.
Grade: 2.25/3
Round 3: Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas – No games played
Analysis: Mallett played well in the preseason but didn’t get a snap in the regular season, just as the Patriots hoped.
Grade: 1/3
Round 5: Marcus Cannon OT, TCU – 7 Games Played
Analysis: Cannon overcame cancer and appeared in 7 games.
Grade: .5/1
Round 5: Lee Smith TE, Marshall – 4 Receptions, 11 Yds
Analysis: Smith’s measely production came for the Bills as he was released by the Patriots.
Grade: 0/1
Round 6: Markell Carter LB, Central Arkansas – No Stats
Analysis: Carter did not appear in any games this year.
Grade:0/0
Round 7: Malcolm Williams CB, TCU – No Stats
Analysis: Williams didn’t do diddly in year one.
Grade: 0/0
Undrafted: Sterling Moore S, Southern Methodist - 7 Tackles, 2 INTs
Analysis: Moore earned playing time late in the season and had two interceptions. He also made two huge plays in th AFC Title game that helped the Pats get to the Super Bowl.
Grade: 1/0
TOTAL SCORE: 10.25/ 21
FINAL GRADE: 49% F
Analysis: This grading system is a little harsh to the Patriots draft class but that is because they whiffed on both second rounders. Sure Dowling and Vereen will likely become more productive in year two, but this is soley based on the 2011 season. They nailed their first pick as Nate Solder looks like he can be their left tackle of the future. Stevan Ridley is also a positive, as he showed he can be a capable back in this league. They also got a steal in Marcus Cannon who should battle for a starting spot in year two, and undrafted safety Sterling Moore has helped this team improve its terrible pass defense, since earning playing time late in the season. Ryan Mallett will either become Brady’s backup or they’ll flop him for draft picks. This class’ grade will undoubtedly improve over time but the return after this first year was pretty awful.
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