• TOP 10 ... BOTTOM 5

    by
    Turk Schonert
    Published on 04-29-2012 05:54 PM
    58 Comments Comments
    The 2012 NFL season has begun with the draft. I know everyone is grading and evaluating what their team did. I am not a believer in giving grades or winner/loser tags. How can anyone grade or give a winner/loser tag to teams when none of these athletes have stepped onto an NFL field? Just because a player is drafted high doesn't mean he will be a star or major contributor, conversely, just because a player is drafted late, or not at all, doesn't mean they won't be a star or major contributor (just ask Arian Foster, Fred Jackson, Tom Brady, James Harrison ... you get the point). Now, people can state what they liked or didn't like about their teams draft based on whether or not they addressed or didn't address their needs. Here are my top 10 likes and bottom 5 dislikes to the 2012 NFL Draft.

    TOP 10 LIKES

    1. Pace and Action of the 1st round - I loved the fast paced selections and all of the trading that went on. Made it very interesting to watch!
    2. Washington Redskins - Trading up to get RGIII was a bold and very smart move. I think RGIII can be a star in this league. He needs to be coached up the right way.
    3. Dallas Cowboys - Trading up to get Morris Claiborne was a great poker move by Jerry Jones. This move completely caught me off guard. Rob Ryan needs a shut down corner, Claiborne looks to be the best one out of this draft.
    4. Pittsburgh Steelers - The Steelers had to address their O Line. Getting David DeCastro and Mike Adams was prudent, and necessary to the health of Big Ben.
    5. New England Patriots - Defense kept this team from winning a Super Bowl, so BB goes out and makes his first 6 picks defensive players. If these young men produce, this team could be taking the Lombardi trophy home with them this season.
    6. Indy Colts - After taking A. Luck, the Colts made 6 of their next 7 picks offensive players. You can't fix a bad team in 1 year. Giving Luck some weapons in year one is smart, fix the defense next year. They do need to make sure that they give him some protection as well.
    7. Philadelphia Eagles - I liked the fact that they addressed the defensive side of the ball with 4 of their first 5 picks. With an entire offseason ahead, this team will be dangerous if the defense improves and they don't turn the ball over so much on offense.
    8. Cincinnati Bengals - I liked the way they maneuvered throughout the draft. I think that their first 6 picks can be contributors. I can see back to back playoff trips for this team if their key players stay healthy.
    9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Got a much needed dynamic play maker in the secondary, the 2nd best RB (IMO) who can play all downs, and a real football player in LB David Lavonte in the 3rd. Character and toughness were issues for this team last year, this draft was a great start to changing the mindset.
    10. Buffalo Bills - I liked their draft. They addressed a lot of needs. I really liked their 2nd round pick Cordy Glenn, he's massive and athletic ( I thought he would go in the first round). This team could break their playoff drought this season, Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey have done a nice job putting this team together.

    * Chandler Harnish QB - N. Illinois - Got to give a special shout out to "Mr Irrelevant". I worked
    with Chandler this offseason helping him get ready for the combine and his pro workout. He has
    improved his mechanics immensely (because of his hard work). He has a lot of the same intangibles
    as Tim Tebow, but he's a better passer. He is better than his draft position, an outstanding young man.
    Good Luck with the Colts!!

    BOTTOM 5 DISLIKES

    5. Washington Redskins - I didn't like them drafting Kirk Cousins in the 4th round for Kirk's sake. How much coaching is he going to get with all of the attention going to RGIII. How much trade value can he have if he never gets on the field if that is their thinking? A head scratcher for me.
    4. Miami Dolphins - Didn't like them taking Tannehill this high. I would rather have liked seeing them take Michael Floyd while getting their QB later (possibly Tannehill by trading up from their 2nd rd pick). I just think that they were pressured into taking Tannehill, and that usually doesn't work out as planned.
    3. KC Chiefs - I thought they reached for DT Dontari Poe. He put up eye opening numbers in his underwear at the combine, but his play too many times doesn't match those numbers. They need a pass rusher and DB's who can cover.
    2. Jacksonville Jaguars - This offense was putrid last year. Taking a punter in the 3rd round over an offensive player just doesn't make sense. Do they think the punter is going to be one of their better offensive players? If so, it could be another long offensive season for the Jaguars.
    1. Seattle Seahawks - I didn't get their draft strategy. They reached in the 1st and 2nd rounds, then drafted a back up at best QB in the 3rd. They have 4 RB's listed on the roster but took a RB in the 4th round.
    Just didn't understand their thinking I guess.

    Comments 58 Comments
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    1. vancemeek's Avatar
      I almost laughed myself into a coma with the punter pick. I liked Green Bay's draft as well.
      Reply
    1. NickMykita's Avatar
      I agree with you about the Seahawks. This team has been making head-scratching draft choices for several years now, even before Pete Carroll showed up. That still seems to be a problem here. I think Wilson is a good pickup, though. I mean, look, I expect Matt Flynn to start for them next season, but I really don't want to entertain the idea of Tarvaris Jackson playing the role of the relief man. I'd rather let that be Wilson's job.

      And I really don't like the pick of Bruce Irvin in Round 1. Maybe Carroll knows something we don't (doubtful), but this needs to work for the team's sake. They still have egg on their face after the Aaron Curry debacle; they can't afford another.
      Reply
    1. mkocs6's Avatar
      I thought the Panthers got some really good players. I love the Kuechly pick and Silatolu was great value. Also, I like the pick of Joe Adams (WR, Arkansas, and consensus All-American) a lot--I think he's a great seam-buster in Chudzinski's offense with Smith and Lafell on the outside. Also, he's a great returner and ball carrier, and I think you can install some option/misdirection packages to take advantage of his and Newton's running abilities together.
      Reply
    1. mkocs6's Avatar
      I also liked the Packers' draft. Perry is a solid addition as an edge rusher, and I've said before that I think Worthy is going to be one of the best DTs in this draft when all is said and done. That's a good football player.
      Reply
    1. wxwax's Avatar
      The only reasonable explanation I've seen for the Cousins pick is that Shanahan likes competition at QB. Clearly the incumbents weren't going to threaten RGIII. So perhaps he hopes a draftee will. And maybe they really like him. Back-up QB's get a lot of playing time in the NFL.

      I really don't believe this was about turning him for a pick in a couple of years.
      Reply
    1. Turk Schonert's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by mkocs6 View Post
      I thought the Panthers got some really good players. I love the Kuechly pick and Silatolu was great value. Also, I like the pick of Joe Adams (WR, Arkansas, and consensus All-American) a lot--I think he's a great seam-buster in Chudzinski's offense with Smith and Lafell on the outside. Also, he's a great returner and ball carrier, and I think you can install some option/misdirection packages to take advantage of his and Newton's running abilities together.
      I like Kuechly a lot as well. I can see Pro Bowl in his future if he works hard and stays healthy.
      Reply
    1. Bengals1181's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by Turk Schonert View Post
      I like Kuechly a lot as well. I can see Pro Bowl in his future if he works hard and stays healthy.
      my only question is, are they moving him outside I take it? They already have Beason in the middle.
      Reply
    1. GoBigOrGoHome's Avatar
      I'm going off the board here to say that, with a couple days to look at things in the NFCN, I really like what the Vikings were able to do in the draft. Last year Christian Ponder had a hobbled Adrian Peterson, an over the hill offensive line, and no weapons on the outside beyond Percy Harvin. Defensively if Jared Allen wasn't sacking the QB (he had 22 6 of which came against Jeff Backus of the Lions), the Vikes were getting torched.

      What did they do? They addressed their oline by taking LT Matt Kalil (and scoring a mess of picks from the Browns in the process). They got Ponder a couple of speedy, YAC-type WRs from Arkansas in Jarius Wright & Greg Childs to compliment Shiancoe, Rudolph & Harvin. Peterson will undoubtedly be back in form this season so that anemic Minny offense we saw last year should be improved. On defense they got the guy many viewed as the 2nd best safety in the draft in ND's Harrison Smith and speedy CB Josh Robinson to help them hang in a division populated by quartebacks Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford and their high flying offenses. The only Viqueens pick I am ready to question hard is the one they spent on FB Rhett Ellison. Giving AP a lead blocker may seem like a good idea. But the Vikes parted ways with G Steve Hutchinson and probably should have looked to upgrade their interior oline instead going FB.

      Solid draft for the 'queens. Outside of Kalil there probably are not any perennial pro bowlers in the bunch. But it would seem they did address some big needs with guys who should be solid, long-term contributors in a division that is poised to become the toughest in the NFL.

      As for the rest of the NFCN:
      • The Packers had their typical solid draft weekend adderessing needs on defense (Perry & Worthy will attract enough attention to free up the Bloodline and we all know that the Pack 'D' becomes very opportunistic when Matthews is free to terrorize quarterbacks).
      • The Bears have added Alshon Jeffery to pair with Brandon Marshall to give JayJay some serious weapons on the outside. But the Shea McClellin pick really left me scratching my head. They left lots of potentially great players on the board to take a guy who projects as a 'tweener.
      • The Lions... I can't be objective enough about my guys to pontificate about them on the front page. So I'll just say I am really happy with Reiff pick and Ronnell Lewis may end up being a huge draft weekend steal. But we took a WR (Broyles) in the second round again instead of going after one of the higher rated CBs...
      Reply
    1. Turk Schonert's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by GoBigOrGoHome View Post
      I'm going off the board here to say that, with a couple days to look at things in the NFCN, I really like what the Vikings were able to do in the draft. Last year Christian Ponder had a hobbled Adrian Peterson, an over the hill offensive line, and no weapons on the outside beyond Percy Harvin. Defensively if Jared Allen wasn't sacking the QB (he had 22 6 of which came against Jeff Backus of the Lions), the Vikes were getting torched.

      What did they do? They addressed their oline by taking LT Matt Kalil (and scoring a mess of picks from the Browns in the process). They got Ponder a couple of speedy, YAC-type WRs from Arkansas in Jarius Wright & Greg Childs to compliment Shiancoe, Rudolph & Harvin. Peterson will undoubtedly be back in form this season so that anemic Minny offense we saw last year should be improved. On defense they got the guy many viewed as the 2nd best safety in the draft in ND's Harrison Smith and speedy CB Josh Robinson to help them hang in a division populated by quartebacks Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford and their high flying offenses. The only Viqueens pick I am ready to question hard is the one they spent on FB Rhett Ellison. Giving AP a lead blocker may seem like a good idea. But the Vikes parted ways with G Steve Hutchinson and probably should have looked to upgrade their interior oline instead going FB.

      Solid draft for the 'queens. Outside of Kalil there probably are not any perennial pro bowlers in the bunch. But it would seem they did address some big needs with guys who should be solid, long-term contributors in a division that is poised to become the toughest in the NFL.

      As for the rest of the NFCN:
      • The Packers had their typical solid draft weekend adderessing needs on defense (Perry & Worthy will attract enough attention to free up the Bloodline and we all know that the Pack 'D' becomes very opportunistic when Matthews is free to terrorize quarterbacks).
      • The Bears have added Alshon Jeffery to pair with Brandon Marshall to give JayJay some serious weapons on the outside. But the Shea McClellin pick really left me scratching my head. They left lots of potentially great players on the board to take a guy who projects as a 'tweener.
      • The Lions... I can't be objective enough about my guys to pontificate about them on the front page. So I'll just say I am really happy with Reiff pick and Ronnell Lewis may end up being a huge draft weekend steal. But we took a WR (Broyles) in the second round again instead of going after one of the higher rated CBs...
      I like the Kalil pick as well, but QB's last year had a rating of 107.6 vs the Viking 'D'. That's embarrassing. Smith better be a play maker in that secondary to warrant that pick. I don't see him as that kind of player ... Vikings hope I'm wrong!
      Reply
    1. wxwax's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by GoBigOrGoHome View Post
      IOn defense they got the guy many viewed as the 2nd best safety in the draft in ND's Harrison Smith
      Wow. Shame your internet crashed for the second draft. I took Harrison Smith for the Jets and was roundly booed by the nitwits.
      Reply
    1. bluestree's Avatar
      Any love for the Brown's draft? I think they made gutsy moves in the first round by targeting playmakers. I know they needed wr's but Richardson may end up being the next Adrian Peterson. They don't come along that often. With Weeden they get a guy who's already been a pro athlete. As far as his age, he's a year older than Roger Staubach was when he joined the Cowboys. As to their other picks I have no clue, but if they hit on these two who cares?
      Reply
    1. vancemeek's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by Bengals1181 View Post
      my only question is, are they moving him outside I take it? They already have Beason in the middle.
      That was my thought. They mentioned that he could play inside or outside several times, so I'm assuming he moves out.
      Reply
    1. BuckeyeRidley's Avatar
      For WAS, I agree with them taking Kirk Cousins. They let John Beck go within an hour or so after they picked Cousins. I guessed Grossman but nonetheless they are good to draft another QB behind RGIII.

      Also, I think the Colts did a Good Job with drafting accordingly. They were balanced out & that's needed. I'm optimistic on this whole rebuilding Every, Single, Solitary position through the Draft. lol I feel that it will be a rough season in 2012 but I'm strapped in for the learning curve & awkward feeling knowing that Peyton won't comeback anymore. Cool to hear you tutored Chandler. Those Turk Talks videos will hopefully be recommended, too.

      I agree that the JAC Punter pick was Crazy! Remember when the Jets took a Kicker [It was Buckeye Key Mike Nugent; still Go Bucks!] with one of their first picks a while back?!?!? LOL! The look on the Jets fans' faces in Radio City Music Hall was priceless.
      Reply
    1. GoBigOrGoHome's Avatar
      As for your list Turk, if Andy Reid and Company can get the kind of max value they've gotten with some prior groups, their draft class might end up being the best of all of them. The only real headscratcher is Nick Foles. But given what Reid and Morninwheg have done with AJ Feely, an aging Jeff Garcia and, most importantly, Kevin Kolb, even that pick gets the benefit of the doubt.

      Cox will be a day one starter and should be disruptive. Curry adds depth and speed to an already dangerous Wide Nine defensive front. If Boykin has gotten past his injury issues, he'll be on the field in nickel situations and will contribute on ST. Mychal Kendricks (LB) is being compared to Aldon Smith. They grabbed a couple big midwestern OL in Dennis Kelly (OT) and Brandon Washington (OG) and have hired Howard Mudd who will coach 'em up.

      Pretty solid draft for the Squiggles.
      Reply
    1. msclemons's Avatar
      The AFC North will continue to be the toughest division in football after the Steelers, Bengals and Ravens all did a great job in the draft. And the Factory of Sadness will be a bit more sad after the Browns were quintessentially the Browns.

      Once again Cousin Baalke mystified everyone with his picks. After last years' success no one made fun of him though. Instead everyone said "well if Baalke likes the guy he must be good..." I'm not sure I like the addition of two speedy midgets but hey, what do I know? I thought the 49ers would Suck4Luck last year.

      I wonder if Chandler Harnish will take Ms. Irrelevant up on her offer?

      http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/crazy-...mr-irrelevant/

      This girl's picture should be in the dictionary next to "crazy eyes".
      Reply
    1. mikesteelnation1's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by wxwax View Post
      Wow. Shame your internet crashed for the second draft. I took Harrison Smith for the Jets and was roundly booed by the nitwits.
      Sorry wax but the only nitwit in that thread was the one who took Harrison smith with the 16th pick!

      No one at the time we did that draft had smith anywhere close to being a 1st round pick. He's a very limited player. He certainly wasn't worthy of a top half of the 1st round pick. He only slipped into the 1st because of the total lack of talent in this safety class. In the pass happy nfcn, this guy is a liability in coverage, and may I add had a grand total of ZERO ints last year.

      I know you may feel "vindicated" by him actually going in the 1st, and that's fine. Don't call others nitwits because they have an opinion they have substantial data to show it wasn't a wise pick. Did you read the post turk made RIGHT before you called names? He certainly implied he didn't see him as a 1st round pick. So by association of similar opinion, would you call a pro what you're calling us?
      Reply
    1. vancemeek's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by bluestree View Post
      Any love for the Brown's draft? I think they made gutsy moves in the first round by targeting playmakers. I know they needed wr's but Richardson may end up being the next Adrian Peterson. They don't come along that often. With Weeden they get a guy who's already been a pro athlete. As far as his age, he's a year older than Roger Staubach was when he joined the Cowboys. As to their other picks I have no clue, but if they hit on these two who cares?
      I didn't like the Weeden pick at all. They could have gotten him with their 2nd round pick and gotten an impact WR. It doesn't matter who is back there if the same cast of misfits is either dropping passes, or not getting open at all. I also would have taken Jonathan Martin or Mike Adams, not Schwartz if I were going to take a T in the 2nd
      Reply
    1. Bengals1181's Avatar
      I really like the Weeden pick, but Cleveland still has a pretty bad WR corp. Greg Little is best suited to be a #2, and it looks like he's gonna be relied on as the #1. Travis Benjamin is a good pickup but didn't fix their needs at WR.
      Reply
    1. Trumpetbdw's Avatar
      Quote Originally Posted by vancemeek View Post
      I didn't like the Weeden pick at all. They could have gotten him with their 2nd round pick and gotten an impact WR. It doesn't matter who is back there if the same cast of misfits is either dropping passes, or not getting open at all. I also would have taken Jonathan Martin or Mike Adams, not Schwartz if I were going to take a T in the 2nd
      Do we know that for sure? I know I can't say with certainty that he would have been there in round 2. We think he should have been, but it doesn't mean that he would have been. This isn't fantasy football. You can't play the value game hoping that Philip Rivers falls to us, but if he doesn't, knowing full well that Tony Romo will still be sitting there. In this case, the Browns bought into Brandon Weeden. If that was the case, what's wrong with them jumping on him a bit early to make sure they nabbed him, and didn't lose out on the one QB left that they wanted?
      Reply
    1. vancemeek's Avatar
      Which is why I said "I" didn't like the pick. I think he would have been there in the early 2nd. None of the teams at the end of the 1st would have taken him, and only a handful of teams picked in front of them in the 2nd. I don't think it was a value pick at all, and they still have nobody to throw the ball to. I hope Trent Richardson enjoys 8 man fronts.
      Reply
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