( 4UMF NEWS ) NFL Draft Losers – AFC:
The NFL Draft has ended. For some teams, that’s probably a good thing. Here are the Losers from the AFC.
5. Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State
38. Andre Branch, defensive end, Clemson
70. Bryan Anger, punter, California
142. Brandon Marshall, linebacker, Nevada
176. Mike Harris, cornerback, Florida State
228. Jeris Pendleton, nose tackle, Ashland
Details: GM Gene Smith continues to make puzzling picks, over drafting players year in and year out. Trading up for Blackmon fills a need, but he is a step down from previous year Top 10 talents at wideout. Branch is more of a pure pass rusher than an all-around defensive end, and this was too early to pick a specialist. But the draft’s true failure is the reach for a punter in the third round. Yes, a punter. The earliest a punter has been taken since 1995. Even if Anger serves as a field-position weapon, that’s simply too early. The late-round picks do little to inspire confidence. This might be GM Gene Smith’s last draft.
Grade: D-
16. Quinton Coples, defensive end, North Carolina
43. Stephen Hill, wide receiver, Georgia Tech
77. Demario Davis, linebacker, Arkansas State
187. Josh Bush, safety, Wake Forest
202. Terrance Ganaway, running back, Baylor
203. Robert T. Griffin, guard, Baylor
242. Antonio Allen, safety, South Carolina
244. Jordan White, wide receiver, Western Michigan
Details: GM Mike Tanenbaum’s draft haul left more doubt than confidence. His decision to select Quinton Coples at 16 when there were other more highly rated pass rushers on the board drew groans from experts. Wide receiver Stephen Hill was a Combine workout wonder that lacks refined route running, and had too many drops in college. The late-round picks are all underwhelming, and lack dynamic upside. The Jets left the draft with no bona fide starters and a couple big question marks.
Grade: D+
95. Tony Bergstrom, guard, Utah
129. Miles Burris, linebacker, San Diego State
158. Jack Crawford, defensive end, Penn State
168. Juron Criner, wide receiver, Arizona
189. Christo Bilukidi, defensive end, Georgia State
230. Nathan Stupar, linebacker, Penn State
Details: New GM Reggie McKenzie was without any high round picks thanks to terrible trades made by the late Al Davis and Hue Jackson last season. Bergstrom could take over for Cooper Carlisle on the interior. Crawford and Criner lack true speed for their positions, but are capable of contributing in limited roles. Bilukidi was a real unknown. No starters. No good.
Grade: D-
Story @ Urban Sports
