Dishing out NFL Draft grades isn't always fair. While we may have already reserved judgment on bewildering decisions by the Broncos and Raiders, other teams still have key choices to make. So we might as well have a little fun with it now, before all these rooks take the field in 2009.
After the jump, check out a first-day report card styled just like the ones we dreaded in grade school, with evaluations by NFL FanHouse's Chris Burke.
As Brady Quinn made his way south down the draft board, general manager Ozzie Newsome gave serious consideration to drafting him. The Browns altered those plans and the Ravens addressed a more immediate need with their first-round pick: offensive line. The club also added depth at linebacker, drafted Ovie Mughelli's replacement, and still got a quarterback before the weekend was over.
The Good Ben Grubbs was the best guard in the draft and he should be a starter Week 1. LeRon Mclain measures 6-0, 257 pounds and is basically a glorified tackle playing fullback. It's not surprising the Ravens drafted a kid they described as "reminding us of Ovie." Four months ago, Troy Smith lasting until the fifth round would've seemed impossible, but that's how it happened. And now, he's a Raven will a good shot to not only make the team, but see some playing time in the next few seasons.
The Bad Yamon Figurs fills a return specialist needs, especially if B.J. Sams doesn't fully recover from a broken foot. But taking him in the third round may have been a reach (Of course, that's what people said about the Bears and Devin Hester, a second-round pick last year -- and that worked out.) The club added depth at linebacker, but didn't take a cornerback or safety. Yes, the starters are set in the secondary, but there's not a lot of depth behind them. But if that is the biggest gripe about this draft, then Newsome did a pretty good job.
The Grade: B Baltimore did a nice job of drafting for need (Grubbs), and finding players who can grow into starters (Smith, OLB Antwan Barnes). They also got one of the best return men available (Figurs), though he might've been available later. Nonetheless, another solid effort from the Ravens' personnel department.
We've already given you the FanHouse mock draft and Day 1 recaps of the NFL Draft. And now we're bringing you the team draft grades. You know, because it's so easy to grade the draft 15 minutes after it ends. No need to thank us, just enjoy.
Grade: B+. The Cowboys got another 3-4 OLB in Anthony Spencer, but didn't land a wideout. T.O. and Terry Glenn are a combined 66-years-old, so that might be a priority at some point in the near future.
Grade: C-. You might not like the LaRon Landry pick, but there's no arguing that he's the best safety in the draft. But on Day 2, two linebackers and Carson Palmer's younger brother? Way to go out on bottom, Vinny.
We've already given you the FanHouse mock draft and Day 1 recaps of the NFL Draft. And now we're bringing you the team draft grades. You know, because it's so easy to grade the draft 15 minutes after it ends. No need to thank us, just enjoy.
Grade: C. The Panthers found replacements for Dan Morgan and Keyshawn Johnson, but they still don't have a safety. Maybe they'll feature the 5-5-1 defense in '07.
We've already given you the FanHouse mock draft and Day 1 recaps of the NFL Draft. And now we're bringing you the team draft grades. You know, because it's so easy to grade the draft 15 minutes after it ends. No need to thank us, just enjoy.
Grade: C. Through two days, no Bengals draft picks were arrested. (Too easy? Okay, how about this: what does it say about Chris Perry that the team drafted Kenny Irons in the second round?)
Grade: B+. People trashed the Bills after last year's draft and that turned out okay. Marshawn Lynch and Paul Posluzny fill obvious needs, and maybe Trent Edwards does too.
We've already given you the FanHouse mock draft and Day 1 recaps of the NFL Draft. And now we're bringing you the team draft grades. You know, because it's so easy to grade the draft 15 minutes after it ends. No need to thank us, just enjoy.
Grade: A. From the Raiders FanHouse: "Oakland got its man, JaMarcus Russell... [and] they picked up one bust of a receiver (Mike Williams), a potential starting quarterback (Josh McCown), and were able to jettison Randy Moss."
Grade: C. I think this says it all (from the Chargers FanHouse): "Taking that receiver from LSU. The guy (whatever his name is) was a second-team All-SEC selection. Remember this pick when Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith have outstanding NFL careers."
Grade: C+. Yay defense. Boo LenDale White (the fat version that caused the team to draft another running back in the second round), and no pass-catching threats for Vince Young.
At this point, is anything Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli do a surprise? The Pats spent more time working the phones than actually making Day-1 draft picks, but still managed to fill a big need at safety.
The Good Safety Brandon Meriweather could see a lot of action in '07, even though it probably won't thrill Rodney Harrison. The club drafted three offensive linemen, some of which may land on the practice squad. But because New England pays their practice squadders like they're on the 53-man roster, they have their own little farm team.
The Bad The team only had one first-day pick, and while the front office has an eye for talent, the likelihood many of their eight Day-2 picks make the roster are slim. Still, the Pats have something like 18 first-round picks next year, so there's always that.
The Grade: B The grade would've been higher except there was more wheelin' and dealin' than actual drafting on Day 1. I'm certain New England knows what they're doing, but with only one pick on Saturday, it's hard to give them much more than a B.
The Bears did a nice job of drafting guys who can replace the departed (or disgruntled), or play based on ability. There were suggestions that Brady Quinn might be an option, but it looks like Rex Grossman has a job for at least one more year.
The Good TE Greg Olsen runs a 4.5-forty and will create a lot of matchup problems. LB Michael Okwo weakens Lance Briggs' bargaining position and DE Dan Bazuin could be the next Mark Anderson.
The Bad Chicago didn't get a chance to address the offensive line until the fourth round, and I'm sure there will be some questions about Quinn ... or maybe even one of the second-tier quarterbacks. Otherwise, there's not much to complain about.
The Grade: B+ The Bears couldn't have done much better based on where they were picking. The team got better on both sides of the ball, and that's usually the sign of a good draft.
Seattle didn't have a first-round pick because they sent it to New England last August for Deion Branch. The team did well its two remaining first-day picks, and looked for Darrell Jackson's replacement on Day 2.
The Good CB Josh Wilson would've been a first-round pick if not for his size. He's one of the smartest guys in the draft and he fills an immediate need in the secondary. Along with Kelly Jennings, the 2006 first-rounder, the Seahawks could have two of the best young CBs in the division. G Mansfield Wrotto might be a steal in the fourth round.
The Bad Branch more than makes up for the missing first-round pick. Darrell Jackson was traded to San Francisco and Seattle drafted two WRs in Round 6 who may not even make the team.
The Grade: B- Wilson bolsters the secondary and Wrotto could become a starter in a few seasons. Even though the team was without a first-round pick, if Deion Branch was in the draft this year, he'd be the second wideout off the board. In that sense, Seattle had a pretty successful weekend.
Tennessee entered the draft needing help at cornerback, wide receiver, running back and defensive end. They opted to take versatile safety Michael Griffin in the first round, and then rolled the dice by taking a very talented, but unproductive running back in the second round. With 10 picks, the Titans brought in plenty of competition for training camp.
The Good: First-round pick Michael Griffin was a very productive college player who should immediately give the team an upgrade at strong safety. He'll join with free safety Chris Hope to give the Titans one of the better pair of safeties in the league. Needing help at defensive end, Tennessee didn't take one until the sixth round but that patience wasn't punished--Jacob Ford is a very intriguing prospect, especially for a sixth-rounder. Cornerback Ryan Smith was also a great value in the sixth round. He is projected to be a nickel back, but with his extensive experience at Florida, he should be able to contribute relatively quickly at another position of need. Wide receiver Chris Davis (fourth round) could fill the team's need for a punt returner.
At this point, is anything Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli do a surprise? The Pats spent more time working the phones than actually making Day-1 draft picks, but still managed to fill a big need at safety. 
Seattle didn't have a first-round pick because they sent it to New England last August for Deion Branch. The team did well its two remaining first-day picks, and looked for Darrell Jackson's replacement on Day 2. 
Tennessee entered the draft needing help at cornerback, wide receiver, running back and defensive end. They opted to take versatile safety Michael Griffin in the first round, and then rolled the dice by taking a very talented, but unproductive running back in the second round. With 10 picks, the Titans brought in plenty of competition for training camp.
