The draft is over. Rookie contracts are signed. And now that we’ve had time to dig into the post-skew stats (where the real magic happens), it’s time for a GM’s-eye-view on which players jumped off the screen, which teams nailed their selections, and which late-round flyers might end up haunting opposing coordinators for the next ten seasons.
Let’s be clear. Some great drafts will go unmentioned here, not because they weren’t good, but because I haven’t seen the post-skew results yet. This list is all about what I saw in the chat and the players that made me pause, nod, and maybe even swear under my breath.
Here’s my breakdown:
Players Who Impressed
Chiefs
Cornerback Charles Tillman looked much better after skew. Strong upside as a developmental CB. Also liked the value on quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who could turn into a sneaky good long-term piece with the right development path.
Bengals
Quarterback Carson Palmer and linebacker Lance Briggs were both quality top picks. But what really stood out were their later-round finds. Defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin and outside linebacker Cato June both skewed nicely. Cato’s 87 acceleration means he’ll be flying to the ball faster than most rookies at his position.
Commandos
Tight end Jason Witten came out as a freak athlete with 85 acceleration and 84 speed. That’s elite movement for a TE. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was another great value grab, giving this team a secondary with real bite.
Giants
Tony Romo may not be ready to run a complex offense (55 awareness), but his accuracy is solid and he was a steal for where he landed. Right tackle Jeremy Bridges and outside linebacker Matt Wilhelm were solid value with good speed and burst.
Ravens
Left tackle Jordan Gross was one of my favorite line picks. He’s mobile with 93 strength and will anchor the edge. Linebacker Keyon Whiteside also popped with 82 speed and 87 acceleration. Fullback Jeremi Johnson may have been one of the smartest picks, considering how rare that position is to fill well in PTL.
Falcons
I’ll admit my bias, but linebacker Bradie James was a gem in the fifth round. His 79 speed and 80 acceleration make him a legit option for a starting role. Punter Jose Arroyo, with 99 kick power, was absurd value late in the sixth. Special teams just became a secret weapon.
Steelers
Free safety Charles Drake brings elite speed and range at 91 speed and 91 acceleration. Tight end Mike Seidman and kicker Josh Brown both posted impressive numbers too. Josh’s 90 kick power and 90 kick accuracy make him one of the most complete legs in this class.
Lions
Anquan Boldin and Antonio Gates. Need I say more? Boldin gives them a strong, reliable wideout, and Gates, with 87 speed and 83 acceleration, is a coverage nightmare already.
Texans
Running back Larry Johnson skewed beautifully. With 87 speed, 84 strength, and 92 acceleration, he’s built to run through and away from defenders. Left tackle David Dahl was a solid find as well, showing movement and power you don’t always see late.
Chargers
Right tackle Seth Wand had 87 strength and enough mobility to be dangerous. Cornerback Ricky Manning skewed into elite athletic territory with 91 speed, 95 agility, and 95 acceleration. Great value and immediate plug-in potential.
Colts
Didn’t jump off the page, but their backup picks looked solid and provide depth. Not flashy, but dependable.
Favorite Draft Classes (Post-Skew)
Dolphins
This team went hard and it paid off. Strong starter potential across the board with players like safety Yeremiah Bell, quarterback Rex Grossman, and wide receiver Doug Gabriel. They gave up a lot to get their guys, but the return on investment looks real.
Broncos
This was a well-rounded draft with immediate contributors. Safety Ken Hamlin (now at cornerback) offers elite skills in a new position. Linebacker Antwan Peek was a smart second-round choice. And the trench picks were great. Left tackle Dustin Rykert, defensive end Matt Walters (80 speed and 84 acceleration), and defensive tackle Cory Redding (88 strength) were all excellent post-skew value picks.
Cowboys
Safety Troy Polamalu was the crown jewel here. Just elite. Left tackle Courtney Van Buren, defensive end Earl Cochran (87 speed), and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (79 speed, 81 acceleration) make this one of the most athletic draft classes top to bottom. The funniest part? Their heaviest draft pick was running back Erik Bickerstaff, who came in with 86 strength and all the weight to match. Power running might be back in style.
Final Thoughts
Some teams drafted for need. Others swung for upside. A few did both and found real post-skew gems that could redefine their franchises.
This list reflects what I saw in the chat once the dust settled. There’s no doubt some other solid classes out there, and I look forward to seeing who else steps up once the season begins. But for now, these are the picks and teams that caught my attention and earned my respect.
If your team’s not here, don’t worry. A great camp can change everything.
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