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| 2004 NFL Draft Grades |
| May 6, 2004 |
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Paul Baitinger
Senior Editor
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The Draft Grades are in! While I always give each team a
draft grade immediately following the draft, I usually like to
wait until after each team's mini-camp before I fully evaluate the
grades for the NFL draft. The results are in and of course I
agree with everyone else around the country. The Detroit
Lions were the biggest winners on draft day. Read below to
see who the other winners and losers were. |
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| 1 | Lions Grade: A | Needs: RB, OG, LB, WR, TE, DB
The Lions were the clear draft day winners. Matt Millen is finally getting some love from the media and fans around the nation. The Lions played their cards and were able to finagle the draft very well. They moved down one spot and still landed WR Roy Williams (tied with Winslow atop the Lions' draft board) and received the 38th pick to boot. WR need: Check. Then they held fast and watched Kevin Jones (their top rated RB) slide down the draft board and finally moved up into the first round again to snatch him. RB need: Check. They turned Cleveland's 2nd round pick into LB Teddy Lehman who will push for a starting job at WLB, or MLB in training camp. LB need: Check. They held fast in the third round and ignored need to once again draft the best player on the board, CB Keith Smith. Smith is a tall rangy corner from Joe Dumars' alma matter that could potentially be moved to S. DB need: Check.
Drafting LB Alex Lewis was a bit of surprise as the Lions' ignored their need for help at OG. Lewis could potentially play as a blitzing WLB or SLB. OT Kelly Butler was a steal in the 6th round. He will provide a nice insurance policy at OT and if it weren't for some off-field questions or pass blocking concerns he could have been drafted in round 2. The Lions did well to land tremendous value at positions of need, but still could use help at OG or TE. |
| | | | 2 | 49ers Grade: A- | Needs: WR, QB, TE, DL, CB
San Fran did very well for themselves in this draft. They landed a handsome booty for moving down twice in the first round and still landed a very talented WR in Rashaun Woods. Woods should be able to step in and start right away. They capped off day one in landing a premiere OG in Justin Smiley, a solid CB in Shawntae Spencer, and another big-talented WR in Derrick Hamilton.
Looking at day two the 49ers continued their success. DT Isaac Sopoaga can be a beast and should fit in with the DT rotation right away and Richard Seigler can provide depth at LB. All in all, the 49ers did a good job of retooling. |
| | | | 3 | Cardinals Grade: A- | Needs: DT, DE, QB, RB, WR
Dennis Green and the Cardinals did one heck of a job on draft day. What a difference a year makes! WR Larry Fitzgerald will make their WR crew lethal. Karlos Dansby should help the Cardinals apply pressure on the opposing QB as he can blitz from the LB position and help cover the TE. While Dansby wasn't a real need he was a solid pick. DT Darnell Dockett was a potential steal. Dockett was very disruptive to the opposing offense the entire week of the Senior Bowl.
The Cardinals carried their momentum into the second day as they received good value for a number of picks including Centers Alex Stepanovich and Nick Leckey (both of whom can also play OG). Arizona might have done well to draft a QB higher or at least select a corner, but they did very well for themselves. |
| | | | 4 | Titans Grade: A- | Needs: DE, DT, OL, LB, TE
While some teams in the AFC South stood pat and reached for players or traded back for quantity without getting quality, the Titans did very well for themselves in moving down. They were able to move back and still select TE Ben Troupe a player that they were very interested in drafting in the 1st round. Then they loaded up on help for their DL. DE Travis LaBoy might have been a bit of a reach where they took him, but he has upside. They probably had a tough debate over which player to take first LaBoy or Odom and couldn't pass on Odom when he was still available towards the end of the second round. DT Randy Starks was a real steal in the third round. He reminds me a lot of Kris Jenkins.
The Titans were able to reload and fill their holes on day one and managed to fill out remaining positions of depth on day two. All the while, they manipulated the draft to gain both quantity and quality. |
| | | | 5 | Patriots Grade: A- | Needs: WR, OL, LB, DB, DL
The Patriots got a real gift in watching DT Vince Wilfork fall to them and their coaching staff will certainly get everything they can out of his talents. While I really like Ben Watson at TE and his speed is unmatched at the position, I wonder how many TEs that the Patriots will really make use of? He's joining the team as the 3rd TE on the depth charts. Still, he was decent value where the Pats took him.
After already adding Wilfork at NT, the Patriots did well to land DE Marquise Hill who will enter into their rotation at DE. Safeties Scott and Reid will fit into their system nicely. RB Cedric Cobbs and WR P.K. Sam could develop into future starters. Another solid job by New England. |
| | | | 6 | Vikings Grade: A- | Needs: DE, DT, LB, CB, S
The Vikings didn't botch anything related to the draft this year. In fact they did very well for themselves and weren't shrouded with controversy. Snookering the Vikings for a 3rd rounder to move down 1 pick was impressive. Watching Udeze fall into their lap was very nice. LB Dontarrious Thomas is a talented player that could move outside or help inside if E.J. Henderson continues with a bad back or off-field problems. DE Darrion Scott should help the DE rotation and is insurance in case Udeze's shoulder requires surgery.
OT Nat Dorsey has the potential to be a steal. RB Mewelde Moore is talented, but do the Vikings really need a 4th RB? LB Davis, S Eiland, and TE Dugan all could fill roles on this team. After a draft like this, the Vikings ship should be ready to stay the course for a playoff berth this year. |
| | | | 7 | Falcons Grade: A- | Needs: DE, CB, WR, OL, DT
The Falcons selected the fastest player in the draft in CB DeAngelo Hall. Hall has incredible speed and could become a real playmaker down the road. He may be a bit raw right now, but the skills are there. I also applaud the Falcons for moving up into the end of the 1st round to grab the big, speedy WR, Michael Jenkins. Jenkins should give Vick an added weapon and take some pressure off the rest of the WRs as well as helping the running game. I was a bit surprised to see Atlanta move up into round 3 for Schaub, but the Falcons did need a backup QB and Schaub should fill that role well.
The Falcons also took their momentum into day two and landed great value picks. Of the day two picks, DT Chad Lavalais was probably the best steal for Atlanta. The only knocks are that Atlanta could have used more help at DE or along the OL and didn't address either need. |
| | | | 8 | Bears Grade: B+ | Needs: DT, LB, DE, DB, QB
Da Bears need help along the DL, especially in stopping the run. Boy did they get it. Harris is quick, he kind of reminds me of a young John Randle, and he can certainly help stuff the run and apply pressure up the middle. DT Terry Johnson should team up with him to anchor the middle of the Bears DL for years. Their quickness on the interior should cause problems for opposing teams. WR Bernard Berrian was a solid pick if he can prove that he's 100% healthy and can regain confidence.
Looking at day two, the Bears did very well to select Nathan Vasher who can contribute as a nickel or dime back. Selecting Craig Krenzel is admirable as the dude plays with a ton of heart and smarts. Heck, he grew up near my original hometown so I like him a lot, however, this was a reach pick in terms of NFL skill. |
| | | | 9 | Rams Grade: B+ | Needs: DE, CB, OL, WR, TE
I used to look forward to laughing at the Rams' draft selections. Trung Canidate in the 1st round? Eric Crouch? Reaches like Pickett and Robert Thomas? If the Rams keep drafting like this then I won't be able to make fun of them anymore. Moving up for RB Steven Jackson surprised many, in fact, many people seemed surprised that they took a RB at all. With Faulk breaking down every year, the Rams need his replacement. Jackson should see some playing time this year. Last year the Rams traded their second round pick for this year away for Kyle Turley which was an excellent move. DE Tony Hargrove had wonderful workout numbers and could develop into a starting DE for the Rams despite being academically inelgible last year.
Safety Jason Shivers was a nice 5th round steal and QB Jeff Smoker could develop into a solid QB down the road so both were solid day two selections. The Rams also did a good job in filling depth at LB and OG. |
| | | | 10 | Ravens Grade: B+ | Needs: WR, CB, OL, DT, LB
The Ravens did a good job in the draft despite not having a 1st round pick. Baltimore addressed each of their needs except CB and even made a wise move in trading a 4th round draft pick for veteran WR Kevin Johnson. Landing a proven veteran WR should help this offense.
DT Dwan Edwards should be able to help the DL, while WR Devard Darling possesses a good combo of size and speed. Darling could grow into a quality NFL WR and may be ready to make an impact as the #3 WR. LB Green could push for playing time soon, QB Harris may develop with time, and WRs Moore and Abney have potential. While not spectacular, Baltimore did a nice job filling some holes. Personally, I would have liked to see them grab a DB instead of a third WR in the draft, but WR is a major priority for the team. |
| | | | 11 | Eagles Grade: B | Needs: CB, DT, OL, LB, RB
The Eagles did well for themselves. They traded away a 2nd round pick for T.O. who is a difference making big-play threat that they've been lacking. They moved up to draft the mammoth Shawn Andrews, but traded away a starting OG to do so. Andrews will likely be counted on to play OG and eventually move to RT. His size and road grader mentality should help the running game. Matt Ware was a steal in the third round. He has great size and is a CB/S tweener that should fit in well with the Eagles system, most likely at CB.
The Eagles didn't receive exceptional value for most of their day two picks, but they did well to round out their depth charts. They did manage to draft OG Trey Darilek who's name could easily be mistaken for something right out of Zoolander. In summary, the Eagles did well for themselves with T.O. being the headline grabber. |
| | | | 12 | Saints Grade: B | From St. Louis - Needs: LB, CB, DT, OL, DE
One can't really argue too much with the value the Saints received in the draft. DE Will Smith didn't fill a pressing need, but he will provide New Orleans with a very good 3 person DE rotation. WR Devery Henderson also didn't fit a pressing need, but gives them insurance for more injury problems at WR. Courtney Watson was drafted earlier than expected, but New Orleans needed help for their LB unit.
Of the day two picks, Rodney Leslie should be able to contribute as part of the DT rotation. Still, while New Orleans did well with their first two picks and traded for CB Jason Craft, I'm not convinced that they did enough to upgrade their CB or LB positions. |
| | | | 13 | Panthers Grade: B | Needs: CB, OL, S, TE, WR
Carolina did well to move up a few spots to nab CB Chris Gamble. Their secondary was devastated by free agency and Gamble's athleticism will fit in well on this talented defense. Selecting WR Keary Colbert near the end of the 2nd round was also a nice move. He'll provide insurance for Muhammad or wind up as the 3rd WR. Travelle Wharton should help the OL as that unit also experienced some losses.
The Panthers' day two picks could also develop into future contributors. The Panthers did well to fill some needs and land solid value despite drafting near the end of every round. |
| | | | 14 | Bengals Grade: B | Needs: CB, DE, DT, RB, S
The Bengals did well to trade down in the first round and get Deltha O'Neal to help their secondary. While, he's prone to being beaten, he's also a playmaker and Marvin Lewis will make use of his skills.
The Bengals certainly got a lot of quantity out of this draft. They really filled out their depth charts well, but maybe they could have landed better value as their 1st day picks all went earlier than expected. RB Chris Perry will likely enter into a RB by committee with Johnson. CB Keiwan Ratliff has some return ability and may be the nickel or dime CB. S Madieu Williams could compete for a starting spot in camp.
The Bengals landed a few players with solid upside in day 2 with DT Askew, DE Geathers, and CB Greg Brooks. Each player the Bengals drafted should fit in well on the team, but there is something to be said for landing a real difference maker in the draft rather than just filling depth. |
| | | | 15 | Raiders Grade: B | Needs: OL, QB, RB, WR, S
The Raiders really rebuilt their OL in star fashion. After adding some veterans to the OL they were able to draft a franchise LT and a franchise OC in the first two rounds. Gallery and Grove should keep Gannon upright and should help open holes for the ground game. S Stuart Schweigert went a little earlier than expected considering he needs to improve his tackling, but at least the Raiders added some youth to the FS position and with a guy who is a heady player with good ball skills.
The Raiders didn't add a QB or a RB like many expected, but they did draft two WRs. The first the ultra fast Carlos Francis who is really more of a sub-package WR and the second the athletic Johnnie Morant who has good upside if he can reach his potential. All in all the Raiders did well to fill many holes, but could've used to draft a QB or RB. |
| | | | 16 | Chargers Grade: B | Needs: WR, OL, DL, QB, LB
The Chargers were headed towards disaster with the whole Manning situation, but made out like bandits in the trade. In the end they wound up with the QB that Marty really wanted in Phil Rivers. The Chargers reached a bit with both their second and third round picks. DT Igor Olshansky is a workout warrior with potential, but he's raw. K Nate Keading was the undisputed best kicker in the draft and some team may have drafted him towards the end of the third round, but the Chargers pulled the trigger too early. They should have moved back a bit. Center Nick Hardwick was also a bit of a reach in the third round.
The Chargers recovered from their day 1 reaches by adding a bevvy of talented players that fell on day two. The major concern with this draft class is that San Diego didn't draft a WR to help Rivers. |
| | | | 17 | Jets Grade: B | Needs: LB, CB, DT, OT, WR
The Jets grabbed Vilma a bit earlier than people expected, but I can't fault the pick at all. He is a very talented LB with good speed and instincts. New York traded away their 2nd round pick for McCareins and received a guy who should start for them. CB Derrick Strait is an absolute steal in the 3rd round. He should push for a starting job immediately.
The rest of the draft saw players that could fill out depth and push for playing time down the road. This wasn't a real flashy draft, but the Jets were able to plug some holes. |
| | | | 18 | Steelers Grade: B- | Needs: CB, OT, QB, DL, DB
The Steelers did well with their picks on day one. Roethlisberger fell to them and while he's not expected to make much of a difference this year, he should be their starter heading into camp next year. Colclough has talent and playmaking, but he may be a bit raw to help the secondary right away. At any rate, the Steelers will likely make use of his return skills immediately. Starks could fill out the need for help along the OL and could get the running game moving.
The Steelers' day two picks were underwhelming. All in all they landed good value early with players that should develop, but their day one players won't likely help too much this year. |
| | | | 19 | Browns Grade: C+ | Needs: OL, TE, WR, DB, RB
The Browns really wanted to move up to #4 to grab Sean Taylor and nearly had the deal done. After that fell through, they at least moved up a spot to get their man in Winslow Jr, but the price was steep. Winslow could make the biggest impact of any rookie on offense this year. The Browns also did well to move back into the 2nd round to land a consolation prize in Sean Jones at safety. Jones is a talented player that should help the secondary so while the Browns gave up a lot for Winslow, they at least added another difference maker.
Luke McCown could develop into something down the road, while the rest of the picks will fill depth. The Browns REALLY needed to find help for their OL and failed, so they will be looking for help in terms of veteran free agents that may be released. |
| | | | 20 | Packers Grade: C | Needs: DE, QB, LB, DT, CB
The Packers didn't get great value for standing pat by drafting Ahmad Carroll, but he was a nice playmaker in college. He and Ahman Green can battle for the official title of Batman on the Packers! The Packers may wind up releasing Mike McKenzie due to a contract dispute so Carroll did fit a need. Green Bay also traded down from the 2nd round picking up an extra couple of draft picks in the third round. CB Joey Thomas has good size and speed and could develop into a key player on this team. DT Donnell Washington is a boom-or-bust type player that should help the DT rotation as well and he may even become a star.
The selection of Punter B.J. Sander was too early (day one) for my liking, but the Pack needed a punter and he was the best available. Seventh round pick, Center Scott Wells was a nice grab as he could develop into a starter down the road. Overall the Packers reached a bit in round 1 and late in round 3, but received great value early in round 3. I still think they should have drafted a QB and/or a LB. |
| | | | 21 | Broncos Grade: C | Needs: WR, DL, LB, TE, RB, CB
The Broncos surprised everyone when they passed on a RB in the 1st round for the very athletic LB, D.J. Williams. Williams should fill the void of Ian Gold and could be a monster once he adjusts to the NFL. Tatum Bell is a speedy RB, but isn't proven in the passing game so he will likely be added to a RB by committee approach. WR Watts was a bit of a reach that early as he has a very slender frame, but with time he could develop and help the receiving corps. Jeremy LeSeuer was a nice pick in round 3 as he has good size and could potentially play FS or CB.
The Broncos day two picks weren't overly impressive. They didn't draft a TE to groom to replace Sharpe as many would have expected. Another point to factor in is that the Broncos essentially got Tatum Bell + Champ Bailey for Clinton Portis. A top flight CB is harder to come by than a RB so if Bell contributes anything the Broncos made out well with their trade. Then again, they also drafted Deltha O'Neal in the first round a few years ago and traded him for the rights to move up only 7 picks. |
| | | | 22 | Seahawks Grade: C | Needs: DT, MLB, OLB, WR, DE
The Seahawks started the draft off on the right foot by selecting DT Marcus Tubbs to fill their DT hole. The Seahawks have an aging set of LBs and drafted Michael Boulware, but they expect him to turn into a backup safety. I would differ with Seattle and feel that he's better off as a WLB. OG Sean Locklear could compete for a starting spot in camp.
The Seahawks started day two with a bit of a reach in drafting LB Niko Koutouvides. Still, he'll be counted on as depth this year. D.J. Hackett could turn into a nice find at WR and eventually grow into the 3rd or 4th WR role. In summary the Seahawks did alright for themselves and I'd be more inclined to offer up a better grade if they kept Boulware at LB. |
| | | | 23 | Redskins Grade: C | Needs: DE, DT, TE, S, LB
The Skins selected the best defensive player in the draft in Taylor and he will be a difference maker! At first glance you can look and see that the Redskins have changed dramatically due to this draft. Mark Brunell, Clinton Portis, and Sean Taylor were great bounty for the first three picks. However, the Jags were going to release Brunell and there are other veterans that will be had on the cheap in terms of giving up value. Clinton Portis was traded with a 2nd round pick for Champ Bailey which isn't great value. The Skins traded up to the third round for TE/H-back Chris Cooley. Cooley will fit in well in this system, but might have lasted longer on the draft board.
The Skins drafted two OTs as insurance for Chris Samuels, but neither can be counted on to start anytime soon and will be listed as third on the depth chart. Washington didn't even draft DL help -- sure they signed a few veterans to help the DL, but none of them are expected to make a big impact. Really Washington needed to upgrade their DL and failed. And while they received good players for their trades, they could have given up less to make the deals. |
| | | | 24 | Bills Grade: C | Needs: WR, DB, QB, OL, TE
The Bills were enamored with WR Lee Evans' toughness and his speed. His presence should help the offense tremendously.
The Bills were also fond of J.P. Losman as they lumped him right up there with the other highly ranked QBs as if they were 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. Buffalo raised many an eyebrow around the league for giving up a lot to move up, but it was reported that a few other teams were eyeing him with their first round picks. Therefore, Buffalo moved up quite a few spots to land their man. The jury is still out on whether or not Losman will develop, but he'll get time to learn with Bledsoe around and he'll provide the Bills with a much needed backup QB.
The Bills landed other players who could contribute in spots such as DT Tim Anderson and TE Tim Euhus. Anderson should be more of a 'wave' DT in the NFL and is nice insurance for Willams and Adams. Euhus can catch the ball and has good hands, but he'll need to grow into being a blocker. An interesting undrafted Free Agent to keep an eye on is the mammoth TE/OT Jason Peters. Buffalo did well to address some needs, but didn't land another CB or FS and some criticize them for how much they gave up for Losman even though they moved up so significantly. |
| | | | 25 | Dolphins Grade: C | Needs: OT, OG, S, LB, DT
The Dolphins got a bit snookered by the Vikings in giving up a draft pick to move up one spot for Vernon Carey. The Vikings played the potential for a Patriots trade off against the Dolphins and it worked. Miami did absolutely need Carey to help their OL, so they did fill a need with a talented player.
The Dolphins found some talented players on the board in day 2 with Will Poole being a potential 4th round steal. Tony Pape and Derrick Pope could be nice steals in the 7th round as well, but the Dolphins really didn't come out of this draft with a bang. |
| | | | 26 | Jaguars Grade: C | Needs: WR, DE, CB, LB, OL
The Jags tried to trade up to the #7 spot to take Roy Williams, but were unsuccessful and settled on WR Reggie Williams. Reggie went earlier than expected, but is talented enough to help the Jags. LB Daryl Smith will help this team, but the Jags again could have possibly moved down a few spots to draft him. RB Greg Jones doesn't fit much of a need and will be added to the RB rotation so it was surprising to see them move up for Jones.
The Jags were busy on day 2 and also reached for a few players. Keeping WR Kevin Johnson around as the 3rd receiver would have been a good idea, but WR Ernest Wilford may be able to help more down the road. DE Bobby McCrary and OT Sean Bubin were nice finds late in the draft and have potential to contribute at some point. Looking at the draft class, the Jags did fill needs by finding a WR, a few LBs and adding depth, but they could have used a difference maker at DE and/or CB too. |
| | | | 27 | Cowboys Grade: C- | Needs: RB, DT, OL, CB, LB
The Cowboys surprised everyone in trading down when they could have drafted Steven Jackson as their RB. They did well in still landing Julius Jones, but they didn't make the most of the trade with Buffalo this year. At least they'll have a 1st round pick to show for it next year. Dallas did do well in addressing their needs along the OL with Rogers and Peterman on day one.
Dallas neglected to draft an impact corner on day one so they drafted three corners on day two. None are expected to start this year so CB is still a need. Additionally the Cowboys took another TE which was surprising considering the TEs that Dallas has on their roster now and the fact that they could have used help along the DL. |
| | | | 28 | Texans Grade: C- | Needs: DT, S, CB, OL, LB
The Texans landed one of the top corners in the draft with Dunta Robinson and that will give them the flexibility to move Marcus Coleman to safety. Robinson can play and should help right away. Drafting DE Jason Babin was a bit of a surprise to me. While, he can probably turn into a Bryce Paup or Kevin Greene, he appeared to me to be better suited to playing down on the line at DE rather than up at OLB. He'll probably work out just fine, but I'd rather play him at DE. I'm not sure that trading up for him was really worth what they gave up.
On day two the Texans landed a real sleeper in Glenn Earl. Earl has a knee injury and shouldn't make an impact this year, but watch out for him next year. The Texans could have really used to draft a NT and more help for their OL and didn't come away with either despite having 9 picks. |
| | | | 29 | Buccaneers Grade: C- | Needs: DT, SS, LB, CB, WR
After watching Warren Sapp leave Tampa for the Raiders, the Bucs should have addressed DT in this draft. I'm not sure that Darrell Russell and Ellis Wyms are the answer. Michael Clayton might have been drafted too early, but he does fit a need as McCardell is probably entering his last season. Clayton is a good route runner and a very good blocking WR that should help the Bucs despite lacking elite speed. LB Marquise Cooper went earlier than expected. Monte Kiffin will probably be able to make good use of him eventually, but it makes me wonder why they signed Ian Gold as well.
The only thing that impressed me about day two is FS Will Allen. The Bucs really needed a SS more, but Allen should be able to help the secondary. OG Jeb Terry was good value, but not necessary. The Bucs rebuilt their OL and Terry is listed as the 5th OG on their depth chart. Neither of the two TEs shoudl really make much of an impact in the NFL either. |
| | | | 30 | Giants Grade: C- | Needs: OL, DL, LB, WR, QB
The G-men gave up an awful lot for Eli Manning. They had San Diego between a rock and a hard place and gave in. Eli may struggle in the bright lights of the big city and unless his dad is going to don the uniform and play too, I'm still confused about his "we" don't want to play in San Diego comments. Chris Snee is certainly a talented OG, but they maybe could have moved back a few spots to land him and received another draft pick to fill more needs.
Of the day two picks DE Isaac Hilton is the most intriguing. He could fill in as another pass rushing specialist at DE. The Giants surprisingly didn't draft a MLB so they must be looking for a veteran to be released. Surprisingly for a team drafting so early the Giants didn't really come out of this draft with many difference makers. Manning will start right away, but none of the other picks are projected as starters heading into camp. |
| | | | 31 | Chiefs Grade: D+ | Needs: CB, DL, OT, LB, WR
The Chiefs needed help everywhere on defense and could really use an impact WR or an OT too. However, they came out of the draft with nothing more than players that will see time on a rotational basis. Many question whether or not DT Junior Siavii will be ready to start from day 1, but he does have good upside potential. He should be able to step in as a 'wave' DT, but may be a bit too raw to plug in as a difference maker right away. Therefore, KC reached on him. TE Kris Wilson was a bit of a surprise and won't help the defense at all. He will give KC the option of using two TEs or will fill in as an H-back, but KC pulled the trigger a bit too early on him too. OLB Keyaron Fox was a decent value pick and could compete for a starting spot right away.
KC only took one defensive player on day two with DE Jared Allen who is a developmental prospect. WR Samie Parker is extremely fast, but he really shouldn't be anything more than a sub-package WR. He's kind of KC's answer to Az Hakim. |
| | | | 32 | Colts Grade: D- | Needs: CB, DT, LB, DE, OL
The Colts surely need help on defense and were willing partners to trade down with anybody and everybody. While the Colts came away from the draft with 5 defensive players, they didn't really upgrade their defense much. S Bob Sanders will fit their system well, but they really needed help at CB, LB, or DT more than safety. Ben Hartsock will help fill depth, but he's the #3 TE on the depth chart. Gardner was a bit of a reach pick at OLB.
The Colts were really close from the Super Bowl last year and needed to land some difference makers on defense. However, they are seemingly coming away with players that should be filling depth, not starting. Sure, getting difference makers with the 29th pick is tough, but the Colts appeared more content to land quantity rather than quality. We'll have to see how Dungy coaches them up. |
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