NFL Draft Grades: Judging The Picks Entirely Too Early

2012 NFL Draft: Predictions For The Class Of 2012

The 2012 NFL Draft is in the books. Which rookies will have the biggest impact in 2012?

Comparing The 2012 NFL Draft With A Mock Draft

The NFL Draft is now officially over. So how'd we do in the SB Nation bloggers mock draft vs. the real thing?

2012 NFL Draft: Best And Worst, From Andrew Luck To Mr. Irrelevant

The 2012 NFL Draft is now complete. It's time to recap the best and worst from the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Grades: Bucs Lead The Way In NFC South (Video)

The NFC South is slowly becoming one of the best divisions in the NFL with all four teams -- Saints, Buccaneers, Falcons and Panthers -- legitimate playoff contenders. Each of those teams added talent over the weekend in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Saints were on the bottom of the totem pole in this draft for the NFC South considering they didn't have a first or second round pick. The Bucs traded back and still picked up Mark Barron, the draft's top safety, and moved back into Round 1 to select Doug Martin. The Falcons didn't have a first round pick due to the Julio Jones trade last year, but they still picked up the draft's best center, Peter Konz, in Round 2. The Panthers found the draft's best inside linebacker with Luke Kuechly and the ninth pick.

Of the teams in the NFC South, the Bucs had the best draft. Adding Martin, arguably the draft's second best running back, was a good move to pair him with LeGarrette Blount.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades, and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: NFC West Edition (via sbnation)

NFL Draft Grades: Bengals Among AFC North Teams With A Solid Class (Video)

The 2012 NFL Draft is complete, so now the grades are starting to roll in. The AFC North has been one of the better drafting teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. But the real winners in this draft may have been the Cincinnati Bengals, who have been praised for having one of the best drafts on paper.

The Bengals picked up Dre Kirkpatrick in Round 1, traded back with their other first round pick and selected Kevin Zeitler and then still managed to pick up Devon Still in Round 2. The Steelers found two potential starters in David DeCastro and Ohio State's Mike Adams. The Ravens had a heck of a pick in Round 2, selecting Courtney Upshaw. The Browns moved up from the fourth to third pick in the draft to select Trent Richardson, and then turned around and selected Brandon Weeden later in the round.

This may be the best division in the NFL when it comes to the draft this year. Every team had a solid draft that combined talent with need. The best draft in this division? It's the Bengals, who found immediate contributors for the second consecutive draft.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: AFC North Edition (via sbnation)

NFL Draft Grades: NFC North Teams Had A Good Draft (Video)

The NFC North has been one of the better divisions in the NFL Draft in recent years, with both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions stocking their team with talent through the draft. Both teams had solid drafts on paper, with the Packers selecting Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy with their first two picks and the Lions finding their future tackle, Riley Reiff, with their first pick. The Minnesota Vikings moved back one spot, acquired more picks, and still got the guy they wanted in Matt Kalil. The Chicago Bears found a versatile defender in Shea McClellin in Round 1.

The best draft in the NFC North: I'll have to give the benefit of the doubt to GM Ted Thompson and the Packers, who always seem to win the draft. They improved their defensive line with the first two picks.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: NFC North Edition (via sbnation)

NFL Draft Grades: Dolphins Make Biggest Splash In AFC East (Video)

The 2012 NFL Draft ended just two days ago, but we're already grading how every team did. The AFC East had four solid drafts -- nothing too shocking but no major head scratchers. The biggest story in this division is the Miami Dolphins taking Ryan Tannehill in Round 1 and Jonathan Martin in Round 2, which is a solid haul.

The New England Patriots traded up in the 1st round -- twice -- to select pass rushers. The Buffalo Bills hung onto the 10th pick in Round 1 and selected Stephon Gilmore, who some think will be the best cornerback in this draft. The New York Jets bypassed Melvin Ingram in Round 1, which was a bit of a surprise, and selected Quinton Coples.

If Tannehill works out, which is a big if, the Dolphins look like they had the best draft. Adding a quarterback to a team that already has a franchise left tackle in Jake Long, and then now has a future right tackle in Martin, is a good move. Tannehill has a good offensive line in front of him. He has promise.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

NFL Draft Grades: Rams Had Best Draft Among NFC West Teams (Video)

The 2012 NFL Draft is complete, and the grades are starting to roll in. One of the teams at the top of the class is in the NFC West: the St. Louis Rams, who acquired multiple first round and second round picks for the way they wheeled and dealed in the draft. They also picked up Michael Brockers in the first round, which is a solid value at No. 14.

The Seahawks had the surprise of the draft, selecting West Virginia's Bruce Irvin in Round 1, but there are indications others had first round grades on him. The 49ers had a bit of surprise with A.J. Jenkins in Round 1, but they need receiver help so the pick does make sense. The Cardinals selected Michael Floyd, who they can now pair with Larry Fitzgerald.

The Rams are the winners of the draft, not just in the NFC East, but the entire NFL. They started with the No. 2 overall pick and they traded back twice, picking up two first round picks (2013 and 2014) and two second round picks in the process. That's impressive.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

NFL Draft Grades: Redskins Win The NFC East (Video)

The 2012 NFL Draft is over, so now it's time to start handing out grades for each team. In the NFC East, the draft talk starts with the Washington Redskins, who moved up for Robert Griffin III. The Cowboys also moved up in Round 1, going from No. 14 to No. 16 to select the draft's top cornerback, Morris Claiborne. The Giants did what the Giants do, methodically selecting the best players available. As usual, GM Jerry Reese is being praised for his work. The Eagles moved up three spots in Round 1 to secure Fletcher Cox.

For the Redskins moving up to get RGIII, I say they're the winners of the draft among NFC East teams. That's a bold move and, if it works out, no one's going to remember the ransom they gave up to get him.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: NFC East Edition (via sbnation)

Mel Kiper's NFL Draft Grades Have Eagles, Bucs At Top

The most recognizable draftnik has handed out his grades for the 2012 NFL Draft. ESPN's Mel Kiper graded out every team in the NFL Draft last weekend and his final analysis has the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the highest grades in the class, both A's, which he defines as exceptional.

The Eagles moved up in Round 1 to select Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox, saw Cal LB Mychal Kendricks drop to them in Round 2 and then used another second round pick on Marshall DE Vinny Curry, who was rising up draft boards. QB Nick Foles was a nice value in Round 3, and I really like the Brandon Boykin pick in Round 4.

The Bucs' big move was trading down in Round 1 and still picking up Alabama safety Mark Barron. That's an interesting pick because it wasn't really until a couple of days before the draft before the top 10 buzz on Barron started. The Bucs moved back into Round 1 to select Doug Martin, the second best running back in the draft. They also picked up Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David in Round 2.

The Cincinnati Bengals, who I think had the best draft, received an A- from Kiper, which is fair. It's obviously up for debate, but I still believe the Bengals came away with the best class.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

NFL Draft Grades: Colts Had Best Draft In AFC South (Video)

The 2012 NFL Draft is over, so now it's time to start judging the teams on how they did. The AFC South had the best player in the 2012 Draft join the division -- Andrew Luck to the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 1 overall pick. The Titans had a solid draft, especially with Kendall Wright in the 1st round. The Jaguars moved up in Round 1 to select Justin Blackmon, who may finally be the receiver they've been seeking. The Texans had a decent draft, selecting Whitney Mercilus in the 1st round.

It's not hard for me to judge who had the best draft in the AFC South -- clearly the Colts. They are the only team in the division to select a game-changing quarterback, the most important position in football. Even if the pick was a no-brainer, they're going to get the credit for picking the best player in the draft.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: AFC South Edition (via sbnation)

NFL Draft Grades: Chargers Tops In The AFC West (Video)

The AFC West walked away from the 2012 NFL Draft with decent grades all around. The San Diego Chargers didn't expect Melvin Ingram to fall to them at No. 18, so they consider that good value. The Kansas City Chiefs took a boom-or-bust prospect with a high upside in Dontari Poe. The Denver Broncos traded down twice in the 1st round, acquiring more picks along the way. And then there's the Oakland Raiders, who were without 1st and 2nd round picks, and didn't make a selection until the 95th pick in the draft.

SB Nation's YouTube crew broke down all the AFC West picks and handed out its analysis of who did the best. In my opinion, I think the Chargers come away looking the best in this draft, especially because Ingram is that pass rusher they've been seeking for a couple years now.

Check out our StoryStream compiling 2012 NFL Draft grades and be sure to check out our StoryStream breaking down every round of the draft. Visit SB Nation on YouTube for more NFL Draft grade videos.

2012 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis: AFC West Edition (via sbnation)

NFL Draft Grades: Redskins, Giants And Packers Top NFC Teams

The 2012 NFL Draft is over, and it's now grade card time. Which teams made the honor roll and which teams are headed to reform school?

NFL Draft Grades: Bengals, Steelers And Colts Top AFC's Class

The 2012 NFL Draft is now complete. Which teams found immediate impact players? Which teams struggled? It's time to grade the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Grades: Broncos Find Peyton Manning's Backup

On the first night of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos traded down and completely out of the first round of the draft. They acquired more picks in return and went after it on day two. Among the highlights of the Broncos draft class is Arizona State QB Brock Osweiler.

Osweiler will serve as Peyton Manning's back up and possibly his successor as well. No pressure, Osweiler. It was a little bit of a surprise to see the Broncos take a quarterback that high (57), but they do need insurance in case Peyton Manning's health isn't 100 percent for whatever reason.

Earlier in the second round, the Broncos drafted DT Derek Wolfe, which seemed like a reach, according to the various mock drafts out there. The Broncos needed defensive line help, and they chose Wolfe over Jerel Worthy, who was still on the board.

The Broncos had a decent draft -- not outstanding but not horrible, either. If Osweiler ends up working out, then the class gets much better.

For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report and SB Nation Denver. For more draft information, check out Mocking the Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Patriots Take Aim At Pass Rush

The New England Patriots had a bit of an odd NFL Draft, at least based on what I was expecting. We figured the Patriots, who were armed with two first round picks, would be trading around, which they like to do. They did make a couple of trades in the first round, but they moved up to select two defensive players.

The Patriots like to move back and stockpile picks. They instead moved up to select Syracuse DE Chandler Jones and Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower. The Patriots had a need entering the offseason to fix the pass rush. They clearly made that a priority entering the NFL Draft and succeeded in upgrading the talent at that position.

In Round 2, the Patriots selected Illinois CB Tavon Wilson, which NFL Network's Mike Mayock called a big shock. Wilson was rated lower on draft boards. Bill Belichick and the Patriots have a need in the secondary as well, so this was likely a pick based on that.

I'm leaving the Patriots with a B. I like the aggressiveness in the first round to address a need area. But the Wilson pick is a little disappointing (and it's not like Belichick is a master at drafting defensive backs).

For more on the Patriots, visit Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston. For more draft information, check out Mocking the Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Colts Getting Andrew Luck Is An A

The Indianapolis Colts had arguably the best 2012 NFL Draft of anyone -- they got Andrew Luck. The Stanford QB was the No. 1 quarterback (and player) in this draft, and the Colts can seamlessly transition from Peyton Manning to Luck. Must be nice to be a Colts fan.

The NFL Draft also brought the Colts a pair of new tight ends, including Luck's former Stanford teammate, Coby Fleener. The Colts turned around in the third round and selected Clemson TE Dwayne Allen. This may be some copycat tactics from Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the New England Patriots two tight ends.

The Colts didn't pick any defensive players in the first four rounds, which was odd. But they did select Alabama NT Josh Chapman, who will hold down the nose in their new 3-4 defense under Chuck Pagano. Chapman tore his ACL late last year and does have medical concerns.

This was a good draft for the Colts. Since they picked up the best player at the most important position, I have to give them an A.

For more on the Colts, visit Stampede Blue and SB Nation Indiana. For more draft information, check out Mocking the Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Jets Picks Have A Boom-Or-Bust Feel

The New York Jets had eight selections in the 2012 NFL Draft, and I'm having a hard time judging how they did. There seems to be some boom-or-bust potential with their first two picks -- North Carolina's Quinton Coples and Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill.

Coples was considered in the top 10 by some teams, but he fell to the 16th pick, something you didn't see very often in mock drafts leading up to the draft. The Jets also had Melvin Ingram on the board but chose Coples instead, a move that's been criticized by some.

Hill was considered a first round talent by some teams, but he ended up falling in the draft as well. The Jets traded up in the draft for him and selected him 43rd overall. Hill had an impressive Combine which will need to translate to the NFL game.

Check out the rest of the Jets draft picks.

Overall, I'll stick with a B for the Jets because there is a lot of potential with those picks, but I do think there's a bust concern there as well.

For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York. For more draft information, check out Mocking the Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Giants Turn In Another Strong Draft

GM Jerry Reese and the New York Giants are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL, and they didn't disappoint on NFL Draft weekend. The Giants picked up Virginia Tech RB David Wilson with the final pick of the first round and then turned around and selected free-falling WR Rueben Randle, who some projected as a Round 1 selection.

The Giants won the Super Bowl last season, so they already have a strong roster. This draft class will provide depth at key positions. Parting ways with Brandon Jacobs will be easier to deal with now that Wilson is in house. Randle joins a talented receivers group that now gives Eli Manning another option. Giants TE Jake Ballard had an ACL tear in the Super Bowl, so drafting Cincinnati TE Adrien Robinson makes sense.

I'd give the Giants a high B for their efforts today.

For more on the Giants, visit Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For more on the draft, visit Mocking The Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Cowboys' Trade For Morris Claiborne Was Worth It

The Dallas Cowboys traditionally bring their first round picks into their facility for a pre-draft visit if they're going to draft them. They didn't do that with LSU CB Morris Claiborne, yet still pulled off a stunning draft on the first day of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Cowboys sent their second round pick and the No. 14 overall pick to St. Louis for the Rams' No. 6 overall pick.

The Cowboys then selected Claiborne, the top cornerback in the draft. No one saw this coming, and I think it was a great move by the Cowboys. In general, I'm not in favor of trading up for players that don't play quarterback, but the cost involved with this one -- a second round pick -- was less than similar trades in the past. This was a bargain for the Cowboys. Claiborne is considered one of just a few truly blue chip talents in the draft.

The Cowboys also added CB Brandon Carr in free agency, so in just a matter of weeks they completely revamped their secondary. That's why I think the Cowboys deserve some praise here. It's hard to turn a position of weakness into a position of strength in just one offseason. Adding Claiborne instantly made the Cowboys better.

Overall, I'd give the Cowboys a B for the draft.

Check out the rest of the Cowboys draft picks here.

For more on the Cowboys, visit Blogging The Boys and SB Nation Dallas. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Raiders, Saints Lose Without 1st And 2nd Round Picks

The New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders entered the 2012 NFL Draft without first or second round picks, which made it difficult for them to come away with impact players. Compared to the rest of the league, the Raiders and the Saints had two of the worst drafts. That comes mostly from the fact that they picked so much later than everyone.

The Saints gave up their 2012 Round 1 pick last year in the trade up for Mark Ingram. They lost their second round pick this year in the bounty scandal. The Raiders traded away their first round pick in the Carson Palmer trade last year.

The Saints first pick in the draft came in the third round, 89th overall, and they selected Regina DE Akiem Hicks. The Raiders' first pick also came in Round 3, 95th overall, and they selected Utah OT Tony Bergstrom. Those are fine third round picks, but clearly not as good as the rest of the teams who held onto their first and second round picks.

For more on the Saints, visit Canal Street Chronicles. And for more on the Raiders, check out Silver and Black Pride. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Ravens Picks Look Good, As Usual

The Baltimore Ravens are consistently one of the best drafting teams in the NFL. The Ravens were picking late in the first round this year and traded completely out of the first to Round 2. Yet they were still able to pick a player that many teams had graded out as a first round talent -- Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw.

Iowa State OT/G Kelechi Osemele bolsters the offensive line and gives them some flexibility. Bernard Pierce is a solid third round pick, even if the Ravens just hope Ray Rice signs a new deal so they don't have to worry about it.

GM Ozzie Newsome is consistently one of the best drafting GMs in the NFL. There's a strong argument that he might be the best. The Ravens also have plenty of talented players already on defense, which should bode well for Upshaw.

Here's a look at all the Ravens draft picks.

For more on the Ravens, visit Baltimore Beatdown. For more on the draft, visit Mocking The Draft. Check out our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Rams Are One Of The Winners

While it's still entirely too early to tell who "won" the 2012 NFL Draft my early vote would go to the St. Louis Rams. Head coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead were terrific in the way they moved down the draft board and still picked up good players while acquiring even more picks.

The best move of the year for the Rams was trading the second overall pick in the draft to the Washington Redskins for an extra 2nd round pick in 2012, and 1st round picks in each of the next two years. That's one of the biggest trades in NFL history.

The next move was trading down from the 6th pick to the Dallas Cowboys 14th pick. The Rams only received a 2nd round pick in the deal, which is less than similar trades in the past. But the Rams drafted Michael Brockers at No. 14, which they would've done at No. 6 anyway.

Brian Quick in the 2nd round has potential to be a good weapon for Sam Bradford. Janoris Jenkins was also worth the risk for the Rams considering they had three of the first 15 picks in the 2nd round.

Here are the rest of the Rams draft picks. he Rams deserve an A for the way they've been able to move around in the draft.

For more on the Rams, visit Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis. Check out SB Nation's Mocking The Draft for more news on the draft picks and here are our previous NFL Draft grades for day one and day two.

NFL Draft Grades: Bengals May Have Best Class