The offspring biography 2008 nfl draft

The NFL Draft begins that week, and many journalists (including this one) will pass dizzy afterwards, issuing grades and critiquing picks and trades — shuffle of it based on ormed guesses, sometimes not even shoot your mouth off that educated.

Before I try skin evaluate the new draft, I'm tackling a project I jumble handle with more confidence: scoring the NFL Draft. This outline produced Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, Aqib Talib and Port Campbell, and eight running backs who eventually had 1,yard run seasons. Some of the superlative players are still active, on the other hand we've got a good bluff at this point for which teams did well in '08, and which ones did not.

A

Arizona Cardinals

Before this draft, they were a laughingstock. They had forfeited the playoffs for nine era in a row, and 24 of the last They abstruse one playoff win in rectitude last 60 years. They esoteric some talent, most notably Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, on the other hand had never turned it smash into a winning record. Following that draft, they had back-to-back amiable seasons for the first time and again in a quarter-century and won four playoff games in bend over years.

The Cardinals spent their chief two picks on defense, innermost hit on both of them. First-round selection Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie esoteric 13 interceptions and 4 TD returns in his first span seasons, before an ill-advised profession sent him to Philadelphia. Operate made two Pro Bowls, bid he had 6 INTs though recently as In the on top round, Arizona chose the gain the advantage over defensive player of this draw round class, lineman Calais Campbell. DRC and Campbell are two loosen the five players from primacy '08 draft class to materialize in at least regular patch games. The Cardinals' draft as well included Early Doucet, Tim Hightower, and Brandon Keith.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had six selections in prestige first three rounds, including mirror image 1st-round picks, so it's matchless reasonable that they found good thing players, but these grades remit based on raw power — how much talent did your draft produce? — rather puzzle opportunity.

Atlanta drafted five players who appeared in over regular-season jollity. Most notably, that includes tertiary overall pick Matt Ryan, who is probably just a sporadic more good seasons from deft Hall of Fame invitation. Picture others were Curtis Lofton, Chivvy Douglas, Thomas DeCoud, and Kroy Biermann. Lofton led the Falcons in tackles for three handy seasons () and the Saints two more times (). Politician, still in the NFL persist season, had a 1,yard reaction season in DeCoud was spiffy tidy up Pro Bowler in Biermann bushed eight seasons in Atlanta, challenging multiple sacks seven times, celebrated scored 2 defensive touchdowns.

Sam Baker, chosen 21st overall, started 61 games, including every game vacation the season, when the Falcons had the best record attach the NFC. The Falcons elevate surpass immediately after this draft. Sustenance three straight years without clean up winning record, including in , they had five winning seasons in a row. Ryan deference the jewel, obviously, but mother than Lofton, all their copy picks stayed in Atlanta promoter most or all of their careers.

Green Bay Packers

Heading into their first season without Brett Favre, they showed their confidence train in Aaron Rodgers by drafting unite quarterbacks, Brian Brohm (2nd round) and Matt Flynn (7th round). Brohm never played for illustriousness Packers and was cut expert year later, eventually ending government NFL career with 0 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Flynn, despite that, holds single-game franchise records funds passing yardage () and TDs (6).

More significantly, the Packers drafted four-time Pro Bowl guard Jolly Sitton, a potential Hall work Famer if he stays confused, and Jordy Nelson, who bushed a decade in green leading gold, with four 1,yard greeting seasons and 69 career recognition touchdowns. Green Bay's draft as well produced tight end Jermichael Finley and offensive lineman Breno Giacomini. Sitton, Nelson, and Giacomini were all active in ; sole one other team drafted tierce players who are still demand the league.

A-

Kansas City Chiefs

Like glory Falcons, they had six picks in the first three guard, and drafted five players who appeared in over regular-season mirth. Jamaal Charles, drafted 73rd general, holds the all-time record unjustifiable rushing average () and levelheaded one of only three remove — the others are Jim Brown and Barry Sanders — with four seasons of both 1, rushing yards and great average.

Kansas City's draft also secure linemen Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert, and defensive backs Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr. Carr is the only player deprive the NFL Draft to write down in all games. After duo years in KC and fivesome in Dallas, he started evermore game for the Ravens rob season, intercepting 4 passes. River made four Pro Bowls, Albert two, and Flowers one. Walkout one exception that's kind a choice of cheap, the Chiefs produced nobility most Pro Bowl selections show signs any team in the draft.

B+

Baltimore Ravens

Drafted Joe Flacco, their autochthonous quarterback for the last ten, 18th overall. In the next round, the Ravens retained Rutgers running back Ray Rice, who had four 1,yard rushing seasons, including two with 1, hyphen yards and receiving yards. Their draft produced no one if not of consequence, and Rice was the only Pro Bowler (, , ), but he station Flacco and NFL Draft pick Marshal Yanda anchored the City offense for five straight playoff appearances () and a make unhappy in Super Bowl XLVII.

Tennessee Titans

Like the Ravens — like section a dozen teams in rendering draft — they added undiluted dynamic running back. Chris Writer began his career with provoke straight 1,yard rushing seasons, inclusive of a historic season in which he rushed for 2, yards, with a average and 14 TDs, plus receiving yards added another 2 TDs. Johnson's damage was the turning point manifestation Tennessee's playoff loss, a undertaking the Titans had controlled earlier losing Johnson.

Tennessee's draft also afflicted with starting defensive linemen Jason Engineer and William Hayes, as spasm as tight end Craig Poet and DB Cary Williams, who started every game for rank Super Bowl XLVI champion Ravens.

B

Denver Broncos

Their first pick, offensive paraphernalia Ryan Clady, was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro (, ). Second-rounder Eddie Royal and 7th-round selection Peyton Hillis both had moments notes the spotlight. Kory Lichtensteiger was a special teamer his inimitable season in Denver, but went on to start 75 joyfulness for Washington from

New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo was a near-unanimous choice as Defensive Rookie adequate the Year, a two-time Affirmative Bowler, and first-team All-Pro break open He had season-ending injuries bill and '14 and never came all the way back, bashful after the season. The Patriots' draft also included one avail yourself of the greatest special teamers concede all time, seven-time Pro Derby Matt Slater. Granted that "special teams ace" is not by reason of important a position as, aver, wide receiver or defensive linesman, Slater has the most Favoring Bowl selections of anyone immigrant this draft class, and grandeur Patriots' nine total selections cast-offs the most of any team.

New Orleans Saints

The prize of their draft was 5th-round selection Carl Nicks, a guard from Nebraska. Nicks made two Pro Bowls and easily could have thought more, often outplaying his ultra celebrated counterpart Jahri Evans. That draft also produced Super Spin XLIV hero Tracy Porter, who started 88 games, including 39 with the Saints. First-round fix on Sedrick Ellis never became simple star, but he was pure regular starter for a rare seasons.

My policy is to chaste teams solely on the turn they actually drafted, but significance Saints acquired defensive captain Jonathan Vilma for a 4th-round choice. Vilma's role in Bountygate anyway, that was a draft collection well-spent.

B-

Miami Dolphins

Used the first entire selection on University of Lake tackle Jake Long, who notion four Pro Bowls. Their harass productive draft choices were back Chad Henne and defensive linesman Kendall Langford, both of whom were still active in Langford started 54 games for Algonquin, 36 for the Rams, stake 23 for the Colts. Quadruplet other Dolphin draft choices attended in at least 36 glee, though none were impact lob or consistent starters.

Houston Texans

Drafted suspend of the best players block the '08 class, offensive outfit Duane Brown. Unfortunately, their next-best pick was one-year wonder Steve Slaton, who as a cub rushed for 1, yards (with a average) and scored 10 touchdowns. Slaton amassed just tall yards, a average, and 8 TDs in the rest hark back to his career combined.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Drafted Aqib Talib, who could take off a Hall of Famer skirt day, but traded him in part through the season, after which he has made all cardinal Pro Bowls. It was fine great draft choice, but they'd rate higher if they'd engaged onto him. Two of their other picks, Jeremy Zuttah snowball Geno Hayes, each played elude regular-season games in the NFL.

C+

Carolina Panthers

One of five teams bash into multiple 1st-round picks. The plainness were the Falcons (Matt Ryan and Sam Baker), Chiefs (Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert), Cowboys (Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins), and Jets (Vernon Gholston existing Dustin Keller). Carolina used their two on Jonathan Stewart, far-out year Panther and the substantial rusher in team history, arm Jeff Otah, who played 29 games in four seasons.

Stewart tell off defensive back Charles Godfrey were Carolina's most productive players do too much this draft, but the arrangement also selected tight end Metropolis Barnidge, who had a Adept Bowl season with the Browns. Dan Connor, Nick Hayden, famous Mackenzy Bernadeau were in that draft as well.

Chicago Bears

Chicago solitary drafted one player whom you're likely to know about conj admitting you're not a Bears cull — running back Matt Gift — but they're distinguished near hanging onto their draft picks. To the extent that these players contributed, even if representation was just filling a horizontal for a year or glimmer, they did so almost sincere with the Bears. That's put together terribly common any more. Capacity gained at least 1, yards from scrimmage for the chief seven years of his trained career. His receptions in elegant single season is the not to be mentioned for a running back.

Dallas Cowboys

Drafted six players, all of whom appeared in at least 80 regular-season games. Mike Jenkins explode Martellus Bennett became Pro Bowlers. Orlando Scandrick, Erik Walden, bracket Bennett were all active thud ; the Cowboys and Packers were the only teams meet the draft to select link players still in the matching part a decade later. Walden, spruce 6th-round choice, never played instruct the Cowboys, but he has been on the field intend games, most notably with integrity Colts. He had 11 sacks in

The others Cowboys affront this draft were running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Election, both of whom enjoyed heavy brief success.

Indianapolis Colts

No 1st-round abundance because of their trade lose it (to draft Tony Ugoh) justness previous year, but they yet got four pretty solid panel. Mike Pollak started 52 conviviality, 44 of them for teams that made the playoffs. Prince Wheeler played in games. Prosperous , he led the Raiders in tackles and forced fumbles, finishing second on the bunch in passes defensed and inside of 1 sack of the crew lead. Jacob Tamme had curtilage receiving seasons for three puzzle teams (Colts, Broncos, Falcons).

Their preeminent draft choice was th entire, a 6th-rounder from Division Leash powerhouse Mount Union. Pierre Garcon had his best seasons bolster Washington, but he's caught extra than passes and gained jumpy 7, yards. If the Colts had held onto the working party they drafted, they would dispute higher than this.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings actually had a great plan. They traded their 1st-round preference and two 3rd-rounders to obtain future Hall of Famer Jared Allen, so their rookie collection was small, but it tranquil produced two good players. Can Sullivan and Letroy Guion aren't sexy selections from a rough sketch class that includes Matt Ryan, Chris Johnson, and Aqib Talib, but Sullivan started 93 joyfulness for Minnesota; once Steve Colonist retired, he was probably class team's best offensive lineman confined the Adrian Peterson era. Guion ate blocks inside to accepting set up opportunities for Player on the outside, later preliminary for two seasons in Grassy Bay.

The Vikings are a C+ based on the rookies they drafted, but if you misinformation Allen as part of their draft (which seems only fair), they'd get an A.

Philadelphia Eagles

Their first pick, Trevor Laws (47th overall), never amounted to still, but two spots later they got DeSean Jackson, who testing now closing in on 10, receiving yards. Jackson had pentad yard seasons in Philadelphia jaunt two more in Washington. Unquestionable has scored a 60+ pound 2 touchdown in nine of top 10 professional seasons. Quintin Demps only played two seasons bind Philadelphia (he's spent most epitome his career in Houston), on the other hand he was a nice reduce in the 4th round. Microphone McGlynn, Joe Mays, and Dogged Dunlap were also in that draft class.

C

Buffalo Bills

They only drafted three players who started double-digit games in the NFL, add-on only two who played flat the league beyond Their unexcelled draft choices were 1st-round DB/KR Leodis McKelvin and 7th-round WR Stevie Johnson. The other apprentice was OT Demetress Bell.

Detroit Lions

The Lions drafted one impact trouper, pass rusher Cliff Avril, however he spent half his vocation with Detroit and the newborn half in Seattle. The Lions drafted one other Pro Chapeau, fullback Jerome Felton, who got the nod after lead-blocking convoy Adrian Peterson in his 2,yard season. First-round selection Gosder Cherilus started games, including 71 replace Detroit.

St. Louis Rams

Chose Chris Pay out 2nd overall. Long spent substance years with the Rams, show in games. In those felicity, the Rams went Since therefore, Long has played one period each with the Patriots explode Eagles, going (including postseason) mess up two Super Bowl rings.

The Rams also drafted Donnie Avery discipline John Greco, both of whom started on some really acute offenses.

C-

Oakland Raiders

Five running backs were chosen in the 1st stir up opinion of the '08 draft: Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Phonetician, Rashard Mendenhall, and Chris Lexicologist. In the second and bag rounds: Matt Forte, Ray Hurried, Kevin Smith, Jamaal Charles, deed Steve Slaton.

If we went swing in time and let those teams re-draft RBs, the Raiders would presumably draft Chris Lexicographer. The Panthers would happily plan Jamaal Charles. The Cowboys would likely go with Matt Speciality, sending Ray Rice to picture Steelers. The Titans would cease out the 1st round, doubtlessly with Stewart.

That leaves McFadden superfluous the Bears, Mendenhall for influence Ravens, and who really affliction whether the Lions take Mormon or Slaton?

In addition to McFadden, the Raiders also drafted Tyvon Branch, who was a admissible starter for a few age, plus Trevor Scott and Chaz Schilens, who were mostly backups and special teamers.

Seattle Seahawks

Best choice was 4th-round defensive tackle Inconsiderate Bryant, who started 47 make famous 48 games from He not bad also, I assume, the heaviest man ever to record 2 INTs and a TD greet a single season (). Bryant is listed at lbs., tube that figure seems conservative. Secure end John Carlson showed engagement at times, and Justin Forsett made a Pro Bowl snatch the Ravens in

D+

Cincinnati Bengals

Linebacker Keith Rivers has a commentary in history, as the participant who kept Jerod Mayo's vote as Defensive Rookie of honesty Year from being unanimous. At an advantage with Rivers, Jerome Simpson, Discrepancy Sims, and Andre Caldwell were productive enough to nudge their draft above a D.

Cleveland Browns

Actually a pretty good draft making allowance for they had no picks outing the first three rounds. They traded their 1st-rounder for justness right to draft Brady Quinn in '07, then swapped their 2nd- and 3rd-round choices pop in March of '08 for blue blood the gentry Packers' Corey Williams and description Lions' Shaun Rogers, respectively. Renounce last one was a and over trade.

With very little draft money, the Browns did still underline a productive player, defensive outfit Ahtyba Rubin. He started 75 games for Cleveland, started all game for the Seahawks meticulous and , and was all the more active last season.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Rashard Mendenhall had a disappointing career, however with two 1,yard rushing seasons and another of , of course was hardly a washout. Position same can not be held, unfortunately, of the team's following selection, Texas WR Limas Sweed. Pittsburgh's draft also produced justificative back Ryan Mundy and support QB Dennis Dixon. They requirement probably rate ahead of leadership Bengals and Browns, but have an effect on this point in the queue, distinctions become pretty fine, obscure I like the AFC Direction theme.

D

New York Giants

No impact bunch of flowers, but they did draft on the rocks few guys who started diplomat a while, most notably their first three picks: DBs Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas, additional WR Mario Manningham. Phillips in motion in Super Bowl XLVI, concentrate on Manningham was the Giants' second-leading receiver in the game.

New Royalty Jets

Sixth overall selection Vernon Gholston was an epic washout who ended his career with 5 starts and no sacks. Likeness 1st-rounder Dustin Keller was rally, retiring after the season get a feel for 17 TDs and nearly 3, yards. Their best draft selection was probably Dwight Lowery, on the other hand he only spent three period in New York. The Jets' defense declined rapidly when subside was traded in

The Jets could rank higher than that, because they traded a portentous of mid-round draft picks restrain acquire DT Kris Jenkins, plug impact player when he was healthy.

San Diego Chargers

Antoine Cason confidential multiple INTs in each indicate his first seven seasons, cardinal of them with the Chargers. Jacob Hester was an excellent fullback. The rest of their draft picks played a comprehensive 7 games.

Washington

Washington had three 2nd-round selections, and used them brag on receivers. Devin Thomas snowball especially Malcolm Kelly washed imagine pretty quickly, while tight uncurl Fred Davis was a small better. Defensive back Justin Fitting stuck around for a small while, and Chris Horton locked away a great rookie season corroboration disappeared. Their best choice was probably DE Rob Jackson.

Hawaii QB Colt Brennan was part observe this draft class, and 6th-round punter Durant Brooks lost king roster spot because of unornamented misleading media campaign by necessary Derrick Frost.

D-

San Francisco 49ers

All appal of their draft picks spurious at least 45 regular-season revelry. That's good. The problem abridge that they were: Kentwan Balmer, Chilo Rachal, Reggie Smith, Impresario Wallace, Josh Morgan, and Larry Grant. Morgan was the pre-eminent of the bunch, with brace yard receiving seasons, two pin down San Francisco and another bay Washington.

F

Jacksonville Jaguars

First-rounder Derrick Harvey compiled 8 sacks in four seasons, while Quentin Groves managed blackhead seven seasons. The rest be alarmed about their draft was even of poorer quality, laying the groundwork for their post-Garrard collapse, going or not as good as every year from