Grading The 2009 NFL Draft: NFC North
Which Franchise(s) Made The Best Moves In The Draft?
Apr 30, 2009
Four weeks ago the big talking point in the NFC North was the acquisition of Jay Cutler at QB for the Chicago Bears. With this acquisition the Bears were installed as favourites to lift the NFC North crown. However after the draft the division has been thrown wide open.
Did The Bears Find A WR Threat?
The key component which the Bears looked to add in the draft was a potential threat for Jay Cutler to throw to. However after trading away their first round pick, the Bears were always going to struggle to pick a quality college wideout. That said the third round selection of Juaquin Iglesias must be seen as a positive move. He will become a good second or third receiver and will add depth behind Devin Hester.
Despite having no first day picks the Bears still selected players to fill the voids on their roster for the 2009 season. In fact the selections of cornerback DJ Moore and free safety Al Afalava should provide good depth for both secondary and special team units.
A (including Jay Cutler)
Overall Grade:
Did The Packers Address Their Needs In The Draft?
It must be said that while the Bears added a franchise QB, the Packers added undoubted talent to their defence ahead of the transition to a 3-4 scheme this season. The selection with the 9th pick of B.J. Raji was vital as the Pack now have a player who can play Nose Tackle from day one. But more significantly was the trade back up into the first round to select Clay Matthews (the USC OLB). Though some may be concerned about giving up both their second and two third round picks to get him; Matthews has the potential to be the perfect compliment to Aaron Kampman at outside linebacker.
Not only did the Pack add likely defensive starters, the 4th round selection of tackle Jamon Meredith represents great value as some teams had this player projected as being selected at the start of the 3rd round; if not the late picks in the 2nd round.
A
Overall Grade:
Have The Vikings Taken A Huge Gamble?
The Vikings made two intriguing selections on draft weekend by selecting both Percy Harvin (22nd pick) and Phil Loadholt (54th pick). Both players have question marks over their character but if Brad Childress can keep them in check then the Vikings can become one of the most talented outfits in the whole of the NFL. Harvin offers a great threat to either Tavaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfals while Loadholt will solidify the offensive line giving more lanes for Adrian Peterson to rush down.
With so few selections over the weekend the Vikings will certainly be happy as they not only added starters but also depth in the secondary with Asher Allen and Jamarca Sanford.
B+
Overall Grade:
How Did The Lions Fare?
The headline from the draft was the 1st selection in the draft of QB Matthew Stafford. If the Lions coach him right and don't rush him into starting, Stafford can only enhance the pitiful Lions. However whether Stafford is worth $78 million is yet to be seen. The clever pick of Brandon Pettigrew (TE) will add another dimension to the offensive game. In fact, the Lions were so poor that adding any player was going to strengthen the roster. The likes of Louis Delmas will develop into a starting cornerback while drafted players such as Aaron Brown will provide good depth.
The Lions are unlikely to improve immediately but their draft is a step in the right direction.
B-
Overall Grade:
