Quality AFC North Draft analysis Perch. Never get tired of reading these break downs. Thanks.

_________________
Honor the Fallen. http://www.militarytimes.com/valor/

I actually like the Browns draft more than the Ravens.

I would give the Browns a C+ and the Ravens a D

Fine read and I agree with the player breakdowns and values

_________________

Great stuff, Perch.

I'll say this about the Bengals draft: I don't think the guys they picked have the kind of elite potential players like DeCastro and Adams have (and possibly Ta'amu as well). I hate the idea of there being "safe" picks, because I remember a guy like Aaron Curry being hyped as the safest pick in his draft and we all saw how he turned out, but DeCastro is probably the safest elite caliber player since Maurkice Pouncey. The Bengals don't have a player with his kind of potential in their draft class. Same goes for Adams IMO. And to be honest, I wasn't a big fan of Still, Sanu, or Thompson pre-draft, so I wouldn't be entirely surprised if they ended up with only a few quality pros from their haul with the rest being average depth or busts. Every offseason many of the hyped up draft classes turn out to produce mostly duds, and that could end up being the case with them. Time will tell, and yeah I can see how this comes off as wishful thinking.

_________________
“It’s not hunger that drives me, it’s not hunger that needs to drive our football team. Hunger and thirst are things that can be quenched. We have to be a driven group, we have to seek greatness.” – Mike Tomlin

Ya bunch of thunder stealers you! During my post draft depression this morning I was of similar thinking that the Ravens draft kind of sucked ALMOST as bad as Cleveland (I still think Browns tanked BAD). Seems like Ozzie was scrambling after he missed Hightower and then missed the quality tier of OL in rd 2. Nothing there to get excited about IMO.

TB you touched on what I was thinking with the Bengals. Yes I agree it's an "A". I like a lot of the names on their draft list. But would any of us swap the Steelers' draft for the Bengals haul? I know I wouldn't. Sanu, Marvin Jones, will vie to start for the Bengals. Both would ride some pine for the Steelers. DeCastro over Zeitler is a no brainer. Adams over a Still a clear choice in need and talent. Alameda Ta'amu is a HUGE winner to me over Brandon Thompson who the Bengals took a round earlier. Bengals took 2 DT's but didn't really have a glaring need there the way the Steelers did for Ta'amu. Both drafts were "A's" I just think Steelers players will have bigger impact and fill the only major holes on their team (no Fletcher Cox joke intended).

Good write up as always Perch. Thanks for taking the time.

_________________
"You seem angry, Drama."
"I've always been, Billy. Only now, I'm drunk too."

Really great stuff, Perch. Thanks for the write-up.

I know a few Stain fans that are in complete denial right now... swearing up and down that their picks were actually good.

Anyway, great analysis.

_________________
"Noll's coaching resume shits all over Harbaugh's life resume" - FortyThree

Nice work, Perch. Always appreciate your articles and analysis.

_________________
Playing football was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. If I could go out today and suit up, I would do it.--Jack Butler

Cleveland and the Ravens both had pretty bad drafts, IMO... Cleveland squandered a wealth of picks, and the Ravens just had bad luck... There are only 3 players in the two classes I actually like where they were taken.

_________________
If a guy posts on a bulletin board service, and nobody reads it, did he have anything to say?

Ravens was odd. Upshaw got it but still they have Kruger at that position so kid wont start whereas a Konz/Silatou would have imho and helped out their biggest area of need: the oline. Osemele seems like a square peg in round hole. Ravens want a mobile and atheltic type at LG, Grubbs was that. Osemele is huge but as you noted better suited for right side. So does this mean Oher is being phased out, because it cant be Yanda imho is best guard in football.

Then grakowski kid, I dont see it at all, admittedly seen limited highlights and not much to go on, but wouldnt Konz addressed that position and short term guard until Birk is done? Aka a short term 2/1 deal. Safety, late in this paltry safety class, why not gamble on Childs? Especially as next year's safety class looks so deep. I agree the draft didnt fall well but many of their picks felt forced or well I guess we have no choice lets go with this guy.

_________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rb13ksYO0s

RIP MCA

That's a good question. I think the answer is that while Konz is a solid talent he has injury issues. A history of injury issues. (so I've read) Perhaps that is why they passed on Konz. I had him as their 1st RND'er til I started reading about his injury history. Apparently they felt the same.

I'm also in agreement with the concensus around here. Draft wise, the rats came in 3rd while the stains brought up the rear. (in this division)

_________________
Honor the Fallen. http://www.militarytimes.com/valor/