Atlanta Falcons
Picks
1 – Julio Jones – WR – Alabama
3 – Akeem Dent – LB – Georgia
5 – Jacquizz Rodgers – RB – Oregon State
6 – Matt Bosher – K/P – Miami
7 – Andrew Jackson – OG – Fresno State
7 Â - Cliff Matthews – DE – South Carolina
Analysis:
The Falcons made a splash by trading up for Julio Jones. WR is a need and they got Matt Ryan another big target to throw to. I like the Rodgers pick as he was great value and will get a lot of playing time as a rookie. Dent was a solid pick as was Jackson. I don’t like any team that drafts punters or kickers and I’m not a fan of Cliff Matthews. There is still a need for more corners and a defensive end.
Grade: B
Carolina Panthers
Picks
1 – Cam Newton – QB – Auburn
3 – Terrell McClain – DT – South Florida
3 – Sione Fua – DT – Stanford
4 – Brandon Hogan – CB – West Virginia
5 – Kealoha Pilares – WR – Hawaii
6 – Lawrence Wilson – LB – Connecticut
6 – Zach Williams – OG – Washington State
7 – Lee Ziemba – OT – Auburn
Analysis:
The Panthers addressed their biggest need by drafting Cam Newton, however he has huge bust potential. I don’t like either of the two DT’s they picked. McClain is overrated and Fua was a reach. Hogan was a good pick but has major off-field issues. Pilares was a reach. I like Wilson and the late round OL are good value but won’t be starting any time soon.
Grade: C
New Orleans Saints
Picks
1 – Cameron Jordan – DE – California
1 – Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama
3 – Martez Wilson – LB – Illinois
3 – Johnny Patrick – CB – Louisville
7 – Greg Romeus – DE – Pittsburgh
7 – Nate Bussey – LB – Illinois
Analysis:
The Saints had some great picks in this years draft. Both Jordan and Ingram we’re steals in the first. I’m not a fan of Wilson but he was definitely worth a gamble in the 3rd. Patrick is a solid player that will add depth. Greg Romeus was also worth a late round flier. Solid overall draft.
Grade: B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Picks
1 – Adrian Clayborn – DE – Iowa
2 – Da’Quan Bowers – DE – Clemson
3 – Mason Foster – LB – Washington
4 – Luke Stocker – TE – Tennessee
5 – Ahmad Black – S – Florida
6 – Allen Bradford – RB – USC
7 – Anthony Gaitor – CB – Florida International
7 – Daniel Hardy – TE – Idaho
Analysis:
The Bucs biggest need was upgrading their pass-rush and they did just that. However, both Clayborn and Bowers are big risks. Bowers because of his knee and Clayborn because he’s really a strong side end or a 3-4 end. He won’t help the pass-rush much. Foster was a great pick, as was Stocker. I like Ahmad Black and Gaitor as well late.
Grade: B
