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. Today its the Arizona Cardinals turn.
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
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