AFC East

Bills – B +

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: The Bills are in full reconstruction mode. This year the focus is on the defense. DT Marcus Stroud was acquired in a trade, while DT Spencer Johnson and LB Kawika Mitchell were acquired as free agents. The three should have a significant impact on the run defense. LB Paul Posluszny is returning from injury. On the downside, the team lost TE Michael Gaines. Grade – A -

Draft:  Buffalo again focused on defense in the draft. First round selection Leodis McKelvin was one of the elite CBs in the draft, and probably the best punt returner. At #11 he was a nice value pick. Second round pick WR James Hardy is a deluxe size receiver--he played basketball on the varsity team--and was a red zone monster at Indiana. He will be a nice compliment to Lee Evans. The next two selections were defensive, DE Chris Ellis and CB Reggie Corner. Both may start eventually. Later selections include TE Derek Fine, an undersized H-back type, and RB Xavier Oman, who played some FB in college, and will find a niche in short yardage. In several cases the Bills went with productivity over measurables. Grade – B

Dolphins – B

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: The Parcells era was ushered in with a newly installed revolving door. Numerous players were not tendered or released, including long time stars LB Zach Thomas and DT Jason Taylor. Former Parcells players LB Akin Ayodele and TE Anthony Fasano were acquired in a trade with the Cowboys. Both will play, and may start. Signings include OG Justin Smiley, DT Randy Starks, SLB Reggie Torbor, and WR Ernest Wilford. On the downside RB Lorenzo Booker was traded to Philadelphia. In short, this was a typical Parcells' house cleaning. Grade – B

Draft: With the first pick in the draft, Miami was in a tight position. They chose to take a safe player, OT Jake Long, rather than roll the dice. He will start immediately, hopefully at LT, but perhaps on the right side, but several other players have higher upside. Second round picks DE Phillip Merling and QB Chad Henne were nice value picks, addressed gaping holes, and will compete for starting positions. The next two picks were linemen: DE Kendall Langford, a made to order 3-4 end; and OG Shawn Murphy, son of baseball star Dale Murphy. Late picks include two RBs and two more linemen. Typical of a Parcells' draft, size is everywhere. Grade – B

Jets – B +

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: New York spent a great deal of money in free agency. Sizable contracts were tendered to G Alan Faneca, LB Calvin Pace, and OL Damien Woody, among others. The offensive line will be much improved, and Pace should start for the defense. The principal loss was S Erik Coleman, to the Falcons. Grade – A

Draft:  The Jets took what was left of the first tier, which turned out to be DE/LB Vernon Gholston, who is an elite pass rush prospect in the Shawne Merriman vein. Later in the round, via trade, they selected TE Dustin Keller, who is a serious receiving threat, and   will play mostly H-back. With no picks in the next two rounds, the Jets focused on projects late. CB Dwight Lowery could see some nickel back. Grade – B -

Patriots – C

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: Undefeated seasons mean that your players are in demand, and thus, New England had a rocky year in the free agent wars. CBs Randall Gay and Asante Samuel went elsewhere, along with WR Donte Stallworth. In typical response, the Patriots signed a large number of little known players to one year deals. They have pulled serviceable players out of such pools for years. Grade – D -

Draft: With the #7 pick, the Patriots were higher than they wanted to be. As a result they traded down to #10, and then selected LB Jared Mayo. He will anchor their second line for a decade. With the second round pick, the Patriots addressed a major need, with CB Terrence Wheatley. This may have been a bit of a reach, but he will play at least nickel back. They selected another CB in round five, Jonathan Wilhite, who could challenge for playing time by season end. Their two third round selections went to LB Shawn Crable, a rangy 3-4 OLB with speed, and QB Kevin O'Connell, despite having the most secure starting QB in the NFL. Late picks were a WR and another LB. As always, it is hard to know exactly what the Patriots value in players, but based on other valuations: Grade – B -

AFC North

Bengals – C +

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: Cincinnati has been building through the draft. As a result, their focus has been on signing their own players rather than free agents. However, they did go for DE Antwan Odom, who is an immediate starter, as well as TE Ben Utecht, who could be their best performer at the position in years. The Odom signing was necessary because the 49ers signed away DE starter Justin Smith. Another big hit was losing starting S Madieu Williams. Other losses include the release of WR Chris Henry and LB Odell Thurman, and the signing of LB Landon Johnson, by the Panthers. Grade – D

Draft: With the hits the defense took in free agency, defense was a first round priority. Their selection, Philip Rivers, was a consolation prize. The team preferred Sedrick Ellis or Derrick Harvey, but other teams traded in front of them to snatch those two away. Rivers will start, and star, but the DL is going to be very thin. Second round pick WR Jerome Simpson is a very misunderstood player. He dominated small college competition, has truly incredible hands and made a number of "sleeper" lists. Possibly their best pick, third round selection, DT Pat Sims, was a nice value who could start immediately, filling a major need. Also in the third round, speedy WR Andre Caldwell complements Simpson well. The fourth round pick, OL Anthony Collins was another value selection, rated second round-value by some. Fifth round pick, DE Jason Shirley has first day talent, but serious character issues, on par with the now departed Odell Thurman. Late picks were a third WR, a TE, a DB and a DE. The Bengals had a lot of picks, and drafted a lode of talent, but ignored some off-the-field red flags. Grade – B +

Browns – C +

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: The Browns did not sign a lot of free agents, but made a splash anyway. DT Corey Williams was Green Bay's franchise player, whom they signed and traded to Cleveland. He will be an impact player. WR Donte Stallworth was shoved aside by Randy Moss, but most receivers would be. He will start for the Browns. The Browns also acquired OL Rex Hadnot. On the downside, CB Leigh Bodden was traded in the Corey Williams deal. CB Ricardo Colclough and LB Chaun Thompson, both back ups, were signed by other teams. Grade – B +

Draft: The Browns traded their first three picks, so their prospects were slight. With no picks before round four, they did as well as could be expected. LB Beau Bell is a running down thumper, who will see playing time right away, but may never start. Martin Rucker gives Cleveland a second receiving TE, which seems to be a trend, see Dallas, Washington, Kansas City. Sixth round pick, NT Ahtyba Rubin is a classic roadblock who may join the rotation. Grade – C –

Ravens – C  

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: For the most part, it was a very quiet off season for Baltimore. The biggest news was the retirement of likely Hall of Fame LT Jonathan Ogden. He was no longer a top player, but his lack will be felt. The Ravens traded for CB Fabian Washington, but were very quiet in free agency, signing LB Brendon Ayanbadejo and CB Frank Walker, while losing PR/KR B.J. Sams. Grade – C -

Draft:  Ozzie Newsome must’ve had a lot of fun. Baltimore traded down, then up, and finally selected QB Joe Flacco. Obviously, the short-lived Boller era is almost already over. Second round pick, RB Ray Rice, can play now, and his physical style compliments the team philosophy. Three third round selections: LB Tavaris Gooden, S Tom Zbikowski, and OL Oniel Cousins; all represent value and will move into the defensive rotation. Fourth round picks WR Marcus Smith and OL David Hale represent projects with good upside. Late picks include another WR, S, and RB. With 5 picks in the first three rounds, the Ravens had some currency. This group has a future, but only Flacco seems a lock for a starting job at any point. Grade – C +

Steelers – C -

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses:  Acquisitions were LB Keyaron Fox, C Justin Hartwig, and RB Mewelde Moore. That's it. Those are three purely depth players, for a relatively minimal expense. There was only one loss of consequence, but it was a biggee. OG Alan Faneca signed with the Jets, costing the Steelers a Pro Bowl level player. Grade – D

Draft: It started so well. Round one pick, RB Rashard Mendenhall may have been the steal of the first day. Second round selection, WR Limas Sweed was once projected mid-first round, and fits the role of big receiver which had been lacking. Excepting Kansas City, this was in the running for best first day. Day two was a disappointing followup. Third round pick, DE Bruce Davis was a reach, and fourth round pick, OL Tony Hills may have been worse. Hills is the only potential replacement for Faneca that Pittsburgh brought in. He has first day talent, but is a motivation question, and has had durability problems. The most interesting pick of the late going is QB Dennis Dixon, who is coming off a serious injury, but is an extraordinary athlete, and could impact in several ways. Getting Mendenhall and Sweed will make this a successful draft, but there is real danger that that is all that comes out of an exceptional class. Grade – B -

AFC South

Colts – B -

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: It was very quiet in Indianapolis. Their only signing was RB Dominic Rhodes. On the down side, the serious loss was OL Jake Scott, signed by the Titans. They also declined to match an offer to TE Ben Utecht. Grade – C -

Draft:  The Colts did not select until late in round two, but they had four picks in round six. It makes for an interesting draft. Their first pick, C Mike Pollack was generally considered the best of a weak position. The Colts also took two additional centers in the late going. Third round selection, LB Philip Wheeler was a nice value, and can play anywhere in the second line. He will not start right away, but depth was badly needed, so he will play. Fourth round pick, TE Jacob Tamme will step into Utecht's shoes in the two TE sets the Colts use so often. Of the late picks, LB Marcus Howard is interesting. He is small but very quick, which fits in the Colts tradition. C Steve Justice may be the future at center, with Pollack becoming an OG. This was a quiet draft. With no picks in the top 60, it is unsurprising that no clear starters were taken, but most of the players have a clear path to playing time, and several could emerge in a year or two. Grade – B

Jaguars - B +

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: The Jaguars are clearly going for it this season. They spent some serious money on two key free agents, WR Jerry Porter (who subsequently got hurt in early pre-season practice) and CB Drayton Florence, who will start. They also picked up DT Jimmy Kennedy for DL depth. Kennedy was needed because Jacksonville traded ST Marcus Stroud to the Bills. Losses in free agency include CB Aaron Glenn and WR Ernest Wilford. Grade – A -

Draft: The Jaguars went all out for help with the pass rush. They chose two of the top four rushing DEs in the pool, in Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves. The impact will be immediate, but that also covers the first four and sixth rounds. LB Thomas Williams, fifth round, did not start in college, and probably will not in the NFL, but is a great "glue" player. He will be a special teams ace, and brings great leadership to the locker room. In the last round they nabbed an interesting flier. RB Chauncey Washington has real talent, but was an academic casualty in school. Given the amount of capital invested in Harvey and Groves, this is a boom or bust draft, but with immediate impact. Grade – B -

Texans – B -

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: Houston is bringing a lot of new players, but all at bargain prices: LB Kevin Bentley, RB Chris Brown, CB Jacques Reeves, C Chris Myers. Outgoing players are similar: LB Danny Clark, CB Von Hutchins, LB Charlie Anderson. Grade – C

Draft: First round pick OT Duane Brown is considered a decent value by some, but a major reach by others. Certainly the Texans gave up a great deal -- their second round pick -- to move up to draft him, in their ongoing quest for a LT. Two third round picks and the fourth round selection were better value. CB Antwaun Molden was a quiet riser in the pre-draft period. He will move into the nickel/dime package, and could eventually start. RB Steve Slaton is a bit on the small side, but was uber-productive in college, and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. LB Xavier Adibi is an undersized but very fast LB, which fits the Denver mold. There is nothing undersized about DT Frank Okam. His knock has been motivation and consistency, but in round five, he was good value. The Texans have been drafting well. Two years ago, this team took a lot of heat for passing on Reggie Bush, which now was clearly the right move. Despite the high cost of Duane Brown, this was a solid group. Grade – B

Titans – C -

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: Tennessee went for one mid-range free agent, and several low priced players. The mid-range players include OG Jake Scott, who will start. Others were S Chris Carr, TE Alge Crumpler, WR Justin McCareins, and DE Jevon Kearse, mostly for depth. Losses were heavier, with OG Jacob Bell, DT Randy Starks, DE Travis LaBoy, and DE Antwan Odom all leaving.  All in all, it was a rough winter in the trenches. Grade D.

Draft:  The reaction this draft has received runs from, "A bit off" to "What were they thinking?" Much of that comes from the first pick, RB Chris Johnson. Johnson is the fastest player ever timed at the Combine, and gives the team some much needed offensive speed. But he was a reach at the spot, and the team could have had its pick of the WR class, which is a critical need. Second round pick, DL Jason Jones was better value, and addresses the holes in the defensive line. Third round pick, TE Craig Stevens, is a blocker who graded well in the pass receiving drills at the Combine. He will play in 2 TE sets right away, and move to starter when Crumpler retires. Of three fourth round picks, it’s possible that just one will have immediate impact. WR Lavelle Hawkins would not have been out of place in the late second round, and he could easily start. Other picks included a DE, a LB and a CB, all of them long shots for playing time. As badly as this draft is viewed in some circles, it will yield a rookie starter, and likely two to four eventually. It is not great, but neither is it a dud. Grade – C

AFC West

Broncos – B

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: Denver forked out the cash for speedy LB Boss Bailey, who will fill the departed Ian Gold's shoes nicely. Other acquisitions include WR Keary Colbert, LB Niko Koutouvides, S Marquand Manuel, and RB Michael Pittman, all of whom are depth. Losses were light, primarily K Jason Elam, though an unusual number of players were released or retired, including Gold and Matt Lepsis. Grade – B +

Draft: For years the Broncos offensive line has been among the best in the league, but growing older. First round pick LT Ryan Clady addresses that need. Second round pick WR Eddie Royal was an interesting move. He is a bit small but fast and productive in the limits of a run-oriented offense. His blocking is first rate, despite his size. There was no pick in round three, but two each in four and five. C Kory Lichtensteiger is very much a Broncos-type OL, and should start in a year or two. Fifth round pick RB Ryan Torain, could be one of the steals of the draft. An injury knocked his draft status down, and he is the type of single-cut runner that Denver has had so much success with over the years. S Josh Barrett is a boom or bust dice roll, with great measurables, but questionable desire and work ethic. LB Spenser Larson has none of the measurables, but makes plays. Typically of Denver lately, this is a gambling draft. Grade – B

Chargers – C +

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: San Diego had a tough year in the free agent wars. They had only three signings, and none of note. Losses were CB Drayton Florence and RB Michael Turner. Both are expected to start at their new teams, though obviously Turner did not start in San Diego, and Florence had been beaten out of his starting position. Grade – C -

Draft: San Diego has been one of the better talent evaluators for years. First round pick, CB Antoine Cason was nice value late in the first round. The next pick was in the third round, RB Jacob Hester, which involved the trade of next year's second round pick. Hester is big, but slow by NFL standards, and most teams had him rated at FB, and much lower. The next pick, fifth round RB Marcus Thomas, makes an odd pairing. More of a natural runner than Hester, he is also behind LaDainian Tomlinson on the depth chart. Round six brought one of the drafts farthest fallers, S DeJuan Tribble. He was rated as first round material by some, but has neither the size nor speed to impact. This late, he was a solid value. In a thin group, nothing stands out. On a lesser team Cason would start, but that would be it. Yet every pick has something to flag it as different from those around it, and the Chargers did address the depth issues caused by free agency. Grade – B

Chiefs – B

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: No team has moved more players through the system in the last three years, and this was no exception. In a change of philosophy, the Chiefs did not attempt to patch holes in free agency, instead deciding to focus on young players. Of course, the biggest move was the trade of Chiefs’ best player, DE Jared Allen to the Vikings, for three draft picks. Their signings include WR Devard Darling, PR/KR B.J. Sams, LB Demorrio Williams, who are all in the mix for real playing time, after being deep on depth charts last season. Free agent losses were relatively light: LB Keyaron Fox and DB Benny Sapp, but retirings and releases were unusually heavy, including three OL starters. Grade – D

Draft:  Where do you begin with what may come to be considered the best Chiefs draft in their history? By consensus, the Chiefs first day haul of DT Glenn Dorsey, OT Branden Albert, and CB Brandon Flowers was the best in the NFL. If anything, the rest of the draft was more impressive. Ironically, the next pick, third round RB Jamaal Charles, may play the least. He was rated as a second rounder by most, and brings elite speed, but falls into a logjam. He will return kicks and get a few snaps as a change of pace back. Two other third round players, TE Brad Cottam and S DeJuan Morgan will play immediately, with Morgan pushing for a starting spot in a strong unit. Fourth round WR Will Franklin joins Darling and second year Jeff Webb in the mix for the WR2 slot. Fifth round CB Brandon Carr would be the darling of many spring camps. He has the size/speed mix you love in a DB, and played top nickel back in spring drills. Sixth round OT Barry Richardson is a moving mountain, who is second on the depth chart at RT. Seventh round DE Brian Johnston is the talk of the camp, showing great penetration in the first team nickel package. Kevin Robinson shows promise returning kicks. The Chiefs picked likely eventual starters in every round of the draft. Grade A +

Raiders – B -

Trades and FA acquisitions and losses: The Raiders laid out real money for WR Javon Walker and S Gibril Wilson, which makes Walker's non-football injury that much more damaging. Other signings include OT Kwame Harris and DT William Joseph. Oakland also traded for Pro Bowl CB DeAngelo Hall. Free agent losses include WR Jerry Porter, DE Chris Clemons. The Raiders also traded away CB Fabian Washington and released RB Dominic Rhodes, while DT Warren Sapp retired. Grade – B

Draft:  To a large extent, this was the Darren McFadden draft. First, he was the only pick in the first three rounds. Second, in terms of flash, no one in the whole draft compares. While there are those with reservations, McFadden is certain to bring excitement, if not a huge impact. Two fourth round picks will contribute. DB Tyvon Branch will help on coverage teams and could eventually start at safety. WR Arman Shields has an opportunity to play immediately, because of the Walker injury. Sixth round DE Trevor Scott is a project, but shows talent as a pass rusher. The last pick was WR Chad Schilens. In all, a typical Raider draft: long on speed and size, but suspect in other areas. Grade - C +

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