NCAA Basketball Early Top 25

As we’ve been previewing for a while now on this blog site, we’re ready to release our EARLY 2013-2014 Preseason Rankings. Some sites already came out with their early poll, but we waited until we got word on the NBA decisions and such. Obviously, as the actual season approaches we’ll release our official preseason poll, but it’s fun to get a head start.

Last year our early poll was actually better than our real preseason poll. We pegged IU and Louisville number 1-2 on each (fairly accurate), but in our early poll we had Kentucky at 17, much better than our official poll, which pegged them third. I guess something has to be said about what happens when you overthink something. We pegged Kansas at #3 in our early poll, which seemed about right given they were a 1-seed in the NCAA’s along with IU and Louisville. Michigan, Ohio State, and Duke were 5/6/7, very accurate with how they ended the season. Our only flaw in the early Top 10 was NC State at 4, and UCLA at 8, but at least those teams made the tourney. Miami and Gonzaga would have been good fill-ins instead.

Anyways, along with each team’s ranking below, we’ll give you a projected starting lineup for each team. Again, things may change as we approach the season, but it will at least give you an idea of what things look like. It’s fun to project some of that stuff too!

EARLY 2013-2014 NCAA Top 25

NOTE: Previous ranking in parenthesis (from our final regular season rankings from 2012-2013).

NOTE: There are multiple transfers eligible to play immediately that can have an impact on these rankings (Tarik Black, Eli Carter, Mike Moser, Josh Davis). Oh, and there is a guy named Andrew Wiggins, who can shoot any team he joins up the rankings. But we can’t wait forever on their decisions…

1. (NR) Kentucky Wildcats

How do you go from being an unranked team that lost in the first round of the NIT to the preseason #1 team? Recruiting! And nobody does it like Calipari. In fact, not even Calipari has done it this well before. This recruiting class could go down as the best of all-time and they still have three regulars from last year’s squad. Sounds similar to 2011-2012 (i.e. National Champs).

PG       Andrew Harrison, Freshman

SG       Aaron Harrison, Freshman

SF        Alex Polythress, Sophomore

PF        Julius Randle, Freshman

C          Willie Cauley-Stein, Sophomore

NOTE: As scary as it sounds, they could still be adding Andrew Wiggins, the best incoming freshman in the country. If that were the case, people would start talking about a potential undefeated season.

2. (2) Michigan Wolverines

Once Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III announced they would return, Michigan fans cheered because they now have a great chance to get back to the Championship Game. Not only do they have star power, but also they will be a fairly deep team thanks to a mostly unchanged roster (Burke and Hardaway Jr. the only real losses) and a nice recruiting class. There will be plenty of competition for a starting spot…

PG       Spike Albrecht

SG       Nik Stauskas

SF        Zak Irvin

SF        Glenn Robinson III

C          Mitch McGary

3. (13) Michigan State Spartans

In terms of a starting lineup, Michigan State will have one of the best in the country. But they will lack depth, which keeps them ranked behind their interstate foe Michigan, along with Kentucky. Getting Harris and Payne back were obviously big, but they should get a healthier Brandon Dawson back too, who is now a full year removed from knee surgery.

PG       Keith Appling

SG       Gary Harris

SF        Denzel Valentine

SF/PF  Brandon Dawson

C         Adreian Payne

4. (1) Louisville Cardinals

Like many other top programs, Louisville lost some key players. Peyton Siva is tough to replace due to his tenacity and leadership. Gorgui Dieng is tough to replace due to his size, defense, and ability to finish. But Russ Smith turned down the NBA, Final Four hero Luke Hancock is back, Chane Behanan is due for a breakout year, and they have plenty of returners and incoming players (PG Chris Jones is the #1 JuCo player) to round out a winner. In Pitino I trust, especially after last year.

PG       Chris Jones

SG       Russ Smith

SF        Luke Hancock

PF        Montezl Harrell

PF        Chane Behanan

5. (18) Arizona Wildcats

Arizona was deep a year ago, but they lacked supreme athleticism and a true point guard. They won’t lack those things this year. Forwards Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson join the team as freshmen, and PG T.J. McConnell is coming in as a transfer from Duquesne. Sean Miller’s squad is a clear favorite in the Pac-12, and they will have a great chance to get to the Final Four.

PG       T.J. McConnell

SG       Nick Johnson

SF        Aaron Gordon

PF        Brandon Ashley

C          Kaleb Tarczewski

6. (8) Florida Gators

If you’re looking for a bruising frontcourt, look no further than the Florida Gators. Returning big men Patric Young, Will Yegete, and Casey Prather are joined inside this year by freshman standout Chris Walker, and impact transfers Dorian Finney-Smith (Virginia Tech) and Damontre Harris (South Carolina). They may be thin at guard, but returner Scottie Wilbekin and their stud recruit Kasey Hill will lead the way. This team will at least give Kentucky a challenge in the SEC.

PG       Kasey Hill

SG       Scottie Wilbekin

SF        Will Yegete

PF        Dorian Finney-Smith

PF        Patric Young

NOTE: They are rumored to be the leader to land Rutgers transfer Eli Carter. If they get him at a guard spot (where they are thin), Florida would move into the top 5, and potentially the top 3.

7. (21) Oklahoma State Cowboys

After nearly winning the Big 12 a year ago, the Cowboys look to be the early favorites in the conference this season. They benefitted greatly from one of the most unexpected decisions in recent memory, when Marcus Smart decided to come back. He was a lock to be drafted in the Top 5, yet he will return. Le’Bryan Nash and Markel Brown also turned down the NBA, so they look be set, despite a think frontcourt.

PG       Phil Forte

SG       Markel Brown

SG       Marcus Smart

SF        Le’Bryan Nash

PF        Michael Cobbins       

8. (7) Ohio State Buckeyes

Had Deshaun Thomas returned, I would have liked Ohio State as the second best team in the country. His departure to the NBA creates a scoring void. The good news is that they have a slew of guys to pick up the load. Their roster virtually doesn’t change outside of Thomas (Ravenel graduated), so winning the Big Ten Tourney in March was possibly a preview for next year.

PG       Aaron Craft

SG       Lenzelle Smith Jr.

SF        Sam Thompson

SF        LaQuinton Ross

C          Amir Williams

NOTE: The Buckeyes have been in the transfer mix, notably going after big man Tarik Black. He would provide great minutes inside and potentially move them up closer to the top 5.

9. (6) Duke Blue Devils

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. They lose their three best players in Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly, and Seth Curry. The good news is that they return everyone else, are adding standout freshman Jabari Parker (along with 4-star players Matt Jones and Semi Ojeleye) and transfer Rodney Hood (Mississippi State), and welcome back former starter Andre Dawkins from injury. Most importantly, Coach K is still there… so yes, they will be good like normal.

PG       Quinn Cook

SG       Andre Dawkins

SF        Rasheed Sulaimon

SF        Jabari Parker

PF        Amile Jefferson

NOTE: Like Ohio State, Duke is thin inside but are considered one of the leaders for Memphis transfer Tarik Black. He would give them the inside body they need to approach the top 5 also.

10. (25) North Carolina Tarheels

The Tarheels are in that group of teams that celebrated when NBA decisions were announced. Reggie Bullock did leave early, but their leading scorers P.J. Hairston and James Michael McAdoo decided to return. They join everyone else except graduate Dexter Strickland from a team that won 25 games. They are adding an elite recruiting class with two great inside players, which is exactly what they need. They will push Duke for an ACC title (sounds familiar doesn’t it).

PG       Marcus Paige

SG       P.J. Hairston

SG       Leslie McDonald

PF        James Michael McAdoo

PF        Isaiah Hicks

NOTE: They are a finalist for the #1 ranked recruit Andrew Wiggins. His arrival could take UNC as high as second in the country.

11. (NR) Connecticut Huskies

The reason UCONN didn’t play in the NCAA’s this past season had nothing to do with how they played last year. They were a tourney lock had they been eligible. They will be eligible again this year and will make the most of it. All of their key players return, including NBA hopefuls Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright, and DeAndre Daniels. Welcome back!

PG       Shabazz Napier

SG       Ryan Boatright

SG       Omar Calhoun

SF        DeAndre Daniels

PF        Tyler Olander

12. (NR) Baylor Bears

Baylor lost their best player in Pierre Jackson. But Cory Jefferson and Isaiah Austin chose to pass on the NBA and return for another season. They keep their NIT Champion roster basically intact and are adding a few key players also. As long as they can function adequately at point guard without Jackson, they will remain a top-15 team all year long.

PG       Gary Franklin

SG       Brady Heslip

SF        Rico Gathers

PF        Cory Jefferson

C          Isaiah Austin

13. (12) Georgetown Hoyas

Georgetown was shockingly good in 2013 but they won’t sneak up on anyone now. Otto Porter Jr. is gone, but everyone else returns including Greg Whittington who missed the second half of the year due to suspension. UCLA transfer Josh Smith joins them inside also to give them even more beef.

PG       Markel Starks

SG       D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera

SF        Greg Whittington

PF        Nate Lubick

C          Mikael Hopkins

14. (3) Syracuse Orangemen

One thing to remember about Syracuse is that Jim Boeheim always finds replacement players. So even though they are losing Triche, Southerland, and Carter-Williams, they will reload. It will be easier since C.J. Fair passed on the NBA and will anchor their loaded frontcourt. If they can find consistent guard play, they will remain a top-level team. Their zone defense helps too…

PG       Tyler Ennis

SG        Trevor Cooney

SF        C.J. Fair

PF        Rakeem Christmas

C          Baye Keita

15. (NR) Tennessee Volunteers

They just missed the NCAA Tournament this season but it shouldn’t be a problem this year. They return every key piece (thanks to Jarnell Stokes who passed on the NBA), add one of the best guards in the country, and welcome back injured forward Jeronne Maymon. They will be another solid team in the SEC.

PG       Trae Golden

SG       Jordan McRae

SF        Josh Richardson

PF        Jeronne Maymon

PF        Jarnell Stokes

16. (23) Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin lost three key players, but I never bet against them with Bo Ryan coaching. Sam Dekker is due for a breakout year, Josh Gasser will return from injury, and guards Ben Brust and Traevon Jackson will continue to get better. Their weakness will be inside as Frank Kaminsky is the only proven player.

PG       Traevon Jackson

SG       Ben Brust

SG       Josh Gasser

SF        Sam Dekker

PF        Frank Kaminsky

17. (22) VCU Rams

Shaka Smart once again turned down bigger jobs to stay at VCU. The returning talent is a big reason why. They return four of their top five scorers and have more than enough depth to account for their two losses (Troy Daniels and Darius Theus). Three names to remember: Treveon Graham, Juvonte Reddic, and Rob Brandenberg.

PG       Briante Weber

SG       Treveon Graham

SG       Rob Brandenberg

SG       Melvin Johnson

PF        Juvonte Reddic

18. (NR) Memphis Tigers

The Tigers lost a lot more than expected… DJ Stephens graduated, Adonis Thomas went pro, and Tarik Black and Antonio Barton decided to transfer. But they return four key players and welcome in four top 100 players (3 in the top 33). Josh Pastner knows how to reload similar to the coach he replaced (Calipari).

PG       Joe Jackson

SG       Geron Johnson

SG       Chris Crawford

PF        Austin Nichols

PF        Shaq Goodwin

19. (NR) Iowa Hawkeyes

This NIT runner-up will remain basically intact minus Eric May, only their sixth leading scorer. They lacked marquee wins a year ago which kept them on the wrong side of the bubble, but that won’t happen this time around. Roy Marble and Aaron White have All Big-Ten upside so remember their names.

PG       Mike Gesell

SG       Roy Marble

SF        Zach McCabe

PF        Melsahn Basabe

PF        Aaron White

20. (NR) Villanova Wildcats

Villanova surprisingly made the NCAA Tournament last year as a 9-seed. They should be in line for a much better seed in 2014. Only Yarou is gone from their core group, but three newcomers should make them even better. If you don’t know him already, pay attention to Ryan Arcidiacono who is fun to watch.

PG       Ryan Arcidiacono

SG       Darrun Hilliard

SF        James Bell

SF        JayVaughn Pinkston

C          Daniel Ochefu

21. (5) Kansas Jayhawks

I know, I know… they lost every starter. But Kansas regularly loses players and doesn’t miss a beat. Future stars Naadir Tharpe and Perry Ellis are ready to step up, and they also welcome freshman Wayne Selden and Joel Embiid (among others). They will still compete for a Big 12 title like they do every year with Bill Self.

PG       Naadir Tharpe

SG       Andrew White III

SF        Wayne Selden

PF        Perry Ellis

C          Joel Embiid

NOTE: Kansas is another Andrew Wiggins finalist. As you can guess, they would move up if they gain his services. They are also involved in the transfer pools, most notably with former Memphis forward Tarik Black.

22. (10) Gonzaga Bulldogs

Despite losing their frontcourt (Harris/Olynyk), Gonzaga will still be solid thanks to returning their entire backcourt (Pangos, Bell, and Stockton). Mark Few has big men ready to be plugged in and they are once again a tourney lock.

PG       Kevin Pangos

SG       Gary Bell Jr.

SG       David Stockton

PF        Sam Dower

C          Przemek Karnowski

NOTE: Gonzaga is a finalist for transfers Mike Moser (UNCV) and Josh Davis (Tulane). One or both would significantly bolster the frontline and move them into the top 15.

23. (NR) Colorado Buffaloes

Had Andre Roberson not turned pro, this would be another top-15 sqaud. But he is the only loss for a team that nearly won the Pac-12 en route to a tourney appearance. Spencer Dinwiddie is a name to know this year.

PG       Askia Booker

SG       Spencer Dinwiddie

SG       Jeremy Adams

SF        Xavier Johnson

PF        Josh Scott

24. (24) UCLA Bruins

New coach Steve Alford inherits a roster loaded with talent. In fact, UCLA is more talented than any team he coached at New Mexico, especially if Jordan Adams is back and healthy after his injury. I know they lost Larry Drew II and Shabazz Muhammed, but they return everyone else and welcome in a couple nice recruits. This will also give versatile point forward Kyle Anderson more freedom to play how he likes to play.

PG       Jordan Adams

SG       Norman Powell

SF        Kyle Anderson

PF        Travis Wear

PF        David Wear

25. (11) Marquette Golden Eagles

This team ended up losing a lot… Cadougan, Lockett, and Otule graduated. Vander Blue shockingly went pro. But key kogs Davante Gardner, Jamil Wilson, Todd Mayo, Juan Anderson, and Steve Taylor Jr. return. The Golden Eagles also have a very good recruiting class that will add key contributions immediately. Last year showed us to never count Buzz Williams and company out.

SG       Todd Mayo

SG       JaJuan Johnson

SF        Steve Taylor Jr.

PF        Jamil Wilson

PF        Davante Gardner

Next 10 Teams:

26. Wichita State – Two of their best players graduated, but they do welcome back a plethora of talent from their Final Four team. Some impact newcomers could help them overcome the losses however.

27. Harvard – After the big upset of New Mexico in the NCAA’s, Harvard returns three double-digit scorers and adds back in their two best players who were suspended last season (including star Kyle Casey).

28. New Mexico – If Tony Snell had returned, this team would be in the top 20. But with his NBA decision and Coach Alford now at UCLA, we had to start them just outside the top 25. Everyone else is back however.

29. Indiana – It was hard to leave this team out of the top 25 with some key players back and a great recruiting class coming in. But in addition to losing three graduates and two players to the NBA, two other veteran bench players (Remy Abell and Maurice Creek) decided to transfer. That’s too many question marks for a Top 25 ranking.

30. Boise State – Remember, this is a team that played in the NCAA Tournament (First Four), and they only lost a role player in Kenny Buckner. This is a program on the rise, and suddenly now it’s not only because of football.

31. Virginia – Point guard Jontel Evans was a key loss, but everybody else is back from a bubble team that just missed the NCAA Tournament. That includes Joe Harris, who is one of the premier players in the ACC.

32. Creighton – Doug McDermott is back which instantly makes them a contender in their new conference, the Big East. If Grant Gibbs is granted a rare sixth season of eligibility, this would likely be a top 25 team again.

33. Alabama – Would have been ranked higher if Trevor Lacey had not recently decided to transfer. They still welcome back six of their top seven scorers (Trevor Releford being the best) and another starter in 7’0 Gueye. This team won 23 games last year and should have more wins this time around.

34. Arizona State – Jahii Carson passed on the NBA making them a sleeper team in the Pac-12 this season. He’s really good, and most of his teammates are back with him.

35. Stanford – Another Pac-12 team that returns basically their entire roster. They went 9-9 in the conference last year, could up that by a large margin.

Other NCAA Hopefuls: Notre Dame, St. Louis, Oregon, California, Butler, Ole Miss, St. John’s, SD State, Purdue, Iowa State, Massachusetts, Illinois, Vanderbilt, BYU, Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Minnesota, Penn State, Maryland, Northwestern

Dropped from Previous Top 25: Indiana, Miami, Kansas State, Wichita State, St. Louis, New Mexico, Creighton, Oregon, Butler, La Salle, Florida Gulf Coast

By: The Sports Guys

NFL Draft Grades

With the NFL Draft complete, the analysis begins. Some teams really helped themselves over the weekend. Others really didn’t. Today, we grade each team based on their selections, which includes the value of it and the need it filled. Both aspects are important when it comes to drafting.

A = Great Value at Need Spots

B = Good Value at Need Spots

C = Average

D = Reached a lot, Left Needs Unfulfilled

F = Failed at Filling Needs and got Terrible Value

Arizona Cardinals

Overall this was a solid draft for the Cards. They need help on the O-line, so it was nice to grab Jonathan Cooper. The other biggest splash was Tyrann Mathieu in the third round. We all know the issues off the field, but he has incredible talent and can play alongside Patrick Peterson. I think this could become a steal. I also believe Ryan Swope at pick #174 was a bargain. It was a nice first draft for rookie GM Steve Keim.

GRADE: B+

Atlanta Falcons

With their first two picks they drafted cornerbacks… I understand this because the NFL has become a passing league and they just lost their best one. BUT… I am not in love with the players they drafted as corners (Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford). Their other picks may add depth but I don’t see many difference makers.

GRADE: D+

Baltimore Ravens

If you ever wonder why this team always seems to win, just look to their drafting. It seems that every pick makes sense from a need, value, and fit standpoint. They had a terrible free agency when you consider what they lost, but they drafted great players on defense to help rebuild it. Matt Elam, Arthur Brown, Brandon Williams, and John Simon (their first four picks) could all be starters, some of them this year. They also supported the running game by drafting two linemen and a fullback that can block for Ray Rice. The only downfall is they didn’t grab a WR until the 7^th round, and that’s an area of great need.

GRADE: A-

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo moved down in the first round so that they could select a quarterback (a big need), but picking EJ Manuel was shocking. To me, this was the riskiest move of the entire first round, maybe even the draft. I liked their selection of Robert Woods in the second round and even Marquise Goodwin in the third to give Manuel some weapons. Overall, I thought they addressed needs fairly well, but I question the value on a couple of their picks (Manuel being the biggest one).

GRADE: C+

Carolina Panthers

Star Lotulelei can be what his name implies, a star! Picking him at #14 was not only great value, but also it filled a need and got them an impact player. They added more depth on the line by taking Kawann Short in the second round. They picked up a few other solid players, with the key word being FEW. They entered with five picks and left with five players. That means they weren’t able to add another weapon for Cam Newton. It was a good draft, but I wish they had more picks.

GRADE: B

Chicago Bears

If we’re just looking at the first round, the Bears disappointed their fans. They made a need-based reach pick taking guard Kyle Long. The good news is that he has the upside to be a really good player on the offensive line, and the Bears now have the coaching to get the most out of him (same with 5^th round OT Jordan Mills). The other good news is that they found value at positions of need the rest of the way. LB’s Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene will be factors for years to come and could turn into an “Urlacher/Briggs” type of combo. Cornelius Washington will get groomed by Julius Peppers and be a starter soon. And Marquess Wilson (a WR) is second round talent that fell due to character issues. He could play a role this season despite being a 7^th round pick.

GRADE: B

Cincinnati Bengals

Over the last few years, there are few teams that have drafted as well as the Bengals. They continued that good trend in 2013 with a great draft (and have had a good free agency already). Their first two picks were on offense, grabbing TE Tyler Eifert and RB Giovani Bernard. Eifert was the second best skill position player in the draft and will be a great weapon for Andy Dalton. Bernard could be a future Ray Rice, and will be a great compliment to BJGE. They additionally added depth to the defense and addressed their need at safety. Overall, this was a solid effort.

GRADE: A

Cleveland Browns

For a team that needed a lot, they didn’t make many picks to fill those spots. But they did two things well… 1. They hit a home run with their first rounder in Barkevious Mingo. 2. They acquired two quality picks in next year’s draft, which figures to be better than this year. They did that by trading lower picks in this draft. So while they didn’t get all the players to fill all their needs, they set themselves up well for the future.

GRADE: C+

Dallas Cowboys

They definitely didn’t have a “sexy” draft, starting with their first round pick, center Travis Frederick. In fact, I don’t think it was good at all. They seemingly only went with needs forgetting value altogether. They passed up way too many players that could have helped them out and didn’t draft many players (outside of possibly Frederick) that can be starters in the near future.

GRADE: C-

Denver Broncos

The Broncos did very well in this draft in some key areas. They got some impact players on defense (Sylvester Williams being a big one), and they added some young insurance on offense. They had some injury concerns at running back, so picking Montee Ball was terrific. And Peyton Manning is getting old, so Zac Dysert was a tremendous value pick and is someone Manning can groom. I liked it.

GRADE: B

Detroit Lions

Despite taking a slight risk at #5 with “Ziggy” Ansah, I think the Lions got some impact players and got decent value. They filled some needs but didn’t address left tackle and WR, which I thought they should have. With saying that, their first three picks could be starters this season.

GRADE: B+

Green Bay Packers

As ESPN stated all weekend, Aaron Rodgers should be a happy man. The Packers drafted two great running backs to take pressure off Rodgers (Lacy and Franklin), two interior lineman to protect him, and got two late value WR’s to give Rodgers some potential weapons. Oh and Rodgers got a nice big contract this weekend also. Their first round choice of Datone Jones is another pick I’m crazy about due to his ability to pass rush.

GRADE: A-

Houston Texans

Houston did a decent job of both filling needs and finding value. Their biggest need was WR, and they used their first pick on DeAndre Hopkins. I think he’s a good fit for them playing opposite Andre Johnson. Maybe they can find something from late pick Alan Bonner also. I thought addressing the offensive line was key at a couple spots, but mostly they added defensive help, starting with D.J. Swearinger.

GRADE: B-

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were the biggest winners of the 2012 draft in my opinion. Not crazy about what they did this year, unless some of them surprise me. First round choice Bjoern Werner is a solid player, but does he fit this defense? They tried adding some protection in the middle of their line, but Khaled Holmes wasn’t that great of value. This draft left me wanting more.

GRADE: C+

Jacksonville Jaguars

For a team that simply needed some talent, they got some. Since the Jags don’t have an identity, it was tough to identify what was important. But they normally took the best players available. Luke Joeckel and Johnathan Cyprien will be starters for years.

GRADE: A-

Kansas City Chiefs

I think there is more to be done, especially concerning Branden Albert. They draft left tackle Eric Fisher, so something has to give. Nothing of much notice happened after their #1 overall selection. I questioned their choice of running back (Knile Davis) and still think this team has a lot of work to do.

GRADE: C

Miami Dolphins

I was initially confused by the Dolphins trading up to grab the third overall pick, only to pick Dion Jordan. But after the draft played out, I thought the Dolphins did fairly well and the Jordan pick grew on me. Jordan is one of the most dynamic defensive players in this draft, so combining him with Cameron Wake could be scary. They adequately filled some holes (those two CB’s will come in handy) and I thought got decent value.

GRADE: B+

Minnesota Vikings

The success of this draft long-term all comes to down to pick #29 (their third in the first round) Cordarrelle Patterson. If he can produce (and help replace Percy Harvin who they traded) then this draft was a home run. Sharrif Floyd fell to them at 23, which is a steal. Xavier Rhodes will be a starting cornerback immediately. But they gave up a lot to move back in and take Patterson. It better pay off, especially since they could have drafted an impact LB there instead of waiting until pick #120 with Gerald Hodges.

GRADE: B

New England Patriots

New England didn’t make a selection until pick #52. To me, that means they failed to snag a big time player. I typically love how the Patriots draft and have stated before that I would draft similar to them. But looking at their picks, I do not love their draft. They passed on some good players to select the ones they did which is very risky. They did nab two WR’s to give Brady some additional weapons, but I’m not sold on either of them. So for the first time in a while, they are getting a low grade from me.

GRADE: C-

New Orleans Saints

Let’s start with the bad: due to Bountygate, the Saints forfeiting their second round pick and were left with only five players this weekend. But all five were good value. Kenny Vaccaro will start at safety immediately, the same goes for Terron Armstead on the O-line and John Jenkins on the D-line.

GRADE: B

New York Giants

Not a big fan of what the Giants did in this draft. They drafted Pugh when they clearly should have taken Eifert in the first round. I don’t think they addressed their needs throughout their draft, and their best value pick, QB Ryan Nassib, is a player they don’t need at all with Eli Manning remaining consistently healthy.

GRADE: C-

New York Jets

There are some things I loved about this draft for them. First, with their two first round picks they went defense. Rex Ryan has been successful in the past by leaning on a strong defense. So rebuilding this team must start on that side of the ball. I loved that they took Dee Milliner to “replace” Revis, and Sheldon Richardson at 13 is solid too. Then, they needed a QB (in my opinion) and Geno Smith fell to them in the second round. That’s great stuff. My problem is that they didn’t acquire any help for Geno after that. Their next three picks were offensive linemen which will protect Smith, but who will he throw it to? Some say they sabotaged Mark Sanchez by not acquiring weapons in the same way. The biggest question now is what to do with all their QB’s. I say they save money and cut Sanchez (assuming nobody will trade for that contract), and trade Tebow (seeing as they won’t give him a chance to start). They need to start Garrard and allow Geno some time to learn the NFL game. Next season, they must acquire some weapons, then allow Geno to take over at that point.

GRADE: B+

Oakland Raiders

Much better than Al Davis could have done, but wasn’t outstanding by any means. They drafted Tyler Wilson to add to the QB pool of Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor. First round selection D.J. Hayden was a picked I liked. Same goes for Menelik Watson. But I was looking for some pass rushing help, which they didn’t get.

GRADE: B

Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly had a nice first draft. Lane Johnson is the perfect fit for their offensive line, Zach Ertz will be an impact tight end in this offense, and they even grabbed Matt Barkley at pick #98. Bennie Logan is another pick I like too in the third. Needs and value came together here.

GRADE: A-

Pittsburgh Steelers

They did well, very well. I love Jarvis Jones for them in the first round. Le’veon Bell (RB) is a great fit for them at a position of need. Markus Wheaton is a similar WR to Mike Wallace. Shamarko Thomas will give more depth at safety and be a future replacement for Polomalu. And drafting Landry Jones was smart (from a backup QB standpoint, and maybe a future starter). They filled needs, acquired depth, and got great value on most of their picks.

GRADE: B+

Saint Louis Rams

I love what St. Louis did in this draft. They moved up to grab Austin, the highest rated skill position player in the draft. They moved down and still got Alec Ogletree, and immediate starter at the linebacker position. They also got T.J. McDonald who can be groomed into a good safety. But I really loved reuniting Austin with Stedman Bailey, who they picked at #92. Bradford needed these weapons.

GRADE: A

San Diego Chargers

I think San Diego did well. They addressed their atrocious offensive line with D.J. Fluker, got a defensive mainstay in Manti Teo, and got Philip Rivers a weapon in Keenan Allen. They could have gotten more for the O-line for my liking, but for only coming away with six players, they should be pleased.

GRADE: B+

San Francisco 49ers

Wow. For a team that was already loaded, they stocked up even more. On defense they grabbed impact players like Eric Reid, Tank Carradine, and Corey Lemonier. On offense, Vance McDonald, Quinton Patton, and Marcus Lattimore will at the very least add depth. But all could end up being stars, particularly Lattimore who is recovering from a serious injury, but has more talent than any RB in this draft.

GRADE: A-

Seattle Seahawks

First off, they traded multiple picks to acquire Percy Harvin. That’s hitting a home run to start.  Then they added to the offense by picking weapons Christine Michael and Chris Harper. They added plenty of depth on defense too, highlighted by Jordan Hill, Jesse Williams, and Tharold Simon. Altogether, Seattle will be better on both sides of the ball, which is scary.

GRADE: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Similar to Seattle, we must factor in Darelle Revis who was acquired by trading a couple picks. Add in picking Jonathon Banks, and they should be set at cornerback. They also added QB Mike Glennon, which is okay, but not great value and will create a lot of tension with starter Josh Freeman. It was and up and down draft.

GRADE: C+

Tennessee Titans

Start with the good: Chance Warmack, Justin Hunter, and plenty of depth on the defensive side of the ball. Now the bad: They gave up a ton for Hunter (moving up six spots cost them two picks this year and third rounder next year), plus I still think they needed another playmaker for Locker to use.

GRADE: B-

Washington Redskins

Washington went with mostly defense, but he did draft two more running backs. I don’t get it. Why draft two running backs when he’s got so many young good ones already? This is why people in fantasy football hate Mike Shanahan. And it’s why I don’t like this draft… they have more needs than what they chose to address. So much for getting RGIII some help he could have used.

GRADE: C+

By: The Sports Guys