Grading the draft

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills -- Leodis McKelvin still was on the board at 11, so they got solid value in a needed shutdown corner who's also an elite return specialist. Went back to CB at 134 with Reggie Corner, who's small and lacks speed but could be excellent nickel guy. Biggest concern was WR, which they addressed at 41 with Indiana's big, talented James Hardy, a classic boom-or-bust type because of character concerns. Went for LB Chris Ellis at 72 when other positions (DE, S, TE) were areas of greater need. Grade: C-plus.

Miami Dolphins - Addressed their weakest area and took the safest route with OT Jake Long first overall. Needed DE help, especially if Jason Taylor is traded, so they grabbed DE Phillip Merling at 32, but he is not a quality pass rusher. QB Chad Henne (57) could challenge John Beck for the starting job immediately. Went back to DE at 66 for Kendall Langford, a little high for a major project. He has good upside, but they have too many needs now to gamble. Concern in secondary was not addressed. Grade: C.

Patriots - Their LB corps is aging and on the decline, so they took Jerod Mayo 10th after trading down three spots and then added more help with Shawn Crable at 78. Mayo is a player but qualifies as a major reach. Desperately needed reinforcements at CB after losing Asante Samuel and Randall Gay in free agency and took undersized CB Terrence Wheatley at 62 and Jonathan Wilhite at 129; both look like nickel or dime guys because of a lack of size, speed and/or durability. Grade: C.

Jets - Upgraded through free agency, although their QB situation is questionable at best and RB Thomas Jones is ordinary. But, with Matt Ryan and Darren McFadden off the board, they took DE-OLB Vernon Gholston (6), a perfect fit for the 3-4 scheme that Eric Mangini prefers. Also needed secondary help but paid a steep price to trade up to No. 30 for TE Dustin Keller, which wasn't a need but will provide a sluggish offense with a dangerous weapon. Didn't pick again until No. 113, when they took slow CB Dwight Lowery. Grade: C-minus.

AFC NORTH

Ravens - QB was a big need, and they reached big time for Delaware's Joe Flacco at 18. They had bigger needs at 55 than RB Ray Rice as a backup for Willis McGahee, but he was a productive workhorse. CB also was a consideration because of age and injury, and DL depth would have made sense, but at 78 they took LB Tavares Gooden, who will need lots of reps. Notre Dame's Tom Zbikowski (86) brings toughness but is a limited, in-the-box S. OT Oniel Cousins (99) could be a steal. Grade: D.

Bengals - As usual, defense needs improvement, especially at LB. So Keith Rivers, the best true LB in the draft, was a logical choice at No. 9, and Auburn DT Pat Sims could be a steal at 77. At WR, habitual criminal Chris Henry has been cut and Chad Johnson wants out, so at 46 they tabbed lanky, inconsistent Jerome Simpson, a potentially awesome talent. As insurance, added productive WR Andre Caldwell, a value pick at 97. OT Anthony Collins (112) needs a lot of technique work but has some upside. Grade: B-minus.

Browns - They gave up this year's No. 1 to get QB Brady Quinn 22nd overall last year, and swapped their No. 2 to the Packers for DL Corey Williams and their No. 3 and CB Leigh Bodden to the Lions for DT Shaun Rodgers, all excellent moves. Back seven on defense needs more talent, but they didn't pick until 104, when they took LB Beau Bell, a good fit inside for the 3-4. Why go with TE Martin Rucker at 111 when you already have Kellen Winslow? Grade: B-plus.

Steelers - OL help across the board was a pressing need, but they didn't go there until rolling the dice at 130 on Tony Hills, who could develop into a solid OLT if he stays healthy. RB Rashard Mendenhall was a great value at No. 23 and provides insurance behind Willie Parker. Needed a big WR, and they absolutely stole extremely productive, 6-foot-4 Limas Sweed at 53. Needed DL depth and help in the secondary, especially at CB, but they went for LB Bruce Davis at 88. QB Dennis Dixon was worth a flyer at 156. Grade: B-plus.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans - How could they not target a RB with Ahman Green and Ron Dayne in the backfield? Passed on Rashard Mendenhall and traded down from 18 to 26, missing out on stud OLT Jeff Otah and then reaching for Duane Brown, whom some had as the 10th-best OT. CB need was addressed when they picked again at 79 and got CB Antwaun Molden, a better athlete than player. Finally got head-case RB Steve Slaton at 89, who will be lucky to make it as a third-down or situational player. Grade: D-minus.

Indianapolis Colts - Free-agent departure of OG Jake Scott put focus on adding OL help. Traded out of the first round and didn't pick until 59, where they got Mike Pollak, the best C in the draft whom they will convert to OG. Needed impact LB, so at 93 they took Philip Wheeler, who never has played to his potential. TE Jacob Tamme (127) is a poor man's Dallas Clark. Needed RB depth behind Joseph Addai and some DL talent but didn't have many picks to work with. Grade: D

Jacksonville Jaguars - Needed a DE to rush the passer, so they leaped up 18 spots to reach for DE Derrick Harvey, who had 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Ignored other needs and went back to the same area at 52 for Quentin Groves, an undersized pass-rush specialist who has injury concerns after a recent heart procedure. It's a gamble on greatness they didn't need to take after getting Harvey. Didn't pick again until 155, when they took smart but athletically limited LB Thomas Williams, a special-teams type. Grade: D.

Tennessee Titans - Desperately needed a fast WR with big-play ability, since none of their guys are special. They got the fastest player in the draft in RB Chris Johnson, who could project to WR or a third-down back, and later Lavelle Hawkins (126), a possession guy. Needed a young OG, but they took two DE's -- Jason Jones (54), who is a bit of a project, and then reached for a bigger project in William Hayes (103). In between they took TE Craig Stevens (85), a blocking complement to Alge Crumpler. Grade: C-minus.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos - OL needed a serious infusion of young talent, and they lucked into the consensus second-best OT in the draft at No. 12 with Ryan Clady, an exceptional athlete with tremendous upside. Later at 108 added OG Kory Lichtensteiger, who still is rehabbing a shoulder injury. They hope WR Eddie Royal (42) will be the complement to Brandon Marshall, but he's undersized and could be a better slot receiver and return guy. Could have used a S or MLB, but those pools were shallow, so took CB Jack Williams at 119. Grade: C.

Kansas City Chiefs - Upgrading OL had to be Job One, but Chiefs couldn't pass DT Glenn Dorsey at No. 5, even though it wasn't a pressing need. Traded back into the first round at 15 for OL Branden Albert, a talent with great upside. CB Brandon Flowers at 35 is a solid need pick. Might have gotten three of the bigger steals in the draft in speedy RB Jamaal Charles at 73, TE Brad Cottam at 76 and S DaJuan Morgan at 82; all had at least second-round grades on some boards. Grade: A.

Oakland Raiders - They were deep but not spectacular at RB, and DT was a greater need, but they couldn't resist RB Darren McFadden at No. 4. He may very well have a greater impact than any rookie in the NFL this season, but some teams were scared off by character issues. Didn't pick again until 100, when they took physical freak CB Tyvon Branch, who ran a 4.33 40 at 204 pounds. WR Arman Shields (125) is another blazer but missed most of last season after tearing up his knee. Grade: B-minus.

San Diego Chargers - If this team has a weakness, it's at safety, and that's where they may project No. 27 Antoine Cason. But it's risky, considering he may lack the toughness to play inside and doesn't have very good speed at CB. They traded out of the second round and then took FB-RB Jacob Hester at 69, which probably was too soon since he lacks any special run skills and isn't that big. Didn't pick again until 166, when they went RB again with Marcus Thomas, who isn't special either but has been productive. Grade: D.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys - CB was the biggest need, and they got an excellent one in Mike Jenkins at 25, trading up three spots. A backup for RB Marion Barber also was a concern, since he's a free agent after '08; they addressed that with Felix Jones (22), an ideal complement after backing up Darren McFadden at Arkansas. Added another RB at 122 with Tashard Choice, which could be a great value pick considering he rushed for 2,913 yards the past two seasons. TE Martellus Bennett (61) is a nice player, but WR depth was more important. Grade: B.

New York Giants - With no glaring weaknesses, the priority was upgrading the secondary, and they went right after it, taking arguably the No. 1 safety at 31 in Kenny Phillips. They then addressed CB at 63 with big, injury-prone Terrell Thomas, who may not have the speed for CB or the toughness for S. Mario Manningham could be the WR they need at 95, and he could be a steal after dropping like a stone because of frequent marijuana use. His career could also go up in smoke. Grade: C-minus.

Philadelphia Eagles - Young reinforcements at DL were overdue, and they got good value at No. 47 with extremely productive Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws. Their greatest need was at WR, ideally one with return ability, and at No. 49 they got their guy in tiny big-play WR-RS DeSean Jackson, who will be an impact player if he can stay on the field. Undersized pass-rushing DE Bryan Smith (80), who had 23 sacks the past two seasons fits their scheme and could make an immediate impact as a situation pass rusher. Grade: B.

Washington Redskins - Needed a WR with size, and they got great value at 34 with Devin Thomas, the consensus best in the draft, and at 51 WR Malcolm Kelly will be a huge steal if he grows up anytime soon. Went for TE Fred Davis at 48, a productive pass catcher but unnecessary since they already have standout Chris Cooley. Weak OL wasn't addressed until Chad Rinehart (96), an OLT at Northern Iowa who projects to OG. Needed a CB but waited until 124 to take tough Justin Tryon, who projects as a nickel. Grade: C.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears - The offense needed help at everywhere except TE, especially at OLT, so Chris Williams (14) is ideal, since he could start from Day One. RB Matt Forte (44) will either replace incumbent Cedric Benson or push him to perform better, which helps the pathetic running game either way. Super-productive WR Earl Bennett (70) will compete for playing time soon. DT Marcus Harrison (90) slipped because of injuries and an arrest but could be a wise gamble. S Craig Steltz (120) is a potential starter because of toughness, smarts and instincts. Grade: B.

Detroit Lions - They had no one special at running back, yet with Rashard Mendenhall there at 15 they traded down to 17 and took the sixth-best OT in Gosder Cherilus. Got their RB at No. 64 in Central Florida's Kevin Smith, who led the nation with 2,567 yards despite pedestrian speed and questionable ability to run inside. LB Jordon Dizon at 45 was a reach when DT Trevor Laws or DE Calais Campbell would have made more sense. Finally, helped D-line with DT Andre Fluellen at 87 and DE Cliff Avril at 92. Grade: C.

Green Bay Packers - Traded out of the first round and took WR Jordy Nelson at 36 in a position where they're already strong. QB Brian Brohm (56) could challenge Aaron Rodgers for the starting spot. Their cornerbacks are past their primes, and that was addressed at 60 with CB Patrick Lee, who's raw but talented and will have time to learn behind Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Got TE backup for Donald Lee with talented redshirt sophomore Jermichael Finley (91), who may need some seasoning. DE Jeremy Thompson (102) is highly inconsistent but flashes excellence. Grade: B-minus.

Minnesota Vikings - They've done a great job strengthening weaknesses by trading their No. 1 for DE Jared Allen, and in free agency with WR Bernard Berrian, S Madieu Williams, but they still could use help along the OL, at CB and maybe one more WR. Surprisingly, they added another S in Tyrell Johnson, although they got good value at No. 43 since some considered him the best player at that position. Didn't pick again until 137, when they got USC QB John David Booty, who could compete with Tarvaris Jackson for No. 1 very soon. Grade: C.

Atlanta Falcons - They needed a QB more than anything, so they grabbed Matt Ryan (3), by far the highest-rated passer in this class. Ryan elevated a mediocre offense, so he's perfect for Atlanta. They also need new starters at both OT spots but Sam Baker, the seventh-best OT, was a huge reach at 21. Needed depth at LB, and Curtis Lofton (37) was clearly the best MLB in the draft. CB Chevis Jackson was a reach at 68 considering his lack of speed, but S Thomas DeCoud at 98 fits an area of need. Grade: B-minus

Carolina Panthers - RB Jonathan Stewart may have been a reach at 13, but since his turf toe surgery checked out medically he should have an immediate impact. OT Jeff Otah is a huge, talented player with upside, but they gave up a ton to move up from 43 to 19 to get him. Next pick was at 67 when they selected CB Charles Godfrey, who has tools but may be a project. Getting Penn State LB Dan Connor at 74 was a pleasant surprise. The DL needed more than Nick Hayden at 181. Grade: B.

New Orleans Saints - Traded up three spots to grab USC's Sedrick Ellis (7) to upgrade DT spot, which wasn't a huge weakness, but the defense could use help throughout. They also needed to add RB insurance, but the secondary was a greater need, so they took CB Tracy Porter (40), who improves their coverage immediately but won't provide much run support. They didn't have another pick until 140, when they added depth with underachieving DT DeMario Pressley who occasionally flashes superior talent. Some LB help would have been nice. Grade: C-minus.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They had to get better at WR, and big-play guy Dexter Jackson at 58 should help. He has game-breaking speed but lacks size. Depth at CB was a consideration, though not an immediate requirement, so the reach for character-concern CB Aquib Talib at 20 is a big gamble but an exceptional talent with outstanding return ability. OG Jeremy Zuttah (83) could contend for a starting spot and has the versatility to play almost anywhere on the line. They're weak at DT, where Dre Moore (115) could be a factor immediately. Grade: B.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals - RB Edgerrin James doesn't have much left, but CB was a more immediate need so Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie made sense at 16. D-line was due for a major upgrade, and they got value in huge DE Calais Campbell (50) and then went back for more with DE Kenny Iwebema (116), a strong, powerful base end who could be a late bloomer. WR Early Doucet (81) was only a one-year starter and lacks speed, but he is big and physical. Finally took a RB in Tim Hightower at 149. Grade: B.

St. Louis Rams - WR speed need was addressed, but they might have reached at 33 with Donnie Avery, who is raw but has great speed. DE may have been a greater need, and they took the sure thing in Chris Long (2) rather than gambling on greatness with Vernon Gholston. OL was cause for concern, so John Greco (65) should help, as will OG Ray Schuening (157), who could challenge for a starting job. They got a steal at an area of need with CB Justin King (101), who has tremendous speed. Grade: B.

San Francisco 49ers - Needed another DE, to go with free-agent pickup Justin Smith, and they took DT Kentwan Balmer at 29 who could play DE in their 3-4 scheme. Needed a lot of help at OL, where they upgraded at No. 39 with Cilo Rachal, the consensus best OG in the draft, and C Cody Wallace (107). Reggie Smith (75) fills a need at CB but he lacks some speed. They needed deep speed at WR but Josh Morgan (174) is more of a big possession guy. Grade: C-plus.

Seattle Seahawks - Even after trading down three spots to No. 28, they got DE Lawrence Jackson, who had 30 sacks at USC. They didn't have the impact TE with size and speed necessary to their offense, but they hope Notre Dame's John Carlson can be the guy. Although at 38, he's a reach considering how much they gave to move up to get him. Didn't have another pick until 121, when they got DT Red Bryant, in an area of need. Owen Scmitt (163) may be best pure FB in draft. Grade: C-minus.