Jan/Feb 2011
Round 7
Intro
After every NFL draft, pundits come out and proclaim the draft's winners and losers. An exercise in speculation, since none of the players drafted has played a single down of pro football. But now that the 2010 draft class has completed their rookie seasons, we can go back to the 2010 draft and determine which teams have the early lead. But it will be a couple more year until we're prepared to proclaim victors.
A few years ago, Drafttek.com devised a scoring system which assigned points to each team's draft picks. Points are assigned according to how well a player is performing. In the early rounds, draft picks are supposed to do well, so we do not assign too many points for successful picks. In the later rounds, successes are rewarded much more generously. Alternately, 1st round flops are punished severely, while 7th round cuts are almost expected.
Scoring System
Round 7 scoring concept is below. Player evaluations for each selection are further below:
Category A (500 points) - A regular starter already! Player was not drafted to start but a pleasant surprise. Sky's the limit
Category B (250 points) - Getting a decent amount playing time. Seems on track to become a regular starter or valuable backup or rotational guy.
Category C (50 points) - Minor contributor on Offense or Defense, or Special Teams contributor. With hard work in the off season, hopeful that next year player will develop into a solid asset to the team.
Category D (0 points) - Not contributing in any meaningful manner - or placed practice squad. Hoping player will work hard in the off season and next year will develop into a solid contributor
Category E (0 points) - Bust. Cut.
Injured Reserve - Rookies who went on IR early on, without an opportunity to contribute, are assigned a score of 0 and grade of "C-IR".
Kickers/Punters - If these guys are drafted, they're expected to start. Scoring is +100 for success and -100 for failure no matter the round
Offensive Linemen - Rookie Offensive Linemen may not play at all. Scoring/Grading are based upon position on depth chart in such cases.
After every NFL draft, pundits come out and proclaim the draft's winners and losers. An exercise in speculation, since none of the players drafted has played a single down of pro football. But now that the 2010 draft class has completed their rookie seasons, we can go back to the 2010 draft and determine which teams have the early lead. But it will be a couple more year until we're prepared to proclaim victors.
A few years ago, Drafttek.com devised a scoring system which assigned points to each team's draft picks. Points are assigned according to how well a player is performing. In the early rounds, draft picks are supposed to do well, so we do not assign too many points for successful picks. In the later rounds, successes are rewarded much more generously. Alternately, 1st round flops are punished severely, while 7th round cuts are almost expected.
Scoring System
Round 7 scoring concept is below. Player evaluations for each selection are further below:
Category A (500 points) - A regular starter already! Player was not drafted to start but a pleasant surprise. Sky's the limit
Category B (250 points) - Getting a decent amount playing time. Seems on track to become a regular starter or valuable backup or rotational guy.
Category C (50 points) - Minor contributor on Offense or Defense, or Special Teams contributor. With hard work in the off season, hopeful that next year player will develop into a solid asset to the team.
Category D (0 points) - Not contributing in any meaningful manner - or placed practice squad. Hoping player will work hard in the off season and next year will develop into a solid contributor
Category E (0 points) - Bust. Cut.
Injured Reserve - Rookies who went on IR early on, without an opportunity to contribute, are assigned a score of 0 and grade of "C-IR".
Kickers/Punters - If these guys are drafted, they're expected to start. Scoring is +100 for success and -100 for failure no matter the round
Offensive Linemen - Rookie Offensive Linemen may not play at all. Scoring/Grading are based upon position on depth chart in such cases.
| 208 | New England |
Thomas Welch Vanderbilt OT Reach/Value: -137 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| Didn't make it with New England but latched on with Minnesota's practice squad. Eventually was promoted to 53-man roster, though he was never active on gameday. Although cut New England players are showing up on rosters across the league, our scoring methodology rewards point only for draft picks that help the team doing the drafting. |
| 209 | Buffalo |
Levi Brown Troy QB Reach/Value: +12 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| Levi didn't show much in preseason and the Bills waived him, then brought him back when Trent Edwards was released. He's green, but a gamer, and learns from Fitzgerald. Brown will need far more reps, and Brohm will have to do even worse, before Bills coaches and fans will anoint Brown the backup. |
| 210 | Tampa Bay |
Cody Grimm Virginia Tech S Reach/Value: -38 |
 |
GRADE A SCORE 500 |
| The son of Cardinals OL coach Russ Grimm made quite an impact for a 7th round pick. Cody played in 11 games, starting 9, and was on the field for 544 defensive snaps. He made 57 tackles, defended 2 passes, had 2 INTs and even scored a TD. Was injured in week 12 loss to Baltimore and placed on IR. Great production for a perceived "reach" at the time. |
| 211 | St Louis |
Marquis Johnson Alabama CB Reach/Value: -294 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| Marquis fulfilled the expectations the Rams had for him: depth at CB. He played in only 2 games (just 16 defensive snaps) but worked his way from the practice squad to the active roster. Hope for improvement in his second season. |
| 212 | Miami |
Chris McCoy Middle Tennessee LB Reach/Value: -48 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| Didn't make it all the way through camp. Has been off and on the practice squad. Hard to ask much out of 7th rounder. |
| 213 | Detroit |
Willie Young NC State DE Reach/Value: +64 |
 |
GRADE C- SCORE 25 |
| Had a good camp and a great preseason but wasn't active much throughout the season (just 2 games, no starts, 6 total defensive snaps). Although Young appears to have a bright future, he needs to add weight to be an impact player in the NFL. |
| 214 | Minnesota |
Mickey Shuler, Jr. Penn State TE Reach/Value: -74 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| After being cut by the Vikings (in hopes to move him to the practice squad) he was claimed on waivers by the Dolphins. He made two starts in Weeks 16 and 17 and finished with 2 catches for 44 yards, which isn't as bad as sounds given the lackluster performance from the QBs in those games. |
| 215 | Oakland |
Jeremy Ware Michigan State CB Reach/Value: -290 |
 |
GRADE B-/C+ SCORE 125 |
| Ware didn't improve upon his stat line during the second half of the season, despite 2 games worth of opportunities. Still, he made his presence felt at corner (not special teams), by defending 3 passes, and picking off Matt Cassel. He only had one tackle though, and will have to continue impress the coaches to receive opportunities in games. 118 total defensive snaps on the season - predominantly in 4 games |
| 216 | Buffalo |
Kyle Calloway Iowa OT Reach/Value: +73 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| The bookend tackle for Bulaga, once dubbed by Gil Brandt as a "solid pro starter" at RT in the NFL, was released on August 30, and is a free agent. His strength didn't impress at the combine, and on one occasion his lateral movement was called into question by the Bills coaches. |
| 217 | Tampa Bay |
Dekoda Watson Florida State LB Reach/Value: +102 |
 |
GRADE B-/C+ SCORE 125 |
| Played in 131 defensive snaps over 15 games (1 start, week 10). Accumulated 30 tackles and 1 pass defensed. Solid debut for a 7th round pick. Should provide adequate depth over the next few seasons. |
| 218 | Chicago |
J'Marcus Webb West Texas A&M OT Reach/Value: -71 |
 |
GRADE A SCORE 500 |
| Webb played 945 snaps as a rookie over 14 games (12 starts). Amazing contribution for a 7th round pick, though the Bears o-line was not considered one of the league's elite. Room for improvement but definitely proved some teams and scouts wrong. |
| 219 | Washington |
Terrence Austin UCLA WR Reach/Value: -61 |
 |
GRADE C- SCORE 25 |
| For much of the season Austin was on the practice squad until Joey Galloway came up gimpy. Austin was called up for week 12 and played in parts of 5 games, registering 45 offensive snaps and some special teams time. He finished 2010 with 3 catches for 47 yards. |
| 220 | Philadelphia |
Jamar Chaney Mississippi State LB Reach/Value: +82 |
 |
GRADE B SCORE 250 |
| Chaney was a solid special teams performer before becoming a starter at MLB after Stewart Bradley's injury. The former Bulldog played in 14 games with 2 starts, tallying 33 tackles and 1 pass defensed. He wasn't overwhelmed when asked to play regularly though needs some play recognition improvement. Solid depth guy for now. |
| 221 | NY Giants |
Matt Dodge East Carolina P Reach/Value: -63 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| Matt Dodge... what can we say? He did make some amazing punts, but he fumbled 2 snaps, and shanked a few as well. He'll be most remembered for punting TO Desean Jackson to put the icing on the cake of the worst collapse in Giants history. Everyone in NY wants a new punter, but Dodge should have a chance to compete this summer. |
| 222 | Tennessee |
Marc Mariani Montana WR Reach/Value: -186 |
 |
GRADE B+ SCORE 350 |
| Was a huge surprise out of Montana after many thought he was a throwaway pick for coaching staffs that knew each other. Instead, Mariani went to the Pro Bowl in his first year as a core special teamer who returned both a punt and a kick for a TD this season and averaged 25.5 yards/KR. |
| 223 | Carolina |
R.J. Stanford Utah CB Reach/Value: -30 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| The rookie CB from Utah did not see any playing time the entire year although he was on the active roster for 3 games. Not quite sure what the Panthers saw in the 5'6" cornerback, but guess they didn't see enough to play him. |
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| 224 | San Francisco |
Phillip Adams South Carolina State CB Reach/Value: -280 |
 |
GRADE C+ SCORE 100 |
| Phillip Adams participated in 15 games, recording 13 tackles and 1 pass defended. Although most of his play was on special teams, this was a pretty fair return for a 7th round pick. |
| 225 | Denver |
Syd'Quan Thompson California CB Reach/Value: +70 |
 |
GRADE B SCORE 250 |
| Primarily a ST contributor, though has seen limited defensive reps. Played in 13 games (217 defensive snaps), with 12 tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 2 INTs. Has shown flashes but still too inconsistent. Winter/spring work could promote him to a more prominent defensive role. |
| 226 | St Louis |
George Selvie South Florida DE Reach/Value: +45 |
 |
GRADE B/B+ SCORE 300 |
| Excellent production for a 7th round pick, though he was once considered a "lock" for the 1st round. Selvie played in all 16 games in 2010, contributing 21 tackles & 1.5 sacks in 321 snaps. Good rotational guy that wore down as year wore on. Better strength training & conditioning could lead to solid soph. campaign. |
| 227 | Houston |
Dorin Dickerson Pittsburgh TE Reach/Value: +135 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| Athletic TE moved to WR to back-up Andre Johnson for the last 7 games (which tells you he doesn't get much playing time) -- no stats yet, but showed promise in limited activity (23 offensive snaps). |
| 228 | Cincinnati |
Reggie Stephens Iowa State G Reach/Value: -153 |
 |
GRADE C/C- SCORE 25 |
| On 53-man roster all season however was never active during any games. Like Hudson, an offseason of conditioning and strength training could promote him to a primary backup role in which he's active on gameday. |
| 229 | Washington |
Erik Cook New Mexico C Reach/Value: -253 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| The big Center just recently signed a contract with the Skins. He has been a member of the practice squad since September of last year, so he'll be on the roster for awhile longer. Now we'll find out if he can crack the 53-man roster next summer. |
| 230 | Green Bay |
C. J. Wilson East Carolina DE Reach/Value: +109 |
 |
GRADE B+ SCORE 350 |
| A great value in the 7th round. Made the roster, played in 15 games, started two, and has been active every week due to the Packers rash of injuries. Improving every week, should be a good rotation player next year. 277 defensive snaps as a 7th-rounder is not too shabby. Contributed 18 tackles and 1 sack. |
| 231 | Washington |
Selvish Capers West Virginia OT Reach/Value: +128 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| Amazingly long fall for Capers, who once was slotted to be a 2nd or 3rd round pick and ended up here, for Washington. On September 4th the Redskins cut him, then signed him the next day to the practice squad. If he can get his mojo back, Capers and Cook could be a pretty solid late-round duo on the OL for Washington. |
| 232 | Denver |
Jammie Kirlew Indiana DE Reach/Value: -132 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| Didn't stick with the Broncos and was signed to the Bills' practice squad. Can't expect much from a late round pick but disappointing he isn't with org. on any level. |
| 233 | Arizona |
Jim Dray Stanford TE Reach/Value: -194 |
 |
GRADE B-/C+ SCORE 125 |
| Dray played in all 16 Cardinals games this past season, starting 3 of them. He accumulated 191 offensive snaps and also performed admirably on special teams. A solid blocker, Dray also hauled in 3 balls for 47 yards. |
| 234 | Dallas |
Sean Lissemore William & Mary DT Reach/Value: -134 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| Brought up from the practice squad midseason, playing in 2 games (9 snaps) and recording 3 tackles and 0.5 sack -- non-stop motor, could potentially play all 3 DL positions. |
| 235 | San Diego |
Dedrick Epps Miami (FL) TE Reach/Value: -134 |
 |
GRADE C- SCORE 25 |
| Unable to beat out Kris Wilson for the #3 TE job, Epps was released in final roster cuts but brought back. He played in the final 3 games of the season for Miami (26 snaps), but didn't register a catch. However, Coach Sparano praised him for his improved blocking and route running from the slot, which must count for something. |
| 236 | Seattle |
Dexter Davis Arizona State LB Reach/Value: -11 |
 |
GRADE B-/C+ SCORE 125 |
| Davis was on the field in 15 of the Seahawks 16 games this year - but only accumulated 85 snaps. Made the most of his time, totalling 13 tackles, including 10 solo. He also tallied 1 QB sack and recovered a fumble against the Chargers in week 3. |
| 237 | Minnesota |
Ryan D'Imperio Rutgers LB Reach/Value: -270 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| D'Imperio was a very questionable pick until Coach Childress announced they were converting him to a fullback. Though he didn't see any action beyond the practice squad, he received positive reviews from the coaching staff who saw his potential. Could end up replacing Tahi before too long. |
| 238 | Indianapolis |
Ricardo Mathews Cincinnati DT Reach/Value: -269 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| Mathews didn't see much action in 2010 (56 total snaps), finishing with just one tackle in the regular season and 1 against the Jets in the playoffs. He'll need another year or more to fully reach his potential, but shouldn't be counted on at this point for significant contribution. |
| 239 | New Orleans |
Sean Canfield Oregon State QB Reach/Value: -6 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| Where do you suppose the rookie QB, #3 on the depth chart, finished the year while Drew Brees led the Saints? Yep, that's right - still on the sidelines holding the clipboard. He won't even sniff the field unless the Saints dump backup Chase Daniel, which is unlikely. Gets the C grade and 50 points for achieving 3rd string status. |
| 240 | Indianapolis |
Kavell Conner Clemson LB Reach/Value: +68 |
 |
GRADE B+ SCORE 350 |
| Exceptional year for the Colts as a rotational LBer and special teams player. Finished his rookie campaign with 47 total tackles (31 solo), in addition to the 5 on special teams and 1 forced fumble. The Colts look forward to even greater productivity for Conner next season as the game starts slowing down for him more each week. |
| 241 | Tennessee |
David Howard Brown DT Reach/Value: -180 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| After putting up 39 reps at the combine, the former all-Ivy standout plead no-contest to an assault charge and was waived. He is now with the, you-guessed-it, Oakland Raiders. |
| 242 | Pittsburgh |
Doug Worthington Ohio State DT Reach/Value: -82 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| Did not make the team, was signed to PS briefly then released. Currently on TB practice squad. |
| 243 | Philadelphia |
Jeff Owens Georgia DT Reach/Value: +89 |
 |
GRADE C- SCORE 25 |
| Owens was thought to be a potential 1st round selection following his junior season at Georgia. Unfortunately he got injured, missed his senior season, and fell all the way to the 7th round. Ownes started his rookie campaign on the practice squad, though he was eventually promoted due to roster attrition and made 1 regular season appearance, a week 16 loss to the Vikings. |
| 244 | Philadelphia |
Kurt Coleman Ohio State S Reach/Value: +85 |
 |
GRADE A-/B+ SCORE 400 |
| The former Buckeye was a strong special teams performer for Philadelphia before being promoted to starting FS following fellow rookie Allen's injury. Coleman played in 16 of the teams 17 games (including postseason), with 3 starts. He finished 2010 with 36 tackles, 2 passes defensed, and 1 INT. A great late-round find! |
| 245 | Seattle |
Jameson Konz Kent State FB Reach/Value: +12 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| Did not see action in 2010. Injured his hip, which prompted the Seahawks to waive him. Konz cleared waivers and Seattle assigned him to their IR list. He was signed to a 4-year, $1.83 million contract. |
| 246 | Indianapolis |
Ray Fisher Indiana CB Reach/Value: -264 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| Did not make team out of training camp and now with the CFLs Edminton Eskimos. |
| 247 | New England |
Brandon Deaderick Alabama DT Reach/Value: +33 |
 |
GRADE B/B+ SCORE 300 |
| The rookie DE started his NFL career on fire, earning a starting job by week 6. He provided great depth at DE. He seemed to wear out towards the end and his PT and production tailed off significantly after Thanksgiving, and he was even suspended during the Pats postseason bye week. Despite his struggles at the end, he provides solid depth. Played 256 defensive snaps as a rook. |
| 248 | New England |
Kade Weston Georgia DT Reach/Value: -203 |
 |
GRADE C-IR SCORE 0 |
| Placed on IR during preseason camp. Verdict out for now. |
| 249 | Carolina |
Robert McClain Connecticut CB Reach/Value: +32 |
 |
GRADE B SCORE 250 |
| Carolina invested 3 lower round picks in CBs - McClain, Stanford and Pugh. Maybe 1 will pan out. Pugh was given ample opportunity to show his wares, as was McClain. The 5'9" CB from UConn started 2 games for Carolina and suited up for all but one, registering 134 defensive snaps. McClain tallied 16 combined tackles and 2 assisted and was marked down for 1 pass defended. |
| 250 | New England |
Zac Robinson Oklahoma State QB Reach/Value: +59 |
 |
GRADE E SCORE 0 |
| Cut by New England, signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Now a Detroit Lion. |
| 251 | Oakland |
Stevie Brown Michigan S Reach/Value: -143 |
 |
GRADE B SCORE 250 |
| In 15 games, Brown was able to log 25 tackles and 2 passes defended in 160 defensive snaps. He displays natural instincts in swarming to the ball and making the play. He'll still need to continue to improve and develop this off-season, but Brown has definitely out played his 7th round status and provides hope for the Raiders uncertain future at FS. |
| 252 | Miami |
Austin Spitler Ohio State LB Reach/Value: -239 |
 |
GRADE C SCORE 50 |
| While he didn't make it through camp on the active roster and eventually landed on the PS, he was added to the 53-man squad in week 4. He appeared in 12 of the teams final 13 games as a key special teams player. Saw very limited action in base defense. Long shot to be an impact player. |
| 253 | Tampa Bay |
Erik Lorig Stanford DE Reach/Value: -225 |
 |
GRADE B-/C+ SCORE 125 |
| Played in 9 games, starting 1 ... at FB! Played 112 offensive snaps, mostly as a blocker. No rushes but did catch 1 pass for 10 yards. Also played on special teams. A drastic change of position for the former Stanford athlete, he'll have stiff competition to make the roster in 2011. |
| 254 | St Louis |
Josh Hull Penn State LB Reach/Value: -221 |
 |
GRADE C-IR SCORE 0 |
| Injured in preseason, Josh has yet to prove what he can do in the NFL. |
| 255 | Detroit |
Tim Toone Weber State WR Reach/Value: -255 |
 |
GRADE D SCORE 0 |
| Hung around the practice squad and IR after breaking right leg in practice. |
Return to Round 2
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Return to Round 4
Return to Round 5
Return to Round 6
