The members of the NFC North can all come away feeling pretty good about their acquisitions in the 2009 NFL Draft. Which NFC North member came out the best?
Grade: A
Best: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State
The Bears are all about defense, and now it looks like they’re all about jumping out of pools. Gilbert’s Youtube video sensation was just one reason to love him, while the Bears likely picked him due to his great size and bulk, as well as his outstanding athleticism.
Worst: Derek Kinder, WR, Pittsburgh
Kinder is actually a solid talent with decent measurables and speed, but he’s unlikely to get a fair shake in Chicago. More importantly, this will likely end up being a wasted pick, and the Bears could have taken a chance on a back-up quarterback or running back. Instead, they’re entering the season without a proven player at either.
Steal: Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio State
An underrated prospect, Freeman’s stock dropped due to a down senior year, as well as injury concerns. Freeman is a very athletic and instinctual player, who simply needs time to prove he’s fully healthy, as well as time to develop.
Summary:
If you’re including Jay Cutler as their first round pick (and I am), then this was a fantastic draft by Jerry Angelo and the Chicago Bears. I would have liked to see them grab a quarterback to back-up Cutler, but they clearly were focused on getting their quarterback new options, not getting him a guy to hold a clipboard.
Grade: B
Best: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
He may not start in his first season, but getting a face for their franchise was step one in turning their organization around. Stafford has a great arm and all the tools needed to be a star quarterback in the NFL.
Worst: Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland
While Gronkowski runs well and has solid athleticism, tight end wasn’t a strong need after the Lions nabbed Pettigrew, potentially making this a wasted pick.
Steal: Zack Follett, OLB, California
Follet is probably athletic and aggressive enough to start in the NFL, but his coverage skills could be holding him back. He still has a lot of learning to do, but his awareness and intensity separates him from a lot of other players that were picked ahead of him. He could be a gem.
Summary:
Detroit waited until the end of the draft to get an offensive lineman, and he was a mere project player. That was disappointing. However, they addressed their future at quarterback with Stafford and tight end with Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew, while getting potential role players at receiver (Penn State’s Derrick Williams) and linebacker (Wisconsin’s DeAndre Levy). Louis Delmas could step in right away at safety.
Grade: A
Best: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
While Ryan Pickett is nice, Raji is the ideal size and frame to take on the rigors of the middle of the 3-4. Raji has the strength to take on double-teams, as well as the athleticism and quickness to get after the quarterback. This guy is no Justin Harrell. Write that down.
Worst: Brad Jones, OLB, Colorado
While Jones has solid athleticism and sound versatility, he simply isn’t a great instinctual playmaker, and probably won’t contribute any more than solid special teams play.
Steal: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
Meredith is a big, strong tackle that can play both inside and out. He’s a smart talent that should have gone in rounds 2-3, but dropped to Green Bay, potentially making him a great sleeper.
Summary:
Green Bay did something they never do: trade up. They got two key pieces for their new 3-4 scheme in B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews, while adding some solid depth on their offensive line, which they needed badly. The Packers were clearly focusing on their defense, as they drafted zero skill position players.
Grade: B+
Best: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
It’s a close call between Harvin and Phil Loadholt, but Harvin’s speed and explosiveness are too good to let a tackle beat him as the best pick. Harvin may not run polished enough routes to dominate as a receiver right away, but his natural ability and fluidity should have him making big plays, whether it’s the occasional highlight reel play at receiver, or as a returner.
Worst: Jamarca Sanford, FS, Mississippi
Sanford got the job done in college, but doesn’t possess any elite attributes scouts usually look for. Easily the weakest pick of Minnesota’s five selections, although he has a chance to stick with the team due to their lack of overall depth in their secondary.
Steal: Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina
Minnesota needs another gifted linebacker, and Brinkley fell right into their lap. He’s a nasty hitter and good tackler that shouldn’t have made it past the fourth round.
Summary:
By getting Harvin and mammoth lineman Phil Loadholt, the Vikings addressed two huge issues: receiver, and an aging offensive line. Now Bernard Berrian has the complement he’s been waiting for, while the Vikings can ensure solid protection for whoever their quarterback will be in the future.
Jasper Brinkley and corner Asher Allen rounds out a fine first four selections, while Jamarca Sanford doesn’t offer too much in potential. Overall, the top skill position that needed addressing got it, while the secondary and offensive line got more talent.
