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NFC South Draft Grades

Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:39 am
Posted by SmellslikeKevinBacon
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2012
6185 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:39 am
According to these sites the Falcons hit it out of the park over the weekend, Tampa did ok, and the Saints and Panthers had an average draft.

I think we filled our needs on D pretty well. The Peat pick is still a head scratcher to me, but he has the potential to end up being a very good LT in the future.

Here is a look at the NFC South draft grades:
NFL.com
Atlanta Falcons:
Overall grade: A
The skinny: Hard to find a better convergence of team need and good player than the Falcons' pick of Beasley, who was a great draft value at pick No. 8. Time will tell if they regret passing on local star Todd Gurley, but this is just the kind of player new coach Dan Quinn could develop into a star. Collins has first-round talent, but there are questions about his production in college and off-the-field issues. He's a high-upside pick in the second. Coleman is a steal at the 73rd pick and could be a star early on for the team as a home-run threat. Hardy will be on the same page with Matt Ryan early and Jarett falling in the team's lap in the fifth round is remarkable luck.

Bottom line: Nice start for Dan Quinn in remaking his defense with some great picks from Clemson and a number of other quality players.

Carolina Panthers:
Overall grade: C+
The skinny: There's no question that Thompson is talented, but he might have been a slight reach, given that most thought he would slip to the second round. He'll upgrade the defense on third down, as well as on special teams, and might even replace Thomas Davis, who, interestingly, announced the Panthers' pick at the draft. Funchess can develop into a monster opposite Kelvin Benjamin, but the Panthers paid a steep price for him, trading away a third-round pick to move up high enough to get a player who needs some refinement.

Bottom line: Cam Newton got some help in the passing game, and Williams will boost the line, but this is a small class with not a ton of impactful players.

New Orleans Saints:
Overall grade: C
The skinny: An offensive lineman isn't a sexy pick, but Peat could wind up being the best player at left tackle in this draft class and is just scratching the surface of his potential as a pass protector. He will be able to start right away in New Orleans and help keep Drew Brees upright. Anthony is an inside linebacker who should help defensive coordinator Rob Ryan slow opposing offenses down. On Day 2, the Saints reached for Kikaha, but there's little doubt he will be a boost to the pass rush. Many believe Grayson will be nothing more than a backup, but he does have all the tools to develop under Sean Payton's tutelage. Williams might be the best of the team's Day 2 picks and is an athletic option in a division full of receivers.

Bottom line: With so many picks in the top half of the draft, this was a chance for the Saints to get a lot better. They improved, but not that much, with several curious choices.

Tampa Bay Bucs:
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: The Bucs had months to figure out what they wanted to with the top pick, and to nobody's surprise, they grabbed Winston. He should do well in a Tampa Bay uniform, but he isn't the top player in the draft, and some analysts believe he isn't the top quarterback. There are obvious off-the-field issues, but the Bucs have a new leader under center, and a pretty good one to boot. Smith was undoubtedly taken to protect Winston and should fit in right away at right tackle, even if he does need to refine his protection skills. Marpet will face a big jump in competition from the Division III level, but he might have been the biggest riser in the draft. Alexander is very athletic and a player Lovie Smith can turn into a star. Bell is a great field-stretching option out of the slot for Winston to find.

Bottom line: They got their quarterback and found him some additional weapons to boot while boosting the offensive line. Solid but not spectaular work.

SI.com

Atlanta Falcons-A:
Only the Bengals had fewer sacks than Atlanta's 22 last season, and the Falcons went about fixing that issue right away, taking Clemson speed-rusher Vic Beasley with the eighth pick. Beasley put up 12 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss on the nation's best defense last season, and he's no one-year wonder. He finished with 13 sacks and 23 tackles for loss the year before. He'll make new coach Dan Quinn very happy within Quinn's multiple fronts. The Falcons got a potential steal in the second round with LSU cornerback Jalen Collins, who started just 10 games for the Tigers but looks very comfortable on the field and projects as a physical No. 1 cornerback. Third-round back Tevin Coleman out of Indiana is a pure speedster who can add some real dynamism to a ground game that's been stuck in recent years. But the most interesting late-round pick for the Falcons—and a guy who might be one of the steals of this draft—is Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who many had with a second-round grade. He's a highly productive three-tech, and to get him in the fifth round is a gift. Pairing him with Beasley means that the Falcons' formerly dormant pass rush is about to get a lot more interesting

Carolina Panthers: B-
The Panthers surprised a lot of people by taking Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson in the first round, with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis already in the fold. But Thompson is a highly athletic player who covers very well and could even put up a few reps at running back. Second-round pick Devin Funchess is a big-bodied receiver who brings Kelvin Benjamin, last year's first-round pick to mind. Clearly, general manager Dave Gettleman wants to give Cam Newton some very large targets. Oklahoma's Daryl Williams, taken in the third round, is a power blocker who fits this scheme. Texas State linebacker David Mayo could be a nice backup with special teams potential, and fifth-round back Cameron Artis-Payne out of Auburn is a thickly built back who will need to up his urgency to break into Carolina's thin rotation of backs.

New Orleans Saints: B-
Of course, we don't know who will be a "reach pick" until things have played out for a couple of years, but the Saints took a few prospects who had observers raising their eyebrows. First-round offensive tackle Andrus Peat might be the best pass blocker in his position group, but with its second first round selection, New Orleans tool inside linebacker Stephone Anthony, who you'd be hard pressed to call the best inside guy this year. Second round pass rusher Hau'oli Kikaha is an outstanding technician who might surprise with his production in Rob Ryan's defense, and Tennessee-Chattanooga outside linebacker Davis Tull might be able to add some pass rush on a situational basis. The most interesting pick might be Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson, who understands a lot of the little things about the position, and will now learn from Drew Brees and Sean Payton. It's tough to imagine a better situation for him.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
The top pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, will either be a franchise-defining stroke of genius or a franchise-defining disaster, depending entirely on whether Winston can channel his estimable talent and keep his head straight. The Bucs did give Winston some important on-field protection with second-round tackle Donovan Smith (a 6'6", 328-pound mauler from Penn State) and Hobart's Ali Marpet (a former tackle who looks like a really good guard in the NFL). Also, adding to big targets Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, Tampa Bay took Nebraska burner Kenny Bell in the fifth round and slot man Kaelin Clay from Utah, an underrated player with gliding speed

Posted by The Sad Banana
The gate is narrow.
Member since Jul 2008
89498 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:41 am to
Atlanta did have a pretty good draft IMO.
Posted by SmellslikeKevinBacon
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2012
6185 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:41 am to
CBS Sports

Atlanta Falcons: Grade: B+
Best Pick: Fifth-round pick Grady Jarrett is a huge steal. He was a dominant player at Clemson and fits Dan Quinn's defense perfectly. Love this pick.

Questionable move: Taking corner Jalen Collins in the second round will be a move that is watched closely. He has a ton of ability, but he had some off-field concerns and only started 10 games at LSU. Good player -- if focused.

Third-day gem: Fourth-round receiver Justin Hardy was a productive college player at East Carolina who can step in and fill the role vacated by Harry Douglas.

Analysis: Dan Quinn had a nice first haul for the Falcons. I don't love Vic Beasley, their first-round pick, but he can rush the passer. The rest of the draft was rock solid. Third-round runner Tevin Coleman will get plenty of action as a rookie.

Carolina Panthers: Grade: C+
Best Pick: I love third-round tackle Daryl Williams. They waited to get a lineman and they got a good one. This kid will be a violent, nasty player.

Questionable move: I didn't like the pick of Shaq Thompson in the first round. They have so many other needs. Thompson is a nice football player, but why not offensive line?

Third-day gem: Fifth-round running back Cameron Artis-Payne was a good, solid back in a big power conference. That's nice value in this spot.

Analysis: I think Panthers GM Dave Gettleman does a good job. But I have questions about the first two picks. Thompson is a good player, but there were bigger needs. Devin Funchess is another bigger, stronger receiver, like what they have in Kelvin Benjamin. Good players, but weird positions.

New Orleans Saints: Grade: C+
Best Pick: Second-round pick Hau'oli Kikaha has a ton of pass rush ability. The only concerns are health issues. But he fits their defense perfectly as an outside 3-4 scheme.

Questionable move: Linebacker Stephone Anthony, who they took with their second first-round pick, was a bit of a reach. He's a solid player, but he isn't a first-round talent in my mind.

Third-day gem: Fifth-round linebacker Davis Tull is a linebacker who could help right away on special teams. He is a tough guy who plays hard.

Analysis: They took Andrus Peat in the first round, but where does he play right away? The Saints indicated he might not start in 2015. That's weird. Anthony is a reach as their other first pick, acquired in the trade for Jimmy Graham from Seattle. They must really like third-round quarterback Garrett Grayson.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grade: B
Best Pick: It was their first one, quarterback Jameis Winston. They had to take a player who I think will be a future top-10 passer in the league. He is a pure pocket passer, which they needed.

Questionable move: It's a big transition from Division III to the NFL, yet that's the move third-round guard Ali Marpet will make for the Bucs. That's a big jump.

Third-day gem: I really like the pick of receiver Kenny Bell in the fifth round. He is a polished receiver who put up some nice numbers at Nebraska without great quarterback play.

Analysis: Getting Winston with the first pick makes this draft. It was the easy pick. I like Donovan Smith in the second and some of their other picks were solid. It's all about Winston, who I think will be good.
Posted by SmellslikeKevinBacon
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2012
6185 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:44 am to
The Falcons did have a good draft. They got a lot of steals.

I don't like how they seem to think that we reached on some of our picks. Some of our guys would have went much higher in the draft if not for prior injuries or some other circumstance. I think we got a lot of good young talent over the weekend. The only player to me that stood out as not really a reach, but a luxury pick was Peat.
Posted by BilJ
Member since Sep 2003
158757 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:46 am to
grades are meaningless at this point duh.....unless they gave us a high grade, then its a really good read
Posted by NOSHAU
Member since Feb 2012
11894 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:54 am to
On paper, Atlanta had a fantastic draft.
Posted by LSUFreek
Greater New Orleans
Member since Jan 2007
14771 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:57 am to
We got mostly B's last year, along with some A's and C's, but it was literally the worst draft in the Sean Payton era.

Whereas, despite the initial negative grades, I honestly think this draft, in the long run, could very well end up as the best draft in the SP era, or at least equal to the 2006 draft.



This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 9:59 am
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166246 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 9:57 am to
quote:

On paper, Atlanta had a fantastic draft.


their draft was very big name oriented... that seldom turns out the best. frick them.
Posted by GynoSandberg
Member since Jan 2006
72010 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:01 am to
The worst teams always get the best draft grades because they have more needs to fill. It looks good on paper
Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
115737 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:01 am to
I don't think much of Jalen Collins at all. Total underachiever.

Other than that, yeah, Atlanta's was pretty good on paper.
Posted by SaintEB
Member since Jul 2008
22720 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:08 am to
I don't really like to grade drafts, however, I do like Quinn's thought process. He hit on skill offensive skill position (RB, WR), OLine, DLine, LB, and DBs. Every level of defense. Can't argue with the process, just hope he picked the right guys.

As for the Saints. I like what the did too. Peat was a surprise, but having a Tackle that could start for the next 5 years is nice. They took need positions in Anthony, Kikaha, and Tull. Took CB with Williams (good value too) and Sawnn who they were high on. The DT, according to some, was a steal in the 5th, and having lost Deadrick and Walker, was a need for depth. The RB seemed more like a luxury pick than anything. We know they usually carry 4 on the gameday roster and always have one or two on the practice squad.

Grayson....let me talk about QB. I think they are going about this the right way. They took a relatively high pick, took a guy they really liked, and plan to groom him. No body wants to talk abut life after Drew, but its going to happen. This is the right way to do it, otherwise you are stuck drafting a 1st rounder every 3 years with no real chance to let them learn/prepare for leading the way because you are under extreme pressure to play them. No one want to see Grayson on the field anytime soon. Thats a plus for him. If Drew ends up playing longer, you now have an asset you can trade off.
Posted by BayouBengal0505
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2013
2686 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 10:58 am to
Why even look at draft grades... Seriously. You do know our 2006 draft received a C. We all know how that turned out.
This post was edited on 5/4/15 at 11:15 am
Posted by L.A.
The Mojave Desert
Member since Aug 2003
61258 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 11:37 am to
quote:

Bottom line: With so many picks in the top half of the draft, this was a chance for the Saints to get a lot better. They improved, but not that much, with several curious choices.
Nailed it.
Posted by DoubleDown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Member since Oct 2008
12869 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 1:21 pm to
quote:

their draft was very big name oriented... that seldom turns out the best. frick them.

Outside of Vic Beasley, hardly. What would you prefer us do at #8? Draft a no name guy?
Posted by goatmilker
Castle Anthrax
Member since Feb 2009
64323 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 1:24 pm to
Would give both teams a solid B. Cats and bucs seem about right even though I think Winston should 100% sit for a year.
Posted by LooseCannon22282
Mobile
Member since May 2008
33742 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 1:34 pm to
quote:

but Peat could wind up being the best player at left tackle in this draft class and is just scratching the surface of his potential as a pass protector.



Pro Football Focus @PFF
· 3h 3 hours ago
Saints OT Andrus Peat had the 4th best Pass Blocking Efficiency (98.3) in '14 class, allowing 9 total pressures from 423 pass blocking snaps

Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166246 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 1:36 pm to
quote:

Peat had the 4th best Pass Blocking Efficiency



isn't he a better run blocker than pass blocker as well?


look i'm coming around on the peat pick i just don't know at what expense it means to our line. We got two very good tackles now both on very friendly deals.
Posted by LooseCannon22282
Mobile
Member since May 2008
33742 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 1:49 pm to
quote:

isn't he a better run blocker than pass blocker as well?


I guess it depends which scouting takeaway you think has more credibility. I'm not real sure which one to follow but I happened to see that earlier on Twitter and thought it was interesting.

quote:

We got two very good tackles now both on very friendly deals.


yeah, I don't get it either.

I think there was definitely a group of people who wanted a pass rusher at #13. But I mean Cam Jordan and Galette are still pretty good. Think if we had picked Bud Dupree at #13. Where does he play? Kind of an odd fit at first when you think about it I guess.

I think long term it was excellent pick but right off the bat, I agree where does Peat play? And how much does he play. He's definitely good enough.
Posted by Weekend Warrior79
Member since Aug 2014
16368 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 2:06 pm to
quote:

What would you prefer us do at #8? Draft a no name guy?


Yes
Posted by BilJ
Member since Sep 2003
158757 posts
Posted on 5/4/15 at 2:08 pm to
I like the idea of moving armstead into G, so this pick makes a ton of sense if that is the plan.
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