Every year I think every team improves in some way. some build with veterans, some build through the draft, some do a mixture of both. Here are my top 5 teams who I thought got great value from this draft. They're in no particular order. I know I almost always overlook a team until afterwards so who would some of you guys think had a killer draft that I may have missed?
NEW YORK GIANTS
1.6 — WR Calvin Johnson — The Giants got their hands on an absolute monster at wide receiver with Calvin Johnson, better known as "Megatron." At 6'5", Johnson gives the Giants a massive target who can dominate defensive backs and become a true No. 1 receiver. The physical tools are already impressive, and his ability to make contested catches gives the Giants an immediate weapon in the passing game. The one area I would like to see Johnson improve during training camp is his speed and explosiveness, but outside of that, there isn't much to complain about. This is the type of player who can completely change how defenses approach an offense. For me, Johnson is the centerpiece of what turned out to be an impressive Giants draft.
2.6 — LT Andrew Carnahan — I was a big fan of this selection. Carnahan is a massive 6'6", 318-pound offensive tackle who combines size with surprisingly good athleticism. His 82 PBK and 82 RBK ratings show that he already has the foundation to become a very good all-around blocker at the PTF level. Adding Carnahan immediately after Johnson was an excellent move because the Giants didn't just add another offensive weapon—they also invested in protecting their quarterback and strengthening the running game. He has the size to handle powerful defensive linemen while possessing enough athletic ability to hold up against speed rushers. I see Carnahan as a player who could become a long-term fixture on this offensive line.
2.19 — ILB Korey Hall — Hall is another player I really like, although he will need some development before reaching his full potential. The biggest concern is his speed, and that's something the Giants will need to work on throughout training camp and the season. Outside of that limitation, his overall attributes are solid and he has the tools to become a dependable linebacker. With the Giants already investing heavily in their offense with Johnson and Carnahan, Hall gives them some much-needed defensive talent in the middle of the draft. He may not make an immediate splash, but I think this could eventually prove to be a very useful selection.
3.6 — OC Matt Overton — Overton is an undersized center at 6'1", 254 pounds, but I don't think the Giants will be overly concerned about his lack of size. What he lacks in bulk, he makes up for with athleticism and mobility. Centers who can move well can be extremely valuable, particularly when they are asked to pull, get to the second level, or operate in a more athletic offensive scheme. Overton has some developing to do, but his athletic ability gives him a legitimate chance to compete for playing time. This is another selection where the Giants prioritized upside rather than simply chasing size.
4.2 — SS Eric Frampton — Frampton is one of my favorite mid-round selections in this class because I believe he has a legitimate chance to start immediately. He's athletic and has the physical tools to play at the PTF level, although at just 5'11", he'll have to overcome a size disadvantage against some of the bigger offensive players. The biggest area of concern is his football awareness, which will need to improve significantly as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the PTF level. If he can develop that part of his game, the Giants could have found a starting safety in the fourth round.
4.26 — OG Uche Nwaneri — Nwaneri isn't going to overwhelm anyone with his athleticism, and he'll have plenty of work to do with his blocking technique. However, the Giants don't necessarily need him to become an immediate starter. At this stage of the draft, adding offensive-line depth is valuable, especially for a team that has already invested in Andrew Carnahan and Matt Overton. Nwaneri gives the Giants another body to develop and provides some insurance along the interior of the offensive line. If his blocking improves, he could eventually become a useful rotational player.
6.6 — RB Brian Leonard — This might be one of my favorite value picks of the Giants' entire draft. After trading away Tiki Barber, the Giants needed to find another running back capable of eventually carrying a significant workload, and Leonard has starter potential. He's a big, bruising back who can bring a different physical element to the running game. He may not immediately replace everything Barber brought to the offense, but Leonard gives the Giants a young player they can develop while preparing for the future. Finding a back with starting potential this late is exactly what you want to accomplish in the sixth round.
7.23 — K Patrick Shadle — Shadle is a developmental kicker who could eventually have an opportunity to take over the job next season. There isn't any reason to rush him into a major role immediately, but the Giants can use the upcoming season to evaluate his progress and determine whether he's ready to become their long-term answer. For a seventh-round selection, there isn't much downside to taking a swing on a young kicker with some potential.
7.25 — DE Brian Robinson — Draft Gem — This is the pick that really elevates the Giants' draft class for me. Robinson is 24 years old, 6'3", 259 pounds, and brings the kind of speed, strength, and burst you love to see from a defensive end. Because he's being selected at 7.25, the potential value here is enormous. His age may mean he's closer to his physical ceiling than some younger prospects, but that also means the Giants could potentially get an NFL-ready contributor much sooner. When you find a player with this kind of athletic profile this late in the draft, you have to take advantage of it. Robinson is exactly what I would call a draft gem, and his presence significantly skews the overall grade of this Giants class upward.
Overall Giants Draft Assessment
I really like what the Giants accomplished in this draft. There is no question that Calvin Johnson gives them the star power at the top, but what makes this class impressive is the depth of talent they continued finding throughout the draft. Andrew Carnahan gives them a potential long-term starting tackle, Korey Hall adds defensive depth, Matt Overton brings athleticism to the interior line, and Eric Frampton could potentially start immediately. Then they find Brian Leonard in the sixth round and finish with a legitimate draft gem in Brian Robinson.
There are certainly developmental concerns with several players—Hall needs more speed, Overton and Nwaneri need development, and Frampton has to improve his football awareness—but that's exactly what you want to see from a draft class. There is a mixture of immediate contributors, developmental prospects, and high-upside players.
My favorite picks: Calvin Johnson, Andrew Carnahan, Eric Frampton, Brian Leonard and especially Brian Robinson.
Overall PTF Draft Grade: A
The Giants didn't have to follow one particular formula. They simply took talented players who could help them in different ways, and I think they came away from the 2007 PTF Draft with one of the better overall classes. I had several teams I really liked in this draft and I'm not putting them in any particular order, but the Giants absolutely belong in that conversation.
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CAROLINA PANTHERS
1.7 — WR Sidney Rice — This is easily one of my favorite selections of the entire draft because Sidney Rice was my favorite wide receiver in this class. At 6'4", 202 pounds, Rice has the size and overall skill set to develop into a legitimate No. 1 receiver at the PTF level. He's a solid all-around wideout without any glaring weakness in his game, and I believe he has the potential to become the centerpiece of this Panthers passing attack. Carolina had the opportunity to land Calvin Johnson at this spot before Tampa Bay traded up and grabbed him, but I don't view Rice as a consolation prize. I genuinely believe Rice can develop into one of the better receivers from this class. Getting my favorite wideout at 1.7 makes this an outstanding start to the Panthers' draft.
2.1 — OT Ken Shackleford — Shackleford is another player I really liked throughout the entire draft process, especially after getting the opportunity to work him out personally. At 6'5" and a monstrous 366 pounds, he is an absolute mountain of a man. The biggest reason he slipped out of the first round is pretty obvious—he's only an adequate blocker right now. However, I believe the physical potential is enormous. You simply can't teach that combination of size and natural strength. If Carolina can develop his blocking technique and improve his consistency, Shackleford could eventually become a major asset on the offensive line. For a team that already landed my favorite receiver at 1.7, getting a player with this kind of upside early in the second round is excellent value.
2.7 — ILB Oscar Lua — Lua was another player I had targeted early in the draft, so seeing Carolina land him at 2.7 was a selection I really liked. At 6'2" and 280 pounds, he's built like a linebacker but possesses the versatility to potentially move down to defensive end. That hybrid ability makes him especially intriguing. Lua brings an excellent combination of strength and athleticism and gives the Panthers another player they can move around depending on the matchup. Carolina already has a solid linebacker group, but adding a versatile player like Lua gives the coaching staff more options. He may not have one defined position at this stage, but I actually see that as part of his value.
4.9 — K John Vaughn — The kicking decision came down to Vaughn and another kicker I had ranked slightly higher because of his superior kicking power. Ultimately, Carolina decided to go with Vaughn, and I think they may have found a kicker who can hold the job for a very long time. He should have the opportunity to become a solid starter and potentially lock down the position for the next decade. When you're selecting a kicker in the fourth round, you want someone you believe can eliminate the need to worry about the position for years, and Vaughn has that potential.
5.7 — OLB Clint Session — Session isn't coming into Carolina with the expectation that he'll immediately take over a starting job. Instead, he gives the Panthers another solid depth option at linebacker. Carolina already has a strong linebacker core, so this is a luxury pick that provides insurance and competition. Session has enough ability to potentially work his way into a larger role down the road, but at minimum, he gives the Panthers quality depth at an important position.
7.7 — CB Michael Coe — Coe brings some intriguing physical traits at 6'1", 190 pounds and gives Carolina additional depth in the secondary. The problem is that he's entering a crowded cornerback room, and the Panthers already have established players ahead of him. That means Coe will have an uphill battle simply making the roster. Still, at this point in the draft, there's nothing wrong with taking a chance on a player with good size and seeing if he can develop into a special-teams contributor or eventually work his way into the rotation.
7.24 — CB William Gay — Unfortunately for Gay, I don't see a clear path to meaningful playing time. At 5'10" with 81 speed, he'll have a difficult time competing against the more athletic corners already on Carolina's roster. The Panthers can afford to take a chance on him this late, but realistically, he's going to be fighting simply to make the roster. At this stage of the draft, you're looking for developmental players and competition, and Gay provides that without costing the team much.
Overall Panthers Draft Assessment
I really like this Carolina draft, and it's one of the classes I wanted to highlight from the 2007 PTF Draft. The biggest reason is simple: Sidney Rice was my favorite wide receiver in the entire class, and the Panthers were able to land him at 1.7. That's tremendous value in my opinion. But the draft gets even more interesting when you look at the first two days. Ken Shackleford was a player I liked throughout the process and personally worked out, and while his blocking needs improvement, his 6'5", 366-pound frame gives him tremendous upside. Oscar Lua was another player I specifically targeted, and his ability to play linebacker or defensive end gives Carolina a unique piece for its defense.
The later rounds are more about filling out the roster. John Vaughn has a chance to become a decade-long starter, Clint Session adds useful linebacker depth, while Michael Coe and William Gay face much tougher battles to make the roster.
The Panthers didn't have a perfect draft, but they did exactly what I like to see from a team: they landed players I genuinely believe in at the top and added several developmental pieces behind them.
My favorite picks: Sidney Rice, Ken Shackleford and Oscar Lua.
Best value: Sidney Rice at 1.7.
Highest upside: Ken Shackleford.
Overall PTF Draft Grade: A
Carolina is one of the teams I really liked coming out of this draft. There are no guarantees that every developmental player works out, but the top of this class gives the Panthers legitimate building blocks, and that's what matters most when evaluating a draft.
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ATLANTA FALCONS
1.23 — OLB Keyunta Dawson — This was one of my favorite picks for Atlanta because Dawson was a player I most likely would have taken myself if he were still sitting on the board at 1.25. I really like his potential as an immediate starter for the Falcons. He brings the athletic ability and versatility to make an impact early, and I think Atlanta found a player who can step into a significant role right away. When you're picking late in the first round, finding someone you believe can start immediately is exactly what you're looking for. Dawson has that opportunity, and I think he'll make this pick look even better once he gets some PTF experience.
1.26 — OT Joe Staley — Staley is a solid offensive tackle prospect who brings a lot of things to the table. At 6'5", 295 pounds, he's a little smaller than I would personally prefer at tackle, but he makes up for some of that with above-average strength and excellent football awareness. He's also an above-average pass blocker and run blocker, which makes him a very well-rounded prospect. Staley doesn't necessarily have one elite attribute that jumps off the page, but the overall package is impressive. Atlanta needed to continue improving the offensive line, and Staley gives them a dependable player who should have a legitimate opportunity to become a long-term starter.
2.3 — DE Joe Cohen — Cohen is one of the more intriguing prospects on this Falcons roster because of his positional versatility. At 6'2", 310 pounds, he has enough size to line up at defensive tackle while also possessing the ability to play either defensive end spot. That flexibility gives Atlanta plenty of options when putting together its defensive packages. My biggest concern is his 78 strength rating if the Falcons plan to use him primarily at defensive tackle. That's not ideal for someone expected to consistently battle interior offensive linemen. Still, his ability to move around the defensive front makes him an interesting developmental piece and gives Atlanta another versatile body for its rotation.
2.23 — CB Brandon McDonald — I'm not as high on McDonald as some may be. The biggest concern for me is his 5'10" frame combined with speed below 90. In a league where bigger and faster receivers can create matchup problems, that's something Atlanta will need to monitor. That said, McDonald does have some legitimate positives. His awareness, jumping ability, and hands are all solid, giving him a chance to overcome some of his physical limitations. He'll need to prove that he can consistently stay with receivers at the PTF level, but there is enough here to justify taking a chance on him in the second round.
3.9 — RB Kolby Smith — Smith gives Atlanta some much-needed depth at running back and could provide additional value as a kick or punt returner. I like his burst, and he has enough receiving ability to contribute in the passing game as well. That versatility is important for a third-round selection because it gives the Falcons multiple ways to get him onto the field. He doesn't necessarily need to become a featured running back to make this pick worthwhile. If he can establish himself as a reliable backup while contributing on special teams, Atlanta will have gotten good value.
3.21 — CB Dante Hughes — I actually like Hughes more than Brandon McDonald, even though Atlanta selected McDonald earlier. Hughes is another smaller corner with speed under 90, but I think he has some traits that could allow him to outperform his physical limitations. His closing speed, catch, jumping ability, and tackling are all decent, and I like his ability to get to the football. The size and speed concerns are still there, but Hughes gives Atlanta another competitive young corner who can battle for playing time. Considering he was available in the third round, I think this was a pretty good value selection.
3.23 — QB Troy Smith — This is the one selection from the Falcons' draft where I genuinely scratched my head and thought, "Why?" Smith is only 6'0", doesn't have much arm strength, and has just okay awareness. The physical limitations make it difficult for me to see him developing into a legitimate long-term starting quarterback. The one argument in his favor is the situation in Atlanta. If Michael Vick goes down, Smith at least provides another quarterback with some similarities to Vick's style of play. But unless the Falcons are committed to getting him meaningful reps and developing him, I worry this pick could ultimately become wasted talent. Of all Atlanta's selections, this is easily my biggest question mark.
6.9 — DT Jay Alford — Alford is exactly the type of player I like seeing a team find in the sixth round. At 6'3", 304 pounds, he has good size for the position, but it's his athleticism and excellent burst that really stand out. He also brings good strength, giving him the physical foundation to compete against bigger offensive linemen. Atlanta doesn't need Alford to become an immediate starter, which makes this selection even more appealing. If he can develop his technique and learn the defense, I think he has a legitimate chance to become a useful rotational defensive tackle. For a sixth-round pick, there's plenty of upside here.
6.12 — P Daniel Sepulveda — Sepulveda is another player I had personally worked out, so I was very interested to see where he would land. I ultimately went with the kicker who had the stronger leg, but I really like what Sepulveda brings to the table. He can absolutely boom punts while also maintaining good accuracy, giving Atlanta a punter with legitimate starting potential. This pick could eventually create an interesting situation with current punter John Henderson, who now looks like he could become trade bait. Finding a potential long-term starter at this point in the draft is excellent value, and Sepulveda could end up being one of Atlanta's sneaky-good selections.
Overall Falcons Draft Assessment
Atlanta put together a very interesting draft class with a strong emphasis on building depth and adding athleticism. Keyunta Dawson at 1.23 is the pick I like the most, especially because he was someone I was seriously considering taking myself at 1.25. If he develops as expected, I believe he can step in and start immediately. Joe Staley gives the Falcons a solid offensive tackle with excellent awareness and balanced blocking ability, while Joe Cohen provides valuable versatility along the defensive line.
The secondary is where Atlanta took some calculated risks. I prefer Dante Hughes to Brandon McDonald, but both have enough positive attributes to potentially develop into contributors. Kolby Smith gives them a versatile running back and return option, while Jay Alford is exactly the type of late-round defensive prospect who could outperform his draft position.
The obvious blemish is Troy Smith at 3.23. I simply don't see enough physical ability there to justify the selection unless Atlanta has a very specific backup plan for him behind Michael Vick. That pick keeps this from being an elite draft in my eyes.
Still, the Falcons found multiple players I really like, and the late selection of Daniel Sepulveda could prove especially valuable.
My favorite picks: Keyunta Dawson, Joe Staley and Jay Alford.
Best value: Keyunta Dawson at 1.23.
Biggest question mark: Troy Smith at 3.23.
Draft sleeper: Daniel Sepulveda.
Overall PTF Draft Grade: A-
Atlanta is another team whose draft class I really liked. There are a couple of questionable decisions, but the overall talent, versatility, and immediate starting potential make this one of the more interesting classes coming out of the 2007 PTF Draft.
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DENVER BRONCOS
1.13 — ILB Jon Beason — Beason may only stand 6'0", but I don't think his lack of height is going to prevent him from becoming a very good linebacker at the PTF level. His athletic ability immediately stands out, but what really makes me like this pick is his ability to shed blockers while already being an adequate tackler. He has the versatility to play in virtually any defensive scheme, and that is extremely valuable in today's game. Denver is looking for players who can become foundational pieces as they move into a new era, and Beason has legitimate star potential. This is exactly the type of player you want to come away with in the middle of the first round.
1.17 — OLB Justin Durant — Durant is one of the more interesting players in this entire Denver class. At 6'4", 230 pounds with 91 speed and 93 acceleration, he has the athletic profile of an explosive edge defender. There were definitely rumblings around the draft about potentially moving him to cornerback, and I can understand why Denver would at least consider it given his athletic ability. The big problem is his 24 catch rating, which makes me question whether he'll ever become much of a ball hawk in coverage. Personally, I'd prefer to let him attack the quarterback and use his speed where it can have the greatest impact. Wherever he ultimately lines up, Durant has the physical tools to become a very good player.
1.28 — TE Ben Patrick — This was excellent value at the bottom of the first round. Patrick is 6'3", 254 pounds with 88 speed and an impressive 95 acceleration, giving him the athletic profile to become a serious matchup problem at tight end. He was actually one of approximately four tight ends I was targeting around my own 2.8/2.13 selections in the second round, so seeing Denver land him at 1.28 tells me they weren't willing to risk losing him. He has the size to be a useful blocker while possessing enough athleticism to become a legitimate receiving threat. Denver essentially gets a player I expected to be available in the early second round without having to wait for him.
2.14 — WR Laurent Robinson — Robinson brings good size at 6'2", 205 pounds along with solid speed and acceleration. The question for me is whether he'll have enough opportunity to properly develop in Denver. With established receivers like Rodgeway and Brown ahead of him, playing time could be difficult to come by, and young receivers need reps to develop. That's why I could see Robinson eventually becoming a trade candidate. The talent is there, and another team needing a young receiver might value him more than Denver does. As a second-round selection, there's certainly potential here, but his development path is one I'll be watching closely.
3.11 — CB Corey Graham — This is probably my least favorite selection in the Denver draft. I simply didn't see the value here compared to some of the other players still available. Graham has sub-90 speed, and while his awareness, catching, and tackling are decent, I don't see enough standout traits to make me particularly excited about the pick. He'll have an opportunity to prove me wrong, but when I look at the other talent Denver had available at this point, I would have preferred a different direction.
3.26 — OG Brad Banneman — Banneman is a massive offensive lineman at 6'6", and while I'm not a fan of his speed or agility, there is one attribute I absolutely love when evaluating offensive linemen: strength. Banneman has the physical power to compete in the trenches, and his quick feet are a nice bonus considering his size. He's already an adequate blocker and has the frame to become even better with development. Denver doesn't need him to become a star immediately, but if they can improve his technique and consistency, he could become a useful interior lineman. This is a good developmental selection.
4.6 — DT Chris Harris — Harris continues what turned out to be a pretty impressive defensive front draft for Denver. He has good speed off the line and enough burst to get after both the ball carrier and the quarterback. That initial quickness can be extremely valuable for a defensive lineman because it allows him to disrupt plays before they develop. His tackling will need work at the PTF level, but that is something Denver can develop with coaching and experience. For a fourth-round pick, I like the upside here, especially given the athletic traits he brings to the defensive line.
4.14 — CB Leon Hall — I actually like Hall more than Corey Graham, despite Denver selecting Graham earlier. Hall is slightly smaller at 5'11", but he brings the combination of speed, closing speed, catching ability, jumping ability, and tackling that I want to see from a cornerback. The biggest issue is his awareness, which will need to improve as he adjusts to the PTF level. Still, there is enough athletic ability here to make him a legitimate developmental prospect. Getting him in the fourth round gives Denver a chance to develop a potentially useful corner without investing significant draft capital.
4.18 — OLB H.B. Blades — First of all, H.B. Blades might have the coolest name in the entire PTF. Beyond the name, however, there is a legitimate football player here. Blades is a smaller linebacker at just 5'10", but his athletic ability helps compensate for his lack of size. I also like his ability to drop into coverage, which gives Denver another versatile linebacker who can be used in different defensive situations. He may not be an every-down player immediately, but his athleticism gives him a chance to carve out a role and contribute in multiple packages.
5.21 — OT Doug Free — Free looks like a depth piece for Denver, but that doesn't make the selection insignificant. At 6'6", 318 pounds, he has excellent size for an offensive tackle and gives the Broncos another big body to develop along the offensive line. At this stage of the draft, you're looking for players who can provide competition, depth, and perhaps develop into something more. Free fits that description perfectly. If he can develop technically, Denver could eventually have a useful reserve tackle on its hands.
Overall Broncos Draft Assessment
Denver had one of the more fascinating drafts in the league, especially considering the franchise-changing move that preceded it. After trading Peyton Manning and moving forward with Vince Young, the Broncos had an opportunity to completely reshape the roster, and I think they did a pretty good job taking advantage of that opportunity.
Jon Beason and Justin Durant give Denver two extremely athletic linebackers with legitimate upside, while Ben Patrick might be my favorite value selection of the entire class. Patrick was part of a group of tight ends I was targeting much earlier in the second round, so getting him at 1.28 was excellent value. Laurent Robinson has talent but could eventually become expendable because of Denver's existing receiver depth.
The middle rounds are more mixed. I wasn't particularly impressed with the Corey Graham selection, but I like Leon Hall significantly more, while Chris Harris and H.B. Blades give the defense two athletic developmental pieces. Brad Banneman brings the strength I want to see from an offensive lineman, and Doug Free provides quality size and depth.
My favorite picks: Jon Beason, Justin Durant and Ben Patrick.
Best value: Ben Patrick at 1.28.
Highest upside: Jon Beason.
Biggest question mark: Corey Graham at 3.11.
Potential trade candidate: Laurent Robinson.
Coolest name: H.B. Blades—by a mile.
Overall PTF Draft Grade: A-
Denver's draft is built around athleticism, versatility, and upside. There are a couple of selections I wouldn't have made, but the Broncos came away with several players I believe can become legitimate contributors. Considering the massive roster transition following the Peyton Manning trade, I think Denver has positioned itself well for the next chapter of the franchise.
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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
1.27 — ILB Stewart Bradley — Bradley was an easy player to like outside of one obvious concern: he's already 24 years old. Other than that, there is a lot to like about his profile. At 6'4", 258 pounds, he has excellent size for the linebacker position and brings the kind of strength and physicality you want in the middle of the defense. His speed coming off the edge could create major problems for offensive linemen, particularly when the Patriots move him around and allow him to attack the quarterback. He also brings very good tackling ability, which gives him a solid foundation as an every-down defender. The age is something to consider, but New England is getting a player who should be physically ready to contribute immediately.
1.31 — ILB David Harris — This was one of my favorite selections for New England. I was actually hoping Harris would somehow make it into the second round, so seeing the Patriots grab him at 1.31 was a little disappointing from my perspective. He has an excellent balance of size, strength, and burst, and I think those traits could translate extremely well to the PTF level. Harris doesn't necessarily need to be developed into something completely different—he already has the physical foundation to contribute. Pairing him with Stewart Bradley gives New England two young linebackers with very different but complementary skill sets. This could eventually become the heart of the Patriots' defense.
2.18 — OT Levi Brown — I wasn't particularly high on this offensive-line class as a whole, but there were definitely some good players mixed in, and Brown was one of the guys I was watching toward the end of the second round. Unfortunately for me, he didn't make it that far. Brown brings athleticism, strength, and very good football awareness, which gives him a strong foundation as an offensive tackle. New England needed to add some youth and competition up front, and Brown gives them exactly that. He has enough physical ability to potentially develop into a starter, while his awareness should help him adjust to the PTF level more quickly than some of the other offensive linemen in this class.
2.24 — OT Allen Barbre — There is a lot I like about Barbre, with one very obvious exception: that atrocious agility rating. I'm not sure exactly how much that will affect him once he gets on the field, but it is certainly something to watch. Outside of that, I like just about everything else about his profile. He gives New England another big, physical offensive lineman and adds even more competition to a position group that needed some young talent. Even if he never becomes a full-time starter, the Patriots have significantly improved their offensive-line depth with this selection and Levi Brown just a few picks earlier.
3.32 — S Tanard Jackson — Jackson is a pretty solid depth selection at the end of the third round. He's athletic enough to compete for a role and gives New England another young body in the secondary. The Patriots don't necessarily need him to walk in and become a star, but having athletic depth at safety is valuable over the course of a long season. He'll have an opportunity to develop behind the established players and potentially work his way into the rotation.
4.23 — OT James Marten — Marten might actually be my favorite of all the offensive linemen New England drafted. He has excellent burst, quick feet, and tremendous strength. When I look at offensive linemen, those are the types of physical traits that immediately catch my attention. The biggest question is whether he can turn those tools into consistent production because he'll need to improve both his run and pass blocking during training camp. If the coaching staff can clean up those areas, however, I think Marten has a legitimate chance to outperform his fourth-round draft position. This could end up being one of the better value picks in the entire Patriots class.
4.24 — CB Marcus McCauley — McCauley looks like a solid depth addition to what already appears to be a pretty crowded cornerback room in New England. At 6'1", he brings good size to the position and has the closing speed necessary to make plays on the football. He may have a difficult time seeing significant defensive snaps immediately because of the players already ahead of him, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Patriots can afford to develop him without forcing him onto the field before he's ready. If injuries hit the secondary, McCauley gives them another capable option.
4.32 — C Mike Elgin — Elgin is somewhat undersized, but I really like the thinking behind this selection. Starting center Damien Woody isn't getting any younger, and eventually New England is going to need to find his successor. Elgin gives the Patriots a young player who can sit, learn, develop, and potentially take over the position when that day arrives. This is exactly the type of pick that good organizations make—you're planning ahead rather than waiting until a position becomes an emergency. He may not have an immediate impact, but his long-term value could be significant.
Overall Patriots Draft Assessment
New England quietly put together one of the deeper draft classes in the PTF. They didn't necessarily make the flashiest selections, but when I look at the entire group, I see a team that addressed multiple areas while adding legitimate starting potential.
The linebacker combination of Stewart Bradley and David Harris is particularly impressive. Bradley has the size, strength, tackling ability, and edge speed to make an immediate impact, while Harris brings an outstanding combination of size, burst, and strength. Harris was a player I was personally hoping would fall into the second round, so I understand why New England didn't take the chance.
The Patriots then went to work rebuilding their offensive-line depth. Levi Brown, Allen Barbre and James Marten give them three young linemen with different strengths, and Marten could ultimately turn out to be the best of the group. Mike Elgin is also an intriguing long-term selection because the Patriots are already preparing for life after Damien Woody.
Tanard Jackson and Marcus McCauley round out the class with useful secondary depth, giving New England additional athleticism and competition.
There aren't many picks here that I dislike. The biggest concern is Barbre's agility, while Bradley's age is something that can't be ignored. But those are relatively minor concerns compared with the overall depth of the class.
My favorite picks: David Harris, Stewart Bradley and James Marten.
Best value: David Harris at 1.31.
Highest upside: James Marten.
Best position group: Offensive line.
Biggest concern: Allen Barbre's agility and Stewart Bradley's age.
Overall PTF Draft Grade: A
This is the kind of draft that could look even better a couple of seasons from now. New England added two linebackers who could become major defensive contributors, stocked up on offensive-line talent, found secondary depth and even planned ahead at center. There may not be a single flashy "look at me" selection outside of the linebackers, but from top to bottom, this is one of the more complete draft classes I've seen coming out of the 2007 PTF Draft.
