Here's a link to the draft grades immediately following the 2003 draft. I think it's fair to grade drafts after five years, just not one day. Among the teams receiving an A grade: the Lions, for their first round selections of Charles Rogers and Kevin Jones (both no longer on the team), and the Bears, for their first round picks on Michael Haynes (out of the NFL), and Rex Grossman (the butt of a plethora a jokes, and sadly, also not Jewish). The Titans are praised for taking Andre Woolfolk (out of the NFL), and the Steelers questioned for trading up for Troy Polamalu and drafting Ike Taylor (two very good players on a Super Bowl winning team).
But what the hell - grades are fun, as long as you're on the giving end. So here it goes, and here's me grading the drafts half-heartedly of a handful of teams.
Jets - C+
Vernon Gholston was a good pick, but they kind of took him by default. With Ryan and McFadden both gone, I'm sure they missed out on their top two choices, but much like the D'Brickashaw Furgeson pick in '06, Gholston will help their team more than anyone right away. Good pick; he's an excellent fit in their 3-4 D. I like their next pick, Dustin Keller, but I really don't see him becoming that much better than Chris Baker. After giving up a first rounder for Doug Jolley two years ago, this pick seemed like a reach. Erik Ainge is a nice prospect at QB. He could definately be another late-round Derek Anderson-type steal. The scouting report on Marcus Henry sounds like an exact description of Jerricho Cotchery, so that's definately a good thing. I liked that pick a lot.
Giants - B
Kenny Phillips was a need pick with Gibril Wilson gone to the Raiders. He's got size, speed, and experience. Terrell Thomas could develop into a solid number two corner at some point in time. I loved the Manningham pick. Sure he smokes weed, but so does Randy Moss...and every other NFL player. Andre Woodson in the sixth was a nice pick as well. He put up better numbers in college than Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, and he played tougher competition. He beat 2008 National Champions LSU last year. Plus, he's got great size. I'm also forced to assume he's mobile because he's black. There's nothing not to like here. Maybe except stereotypes in America and in sports.
