Grading The 2009 NFL Draft – AFC North
Which Franchises Made The Best Moves In The Draft?
After last season it was clear that only two teams were able to win out in the AFC North. However after some crafty selections in the draft the Bengals and Browns could start to compete this upcoming season.
Did The Steelers Select Any Possible Starters?
The defending champions needed very few starters to add to their superbowl ready roster for the upcoming season. There biggest needs were on both the offensive line, which was extremely poor last season, and a player that could play as a rotation at defensive tackle.
By adding the Missouri defensive tackle Evander “Ziggy” Hood and offensive lineman Kraig Urbik the Steelers have selected two players who could develop into starters within the next couple of seasons. Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, two cornerbacks selected in the third and fifth round respectively, will be in competition to secure a cornerback berth in the dime package.
Overall Grade: B+
What Was Mangini Playing At With The Browns Draft?
The Cleveland Browns made some of the more surprising decisions on the first day of the draft. The franchise, which originally had a top 5 pick, chose to trade down not one, not twice but three times to the 21st overall selection. At this point they chose center Alex Mack whom Eric Mangini hopes will be the constant for the Browns over the next decade.
However, Mangini made some cracking selections from then on. By picking Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi the Browns now have two talented wideouts for the future, which could facilitate a trade for Braylon Edwards later in the pre-season. Their will be pressure on David Veikune to have an immediate effect on the defensive line. However, the biggest steal was the selection of USC linebacker Kaluka Maiava who has the ability to play on both the strong and weakside in the position.
Overall Grade: B+
Did The Ravens Pull Off Another Magical Draft?
Last year GM Ozzie Newsome worked wonders by selecting QB Joe Flacco who helped to lead the Ravens to the AFC Championship game last season. This year the Ravens pulled off a steal by trading up to get OT Michael Oher with the 23rd overall pick. Oher will become an intergral part of the Ravens system helping provide blocking for both the run game and in pass protection.
The Ravens one downfall, however, was the failure to pick up a wide receiver who could play opposite Derrick Mason.
Overall Grade: B
Will The Bengals Improve This Year?
The Bengals made two fantastic selections in the first two rounds of this year’s draft. The OT Andre Smith may have had his problems at the Combine but he is an undoubted talent and was arguably the best tackle available in the draft, he will be an immediate starter and will help the Bengals running game no end.
The Bengals also managed to steal heavy hitting linebacker Rey Maualuga in the second round when many had the USC star being selected in the middle of the first round. The combination of Maualuga and Keith Rivers at linebacker should mean the Bengals have formed the heart of their defence for the best part of the next decade.
The Bengals used their other picks to accumulate players that could challenge for a starting role. The most intriguing selection was TE Chase Coffman, who many believe could develop in a receiving TE in the same ilk as Jason Witten.
Overall Grade: B
What do you think about this article?
Comments
Latest Articles