We’ve gone through draft grades for the AFC East and AFC North, and now it’s time to give our take on how we think the teams from the loaded AFC South did in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Grade: B-
Best: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Cushing is perfect for either outside linebacker position, and has enough versatility to be used in the middle, as well. He plays with a head of steam, delivering nasty hits, and is reliable in coverage. Cushing is still a bit raw, but has a lot of promise in Houston’s growing defense.
Worst: Brice McCain, CB, Utah
While McCain has outstanding speed, he lacks the coverage skills to be an every-down corner. He’s rather small in stature, as well, and despite being an elite athlete, may never end up being more than a nickel performer.
Steal: James Casey, TE, Rice
Casey was drafted at the tight end position, but to say he is just a tight end would be doing him a tremendous disservice. He possesses great athleticism, hands, and size, and should find himself making plays for Houston one way, or another.
Summary:
The Texans solidified their defense, giving an added boost to their pass rush with Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin. They also added depth behind Owen Daniels, nabbing a blocking tight end, as well as the versatile Casey. However, they failed to land any marquee players throughout the rest of the draft.
Grade: B
Best: Fili Moala, DT, USC
Moala is a slightly underrated talent on the inside of the defensive line, and is a great pick-up near the end of the second round. He’s a big body with flashes of excellent athleticism. If he can become a more consistent force inside, the Colts could have the type of player they used to have in Corey Simon.
Worst: Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
I like Painter’s potential, but based off the talent pool at quarterback, this pick was basically a toss-up. Most of the other passers has legit talent, but had minor question marks. Taking a risk on a more accurate and productive passer like Missouri’s Chase Daniel would have been sexier.
Steal: Austin Collie, WR, BYU
He isn’t blazing fast, but there’s few receivers in this draft that ran better routes or have softer hands. Collie will fit in perfectly as a complement to Reggie Wayne, and could prove to be effective either working from the slot, or eventually lining up as the number two option.
Summary:
The Colts did a fine job of beefing up their defensive line by drafting two defensive tackles in Moala and Michigan’s Terrance Taylor, while also getting competition for Joseph Addai at running back with first-round pick Donald Brown of UConn. Austin Collie could prove to be a big steal, as he gives them a reliable weapon, as well as extra depth at receiver.
Grade: B+
Best: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
If there was one need the Jaguars needed to address, it was their offensive line. After going through the motions on offense with a patch-work line, the Jaguars can finally rest easy with a stud like Monroe manning one side of the line.
Worst: Derek Cox, CB, William & Mary
The Jaguars reached a bit on Cox in the third round, going after his good size and tempting speed. However, he doesn’t have great coverage skills, and routinely drops interceptions. He’s too raw to expect major contributions from him in his first season or so.
Steal: Jarett Dillard, WR, Rice
Dillard was as prolific as they come in college, and brings solid size and athleticism to a team starving for help at receiver. Despite the team drafting Arizona’s Mike Thomas ahead of him, as well as signing free agent Torry Holt, Dillard’s natural ability and skill set should get him on the field plenty in his rookie season.
Summary:
By drafting Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, the Jaguars found two stellar offensive tackles for the future, and quite possibly right away. Their horrid offensive line from last season appears to be a thing of the past, which is great news for David Garrard, as well as their run game.
Jarett Dillard could prove to be a better selection than the receiver before him, Mike Thomas, while Rashad Jennings gives them another back that can work on the goal-line and in short yardage situations.
Jacksonville did a lot of good in this draft, but could have used a stud linebacker or defensive tackle to work with.
Grade: B
Best: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Cook has the potential to turn into the next Antonio Gates. He has excellent size and speed for the position, while also possessing soft, reliable hands. He could stand to improve his blocking, but in the end, could prove to be a grand investment.
Worst: Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State
While I like Ringer as an athlete and college runner, he doesn’t project all that well in the NFL. Not just that, but the Titans already have two burners at the position, as well as a bruiser in LenDale White. It was only a fifth round pick, but they probably could have added depth elsewhere.
Steal: Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss
The last thing the Titans should be concerned about is their defense. However, passing over the underrated McRath would have been a mistake. McRath has elite talent, and could prove to be a valuable addition to an already solid linebacker corps.
Summary:
Adding Kenny Britt and Jared Cook will instantly help their pass attack become more balanced and improve on last year’s numbers. Britt is a reliable receiver, while Cook should be able to stretch the field immediately as a receiver off the line. They drafted solid overall depth at several positions, but didn’t seem to be too worried about a future replacement to both Vince Young and Kerry Collins. Tulane tackle Troy Kropog, a fourth-round pick, was a solid addition to the offensive line, as well.
