It’s impossible to gauge how well a team did in the NFL Draft only a day later. You must wait a couple years until the class’s potential is realized or until the players prove they can’t play. It’s pure folly to grade any team now.
So we’ll do it anyway.
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Winners
Oakland » This is unreal; the Raiders were … smart! No wild reach with their annual high pick this time around. Linebacker Rolando McLain could be a mainstay for years. No red flags with this pick. They waited until the fourth round to take Bruce Campbell, and we like receiver Jacoby Ford in that same round. Plus, they upgraded at quarterback with the trade for Jason Campbell.
Baltimore » Ozzie Newsome put on his usual clinic. There is concern over Texas linebacker/end Sergio Kindle‘s health, but if he’s fine, then they got a first-round talent in the second round and added more picks by trading down. They landed good value in each round — including defensive tackle Terrence Cody — which is hard to do.
Seattle » The Seahawks acquired running backs LenDale White and Leon Washington in trades to cap off a nice weekend. But the first two picks were terrific: tackle Russell Okung and safety Earl Thomas. Some experts considered them the best at their positions in this draft.
Losers
Jacksonville » The Jaguars reached on their first three picks, starting with defensive lineman Tyson Alualu. Want him? Then trade down a few spots, get more picks and still get your guy. But he wasn’t good value at No. 10. No, no, no.
Denver » It comes down to what you think of quarterback Tim Tebow. He went from being a three-year project to a first-round pick way too fast. He was productive, yes, but he still has a long way to go.
Chicago » The Bears lacked picks in the first and second round. Though they were active in free agency, they still need help up front and anyone they picked won’t provide much impact. That’s not good in a situation in which the coaches and front office might not get another year.
