The 2009 NFL Draft is in the books, and it’s time to take a look at how each team did. handing out grades and dishing out analysis on the best picks, worst picks, and steals for all 32 teams. We’re going to break it all down, division by division, starting with the AFC East.
Grade: B+
Best: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Maybin is easily their best pick. He’s a fantastic athlete with a high motor, and he can instantly improve their success at getting to the quarterback.
Worst: Nic Harris, S/LB, Oklahoma
Harris has good athleticism, but he’s not just transitioning to the NFL-he’s transitioning to a new position. He’s only a fifth rounder, but it’s unclear if he has the ability to pan out as a linebacker.
Steal: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi
Nelson was one of my top five tight ends, so to see him fall to the fourth round was an absolute shock. Nelson has good hands and athleticism, and was one of the fastest tight ends in the draft. He slipped due to his less than ideal blocking skills, but should prove to be an immediate asset of quarterback Trent Edwards.
Summary:
The Bills made good use of their selections, choosing five players out of their eight picks that could potentially be starters for the coming season. They addressed a lot of needs, and added good talent at tight end, as well as improved their putrid pass rush.
Grade: C+
Best: Pat White, QB/WR, West Virginia
It may have been a slight reach, but they got the perfect player for their style of offense. People may be prepared for what the Dolphins were running last season, but it could be a whole new ball game with White in the mix.
Worst: Patrick Turner, WR, USC
Turner has good size and hands, but only average speed. He’s a fairly raw receiver, and may have benefited from the talent around him. Former USC failures, Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett make this a scary pick.
Steals: Brian Hartline, WR, Ohio State
Some would argue that Hartline and Turner are interchangeable here, but I think Miami is getting good value with the Buckeye in the fourth round. Hartline has the makings of a poised possession receiver, while possessing the ability to take over return duties, allowing Ted Ginn to focus on playing receiver.
Summary:
Miami addressed their secondary (CBs Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, S Chris Clemons) and receiver positions by adding some solid talent with good potential, while getting their x-factor for their offense, Pat White. They didn’t add much depth to their linebacker corps or defensive line, so they don’t earn a solid B.
New England Patriots
Grade: A
Best Pick: Darius Butler, CB, UConn
Butler provides great depth to a position that, despite losing a corner every year, seems to always perform. Butler is a speedy, gifted corner who should serve as a back-up or as the third corner for his first year. Truly an elite talent at the corner position.
Worst Pick: None
Steals: Julian Edelman, QB, Kent State
Edelman was a phenom at Kent State, and could be a huge part of New England’s version of the “Wildcat” offense.
Summary:
Bill Belichick continues to work his genius, as he pulled all the right moves to get the Patriots four second rounders. They address their secondary and defensive line (Boston College’s Ron Brace, Kentucky’s Myron Pryor, and Georgia Tech’s Darryl Richard), while also grabbing a truly intriguing prospect in Edelman.
Grade: C+
Best: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
With Favre out of the picture for good after his release, it’ll either come down to Mark Sanchez or Kellen Clemens. In other words, Sanchez should be the starter for 2009.
Worst: None
Steal: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
Greene was an extremely productive back for Iowa in the Big Ten, and could prove to be an excellent complement to Thomas Jones in 2009. Regardless of whatever happens this season, he’s a good investment for a future without Jones or Leon Washington.
Summary:
Despite only having three picks after trading up to get both Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene, the Jets selected two offensive players who can help now if needed, but will surely be starters in the future. They still need to find another starting receiver.
