AFC EAST
New England Patriots
They’re way ahead of the curve. They had 10 picks, more than they needed, so they started trading them and wound up with Randy Moss. Remember him? They also added first-round and third-round picks in 2008. In top draft choice Brandon Meriweather, they have a safety who can step in immediately. On top of other off-season acquisitions Adalius Thomas, Kyle Brady, Wes Welker, Donte’ Stallworth and Tory James — all starters last year — the Patriots are poised to win again. Grade: A
New York Jets
Coach Eric Mangini added two defensive starters in cornerback Darrelle Revis and linebacker David Harris, both considered first-round talents. Mangini’s first draft last year was outstanding, and he points out that ex-Bears running back Thomas Jones must be counted in this year’s draft because all the Jets had to do was slide down 26 spots in the second round in the trade. The Jets also hope former Bears first-round pick Michael Haynes, signed as a free agent, can rejuvenate his career in Mangini’s 3-4 system. Grade: B
Buffalo Bills
General manager Marv Levy and coach Dick Jauron know whom they like and aren’t afraid to draft them earlier than their grades indicate. Last year they took safety Donte Whitner before anyone expected, and he started right away. This year Cal running back Marshawn Lynch filled a need with the departure of Willis McGahee. They traded up to get linebacker Paul Posluszny in Round 2, again to fill a need. Trent Edwards fell lower than expected, so they added another young quarterback. Grade: C
Miami Dolphins
New coach Cam Cameron has some explaining to do after passing up Brady Quinn. Cameron tried to quiet booing fans by promising good kick returns from Ted Ginn, who has dropped the “Junior.” Ginn has a foot injury that will leave him in a walking boot much of the spring. BYU quarterback John Beck is the key. Cameron coached in San Diego, where he saw the Chargers once pass up Michael Vick and hit on Drew Brees in the second round, so he should get some slack on his game plan. The Dolphins expect to add Kansas City quarterback Trent Green. Grade: D
AFC NORTH
Cleveland Browns
By far the splashiest draft, they landed two players ranked among the top 10 on most lists. But it will be difficult for either tackle Joe Thomas or quarterback Brady Quinn to help coach Romeo Crennel win more than the four games the Browns won last year. Cornerback Eric Wright convinced Crennel he wasn’t a character risk after transferring from USC to UNLV to avoid a suspension. They are trying to win now, but it will be difficult in this division. Grade: A
Baltimore Ravens
Guard Ben Grubbs can be plugged in immediately, although they might have preferred tackle Joe Staley before the 49ers traded up to get him. The Ravens tried to get into the Brady Quinn sweepstakes and had him on the phone at one point. They need to think about life after 34-year-old Steve McNair, so they took a flier on Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. Considered too short at 6 feet, Smith has a record that’s too good to ignore. Grade: C
Pittsburgh Steelers
No surprise that new coach Mike Tomlin, former Minnesota defensive coordinator, concentrated on defense. Lawrence Timmons will replace departed linebacker Joey Porter. Michigan’s LaMarr Woodley could fit in as a linebacker in the 3-4 and provide a pass rush. Daniel Sepulveda could mark the end of Chris Gardocki’s 16-year career as one of the league’s most consistent and reliable punters. The ex-Bear just turned 37. Grade: C
Cincinnati Bengals
Cornerback Leon Hall is a solid player who should be able to replace starter Tory James, lost to New England. Running back Kenny Irons could give them the kind of change-of-pace option for Rudi Johnson that Chris Perry, another former Michigan star, hasn’t been able to do because of injuries. But Irons has durability issues too. With few off-season additions, coach Marvin Lewis doesn’t appear to be making much progress after three 8-8 seasons in four years. Grade: C-
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts
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Anthony Gonzalez replaces departed slot receiver Brandon Stokley and fits beautifully between Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. The Colts were able to fill three other needs, unusual for a Super Bowl team drafting last. They traded up to land tackle Tony Ugoh for depth. After losing both starting cornerbacks — Nick Harper to Tennessee and Jason David to New Orleans — Daymeion Hughes will get a chance to start. Quinn Pitcock might help on a thin defensive line. Losing running back Dominic Rhodes and linebacker Cato June hurts. Grade: A
Houston Texans
After passing up both Reggie Bush and Vince Young last year, the Texans were happy to operate under the radar. Amobi Okoye, the draft’s youngest player at 19, will provide inside help for last year’s top pick, defensive end Mario Williams. Jacoby Jones is another attempt to give Andre Johnson help at receiver. Defensive backs Fred Bennett and Brandon Harrison will contend for playing time on a defense that was 30th in interceptions. Grade: B-
Jacksonville Jaguars
The second-ranked defense in the league added safety Reggie Nelson to replace departed Deon Grant. Justin Durant and Brian Smith will compete at linebacker. Mike Walker has good size, and the Jaguars need receivers. If Byron Leftwich doesn’t have a consistent, healthy season, coach Jack Del Rio will have to get even more out of his stingy defense. Grade: C-
Tennessee Titans
How this team won eight games with the 32nd-ranked defense is a tribute to Jeff Fisher’s coaching. Then they lost leading rusher Travis Henry and their two leading receivers, Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade. The Broncos jumped ahead of them for pass rusher Jarvis Moss. Safety Mike Griffin will start right away. Running back Chris Henry probably isn’t going to replace Travis Henry’s 1,200 yards. Paul Williams was the 16th receiver drafted, so he can’t be expected to give Vince Young much help. Grade: D
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
They traded up for Jarvis Moss and added Tim Crowder to address their most pressing defensive need — pass rushing — and took a chance on character risk Marcus Thomas. Offensive tackle Ryan Harris was rated higher than the third round by some. Off-season haul was almost as impressive as New England’s in adding cornerback Dre Bly, tight end Daniel Graham, receiver Brandon Stokley and running back Travis Henry. It’s now up to quarterback Jay Cutler. Grade: B+
Oakland Raiders
If JaMarcus Russell doesn’t start right away, the trade for Detroit backup Josh McCown will allow new coach Lane Kiffin a transition period. Unloading Randy Moss was unavoidable, and Kiffin thinks he can reclaim former USC wide receiver Mike Williams, obtained from Detroit with McCown. If Louisville running back Michael Bush can recover from a nasty broken leg, he could be one of the steals of the draft. Russell must cure an offense that scored only 10 points a game. Grade : B
San Diego Chargers
A 14-2 team doesn’t figure it needs much. The Chargers needed a speed receiver and settled for LSU’s Craig Davis, the fifth receiver in the first round and second from LSU. The Bears extracted three picks just to let the Chargers move up in Round 2 for safety Eric Weddle, so he obviously will start. Inside linebacker Anthony Waters may not be fully healthy but might be worth the wait. Grade: C
Kansas City Chiefs
Dwayne Bowe is a nice addition and fills a need because ex-Bears receiver Eddie Kennison at 34 remains their best alternative to tight end Tony Gonzalez. Defensive tackles Turk McBride and Tank Tyler fill a perennial need. Linebackers Napoleon Harris from Minnesota and Donnie Edwards from San Diego also joined up. They were unable to get anything for quarterback Trent Green and will have to release him sooner or later. Grade: D
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
New coach Wade Phillips wanted a pass rusher to pair with DeMarcus Ware and got one in Anthony Spencer, the player Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas said presented him with the most problems. But unless Tony Romo continues to develop, Cowboys fans will second-guess passing up a shot at Brady Quinn for a first-round pick next year. Tackles James Marten and Doug Free both are tall prospects who the Cowboys hope turn out as well as tall ex-Bear Marc Colombo. Grade: B-
New York Giants
New general manager Jerry Reese followed a Giants tradition of standing pat and waiting for picks to come to them. They made no deals up or down, so it was a boring two days. Aaron Ross will start at cornerback, and Steve Smith was a four-year starter at USC who will help Eli Manning immediately. Defensive lineman Jay Alford and linebacker Zak DeOssie meet needs, and tight end Kevin Boss replaces departed backup Visanthe Shiancoe. Trading for Cleveland’s Reuben Droughns to help Brandon Jacobs isn’t enough to replace retired Tiki Barber. Grade: B-
Philadelphia Eagles
Coach Andy Reid obviously liked quarterback Kevin Kolb, linebacker Stewart Bradley and cornerback C.J. Gaddis because he gave up his first-round pick to NFC East rival Dallas, which took Purdue pass rusher Anthony Spencer. Notre Dame pass rusher Victor Abiamiri isn’t supposed to be as good as Spencer. Kolb can’t help now and forces the question of Donovan McNabb’s health from a knee injury. Running back Tony Hunt provides a big-back option. Grade: D
Washington Redskins
Strangely, the bitter rivals of the Cowboys drafted a safety named Landry and a linebacker named Dallas. Whether LaRon Landry and Dallas Sartz can help beat the Cowboys remains to be seen. The Redskins don’t value the draft like most teams. Inside linebacker H.B. Blades’ claim to fame is he’s the son of former Detroit safety Bennie. Jordan Palmer is Carson Palmer’s little brother. The Redskins are counting heavily on quarterback Jason Campbell, who cost them first-round picks in 2005 and 2006. Grade: D
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions
With four of the top 61 picks, the Lions had a chance to make an impact, and it looks like they did, landing the consensus best athlete in the draft in receiver Calvin Johnson. If Jon Kitna doesn’t flourish with Johnson, Roy Williams and Mike Furrey, fans will be chanting for Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton. Ikaika Alama-Francis can rush the passer, and Gerald Alexander should start at safety. Grade: A
Bears
To get the best player at any position with the 31st pick is a plus, and tight end Greg Olsen gives them speed down the middle that will threaten all the Cover-2 defenses they face. Dan Bazuin is the kind of undersized pass rusher they like. Garrett Wolfe is really undersized, but they needed a third-down threat. Michael Okwo is a third-rounder, just like Lance Briggs. They waited until their last pick to address a need at offensive tackle, so that remains an area of concern. Grade: A-
Green Bay Packers
With 11 picks, general manager Ted Thompson continued his pattern of quantity without trying to impress anybody with flashy picks. Defensive tackle Justin Harrell was hurt last season but played like a first-rounder in 2005. Brandon Jackson can catch as well as run and will have a chance to start even though he wasn’t a full-time starter at Nebraska. Receivers James Jones and skinny David Clowney both should make the team. Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson gives the Vikings their best home-run threat since Randy Moss left. Curiously, new personnel man Rick Spielman took receiver Sidney Rice from South Carolina. The previous regime took receiver Troy Williamson from South Carolina only to discover he can’t catch very well. By taking three wide receivers and adding ex-Bear Bobby Wade from Tennessee, the Vikings acknowledge they have yet to replace Moss. Cornerback Marcus McCauley and defensive end Brian Robison will help. Grade: B
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
New coach Bobby Petrino passed up Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye to take end Jamaal Anderson, figuring he fit the need better. Anderson had 15 sacks at Arkansas. Justin Blalock can play anywhere on an offensive line in need. Cornerback Chris Houston should start opposite DeAngelo Hall. Laurent Robinson from Illinois State should give Michael Vick one less excuse not to fulfill his potential. The Falcons also added Joe Horn and fullback Ovie Mughelli to the offense. Grade: A
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Carolina Panthers
Needed a safety but stuck to their board and had a good draft, as usual. Jon Beason steps in to fill a need at linebacker. Dwayne Jarrett reminds Keyshawn Johnson more of himself than of another ex-USC receiver, Mike Williams. Ryan Kalil looks like a 10-year starter at center. Charles Johnson will have time to develop on a good defensive line. Picking up David Carr to back up and maybe push quarterback Jake Delhomme was the Panthers’ most interesting off-season move. Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gaines Adams is the consensus best pass rusher in the draft, and the Bucs were happy to get him, even though coach Jon Gruden tried to get receiver Calvin Johnson. Arron Sears played every offensive line position at Tennessee. Sabby Piscitelli is a big safety who will get a chance to start. Quincy Black will make it on special teams at least. Drafting seven defensive players plus getting free agents Cato June from Indianapolis and Kevin Carter from Miami proves Gruden is serious about restoring a slipping defense. Grade: B
New Orleans Saints
Like the Colts, coach Sean Payton wants to make sure he improves the strongest area of his team. The Saints had the No. 1-ranked offense and added speed receiver Robert Meachem, replacing departed Joe Horn. Payton went on to draft offensive players with four of his first five picks, pausing only for a couple of needed cornerbacks. Running back Antonio Pittman was a good value, but the Saints don’t really need him. Grade: C-
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
Coach Mike Nolan continues to build a defense with six more picks to add to free-agent acquisitions Nate Clements at cornerback, Tully Banta-Cain at linebacker and Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle. Patrick Willis was by far the best linebacker in the draft and will work with Mike Singletary. They traded up for offensive tackle Joe Staley. Trading for Seattle receiver Darrell Jackson may give quarterback Alex Smith the go-to guy he needs unless third-rounder Jason Hill develops fast. Grade: A
St. Louis Rams
They had to have a defensive lineman and got a solid producer in Adam Carriker. Brian Leonard also fills a need for a backup to overworked running back Steven Jackson. Jonathan Wade needs seasoning but is a very fast corner. Dustin Fry could end up starting at center. If defensive tackle Keith Jackson is a familiar name, it’s because his dad played tight end for Philadelphia and Green Bay not that long ago. Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
Taking defensive players with four of their first five picks revealed coach Mike Holmgren’s main concern, but the Seahawks spent their top pick last year in a trade with New England for Deion Branch. Seattle was the only team without a first-round pick. Cornerback Josh Wilson fills a dire need for depth. Trading receiver Darrell Jackson to rival San Francisco is a bold move. Grade: C-
Arizona Cardinals
This is a team that could benefit from more than five draft picks. Levi Brown will start right away at tackle on a team that is experimenting with its offensive line. Alan Branch could be great or a bust; the Cardinals spent a fourth-round pick to trade up to get him, gambling on greatness. Linebacker Buster Davis will help. Steve Breaston is good, but receiver is the last position the Cards need. New coach Ken Whisenhunt is a former tight end who likes to use his tight ends, so maybe Ben Patrick has a chance. Grade : C-
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