Draft report card: Graders get an F, Falcons get 3 to 5 years

[Statick]

Draft report card: Graders get an F, Falcons get 3 to 5 years

8:12 pm April 25, 2010, by Jeff Schultz

I was going to start this by saying what a stupid exercise it is for media members to “grade” an NFL teams’ drafts every year, and then I found something written by Rob Rang of CBS Sports that supplies the perfect analogy:

“Grading a draft immediately after it concludes is akin to giving your compliments to the chef before the meal has been served. Sure, the food might sound good (or bad) based on the ingredients listed on the menu, but the true review can’t be done until after the product has been tested.”

Think about it. I’ve had 17,000 plates of fettucini alfredo in my [ever-shortening] life. Sometimes, I wanted to marry it. Other times, I want to use it as spackle. Now, I may know my body NEEDS fettucini alfredo (go with it). But can I really give myself an A for making the right choice of fettucini alfredo on the menu, especially when the name of the restaurant is “Pedro’s”?

That didn’t come out right. But the point is, while I can know the Falcons need help at outline linebacker and on the defensive and offensive lines, I can’t know if Thomas Dimitroff picked the right players until after we’ve seen them play?.

You might’ve noticed: There’s no scoreboard at drafts.

And, dude: Please don’t come to the table with: “The guy shouldn’t have been drafted. EVERBODY knows it. I heard it on ESPN!”

Here’s what I know: The non-experts don’t know because the fact is even the experts don’t really know. Every year there are first-round busts and sixth-round Pro Bowlers. Drafts take three to five years to accurately judge.

All we can do is judge whether our team seemed to fill the right positions and didn’t do anything obviously stupid, like draft a player with five kids, seven DUIs or ever once uttered the phrase, “I see nothing wrong with dog fighting.”

So with that as a backdrop, I’ve compiled a list of “grades” from “experts.” They range from B to C-minus. They are for entertainment purposes only.

But before getting to the report cards, following is some actual serious analysis from a guy named Nolan Nawrocki, a respected draft analyst from Pro Football Weekly. Here’s his take on each of the Falcons’ seven draft picks:

♦ Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri: With Mike Peterson aging and playing undisciplined football, Weatherspoon adds youth to the Falcons’ linebacking unit. He is big, fast and flies to the ball. His play dropped off as a senior after he bulked up, but he looked much more comfortable after dropping weight at the Senior Bowl. The biggest challenge he will face upon entering the pros will be keeping his ego in check and not alienating veterans in the locker room.

♦ Corey Peters, DT, Kentucky: The Falcons concentrated on shoring up the the middle of their defense with the selections of Weatherspoon and Peters. Peters is a developmental three-technique with the quickness to add some value on third downs. With the injuries that struck the interior defensive line last season, depth was much needed.

♦ Mike Johnson, G, Alabama: With Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo restricted free agents and Justin Blalock entering a contract year, the Falcons needed some depth on the right side of their line, and Mike Johnson could provide it. He was a versatile performer on a national championship line and has the toughness and competitiveness to function ably in the NFL’s trenches.

♦ Joe Hawley, C, UNLV: The Falcons had a need in the middle of their line with Todd McClure aging, and they may have found a suitable replacement in Hawley . He may not look the part, but he is tough, scrappy and competitive and has the type of football temperament to play in the NFL a long time. He could also provide depth at guard, where he played as a senior.

♦ Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma: Hawley could bring the most value to the Falcons as a return man. He looks the part and has an intriguing physical skill set, but too many inconsistencies showed up on tape in college. He could compete for a job as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner.

♦ Kerry Meier, WR, Kansas: A converted quarterback, [Meier] has the dependable hands to stick as a No. 4 or No. 5 possession receiver with the Falcons, and could bring added value in the locker room with strong intangibles. He should earn a roster spot and has a chance to contribute.

♦ Shann Schillinger, S, Montana: [schillinger] quickly came off the board to the Falcons and has the temperament to make the roster as a special-teams kamikaze.

The judges weigh in with their opinions after a draft pick at Radio City Music Hall in New York Thursday night.

And now, here’s are some of the grades:

♦ Mel Kiper, ESPN (C-minus): “ Sean Weatherspoon is a good outside linebacker and has the strength and size to start and be productive in this league, but after that, it’s a lot of wishful thinking. Corey Peters was a slight reach on my board even at 83 and has a ways to go to improve his skills. Joseph Hawley has a chance to develop, but a pair of guards and no tight end or even a shot at a defensive end surprises me. I don’t see an improved football team. (Note: Kiper also gave out C-minuses to Miami, Denver, Washington and Minnesota. The only team with a lower grade was Jacksonville with a D.”

♦ John Czarnecki, Fox Sports ( (who’s solid and I’ve known for years, going back to NFL beat writing days in Los Angeles): “The Falcons concentrated on filling needs with Missouri OLB Sean Weatherspoon, possibly the most complete linebacker in the draft. He can cover and also rush the passer. To beef up the defensive line, Kentucky DT Corey Peters was taken with the 83rd overall pick and he should be a run stuffer. Alabama guard Mike Johnson is a physical run blocker and gives the Falcons some much needed depth at the position. Johnson started 41 consecutive games and played in a school-record 54 games. You have to remember, too, that the Falcons used a second-round pick on Tony Gonzalez, who paid huge dividends last season to Matt Ryan and the offense. Weatherspoon should be a starter. Guard Joe Hawley provided much-need depth. Oklahoma CB Dominique Franks knows how to play, but does he possess NFL speed and quickness?”

♦ Ross Tucker, Sports Illustrated (he didn’t give grades, just opinions): “What I liked: The selection of Sean Weatherspoon, ranked by some as the top linebacker in the draft, to immediately start at outside linebacker next to tackling machine Curtis Lofton. What I didn’t: The Falcons still don’t have a legitimate pass-rusher opposite John Abraham and even he isn’t the player he used to be. Moving forward: Signing Dunta Robinson in free agency and getting last year’s first round pick, Peria Jerry, back from injury gives this defense enough juice to compete with the New Orleans Saints for the NFC South division title.”

♦ Rob Rang, CBS Sports (B-minus) (who did this despite denouncing the exercise) “The Atlanta Falcons struck gold a few years ago with the selection of undersized linebacker Curtis Lofton in the second round. They went back to the Big 12 for another speedy playmaker with Sean Weatherspoon in the first. Expected to take over the weak-side position, Weatherspoon is ideal in Atlanta’s cover-two scheme, as is third-round pick Corey Peters, an underrated defensive tackle who several teams were targeting. Offensive guard Mike Johnson and center Joe Hawley provide solid depth. Cornerback Dominique Franks slipped to the fifth round, but has the length and straight-line speed to be effective in this scheme.”

♦ Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (B-minus): “Best pick: Third-round guard Mike Johnson is a tough guy from Alabama who will fit right in with the Falcons’ style of linemen. He is insurance for Justin Blalock, who has one year left on his deal. Questionable move: I wasn’t enamored with first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon as much as the Falcons were. I think he’s a bit overrated. Third-day gem: Cornerback Dominique Franks from Oklahoma is a talented player. He does have some character issues. But he could push for time as a nickel corner. Analysis: They were hoping a defensive end fell to them in the first round, but when the top ends went they took Weatherspoon. The rest of the draft was mostly spent trying to improve the defense. They landed some solid players.”

♦ Clifton Brown, The Sporting News (B-minus): “Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon has a chance to fill a need. The defensive line could be improved if defensive tackle Corey Peters contributes, along with defensive tackle Peria Jerry, who missed last season with a knee injury. If they become better on defense, particularly against the pass, the Falcons could return to the playoffs.”

So those are some of the grades.

Care to grade the graders?

[DavyDmx]

This is why I don't pay attention to the so called "experts" anymore because they can only speculate how a player "may" turn out and not offer much more than that. We may not have the "sexy" picks like other teams may have but, we will still be contending for championships long after their star has faded.

[ConnFalcon]

Exactly, 'experts' can say what they want now, but all that really matters is what the players do on the field. I hardly pay any attention to draft grades.

[MattIceRyanMVP2]

draft grades are pointless when you think about it. Judging a teams picks when you never seen them play yet in the NFL...Pretty dumb to me.

[Jesus]

If Weatherspoon comes in and plays, how he acts in the locker room won't matter much. In fact he might be just what our D needs to get up and running.

[The Monarch]

Hawley could bring the most value to the Falcons as a return man.

The only team in the league with a C returning kicks.

[Misznay-Schardin]

2007 Atlanta Falcons Draft Grade - A+, A, or B+ from numerous "experts"

Jamaal Anderson - Epic bust

Justin Blalock - Not all that great

Chris Houston - Bust

Laurent Robinson - Injury case

Stephen Nicholas - Solid OLB

Martrez Milner - Gone

Trey Lewis - Bottom of depth chart

Darren Stone - Nothing

Doug Datish - Gone

Davis Irons - Gone

Jason Snelling - Good back-up

Oh yeah, truly a draft worth remembering. A+ for sure.

[#1 pick]

2007 Atlanta Falcons Draft Grade - A+, A, or B+ from numerous "experts"

Jamaal Anderson - Epic bust

Justin Blalock - Not all that great

Chris Houston - Bust

Laurent Robinson - Injury case

Stephen Nicholas - Solid OLB

Martrez Milner - Gone

Trey Lewis - Bottom of depth chart

Darren Stone - Nothing

Doug Datish - Gone

Davis Irons - Gone

Jason Snelling - Good back-up

Oh yeah, truly a draft worth remembering. A+ for sure.

Jamaal Anderson - Still has good potential, been a bust so far.

Justin Blalock - Had a very good 08 season, took steps back last season but still our best O-Lineman talent wise.

Chris Houston - Played very average football, wasn't a Cover 2 CB. The Lions defensive scheme is a better fit.

Laurent Robinson - Injury case who had good potential

Stephen Nicholas - Solid OLB

Martrez Milner - We drafted him way too soon but the TE that year was weak

Trey Lewis - Talented but is always hurt, likely to be cut.

Darren Stone - Better at Sport Science stuff and not so much Football. He's sucked for the Ravens too.

Doug Datish - Injury cut his lack of career short.

David Irons - He was solid at the nickel but injury and incoming talent got him in.

Jason Snelling - Good back, one of our best picks in this draft.

[Tootie Quivers]

2007 Atlanta Falcons Draft Grade - A+, A, or B+ from numerous "experts"

Jamaal Anderson - Epic bust

Justin Blalock - Not all that great

Chris Houston - Bust

Laurent Robinson - Injury case

Stephen Nicholas - Solid OLB

Martrez Milner - Gone

Trey Lewis - Bottom of depth chart

Darren Stone - Nothing

Doug Datish - Gone

Davis Irons - Gone

Jason Snelling - Good back-up

Oh yeah, truly a draft worth remembering. A+ for sure.

+1

The only value we got in that entire draft was with Snelling. He was definately worth the 7th round pick. Blalock is ok, but looking back has 3rd value. Houston and Anderson are 5th to 6th round picks. Nicholas got picked where he should have.

[Misznay-Schardin]

Jamaal Anderson - Still has good potential, been a bust so far.

Justin Blalock - Had a very good 08 season, took steps back last season but still our best O-Lineman talent wise.

Chris Houston - Played very average football, wasn't a Cover 2 CB. The Lions defensive scheme is a better fit.

Laurent Robinson - Injury case who had good potential

Stephen Nicholas - Solid OLB

Martrez Milner - We drafted him way too soon but the TE that year was weak

Trey Lewis - Talented but is always hurt, likely to be cut.

Darren Stone - Better at Sport Science stuff and not so much Football. He's sucked for the Ravens too.

Doug Datish - Injury cut his lack of career short.

David Irons - He was solid at the nickel but injury and incoming talent got him in.

Jason Snelling - Good back, one of our best picks in this draft.

The point is that this draft was given an A+, A, or B+. It was considered one of, if not the best draft that year. What have we gotton in return? A solid OLB, a good back-up RB, and a LG who hasn't been all that great? With that many picks, most of them being at the top of their rounds, it turned out to be a terrible draft. Out of that entire draft, we only have 2 average starters and a bunch of busts and wash outs. So why should we take our "D" or "C-" rated draft rating serious?

[#1 pick]

The point is that this draft was given an A+, A, or B+. It was considered one of, if not the best draft that year. What have we gotton in return? A solid OLB, a good back-up RB, and a LG who hasn't been all that great? With that many picks, most of them being at the top of their rounds, it turned out to be a terrible draft. Out of that entire draft, we only have 2 average starters and a bunch of busts and wash outs. So why should we take our "D" or "C-" rated draft rating serious?

It's a draft grade, pre-playing at that. It never matters unless the team likes it.