Grading The Draft Picks
The 2011 NFL Draft is in the books and most KC fans agree the Chiefs did pretty well for themselves. I always find it interesting to see how so called “experts” grade out our team’s draft. I never put a whole lot of stock in it, for a couple of reasons. First, these “experts” are often wrong on what players are going to do well and which will flop, and second, they rarely know what our team really needs as well as those of us that watch (and re-watch) every snap of every game. Here are a few early grades I’ve seen:
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports: C-
Rob Rang of CBS Sports: C-
Mel Kiper of ESPN: C+
Kerry J. Byrne of SI.com: B+
Adam Caplan of Fox Sports: B+
Eric Frenz of Bleacher Report: B-
Walter of WalterFootball.com: A-
So as you can see, the Chiefs are scoring everywhere from a low C up to an A. So how do we go about evaluating this class in a fair and unbiased manner?
I came up with my very own grading scale. Check it out after the break.
So what I’ve done is assign 10 different possible points for each pick. Keep in mind that this system is designed to grade if the pick was a good pick for the Chiefs, not to rate how “good” that player is or will be. In other words, Ricky Stanzi may get a better grade then Jonathan Baldwin, but that doesn’t mean he’s a better player. The points break down as follows:
1 point if they have shown the skills to play at the NFL level
1 point if they have elite upside potential
1 point if they are known for good physical conditioning/strength
1 point if they have good leadership and work ethic
1 point if they are known for good character and no off the field issues
1 point if they have quality experience
1 point if they have good intelligence or football IQ
1 point if it is a position of need for the Chiefs
1 point if the player fits KC’s schemes
1 point if the player was a good value at the spot drafted
I also reserve the right to assign 1 bonus point if I see fit (hey it’s my system).
Now let’s get started.
Jonathan Baldwin: 7 out of 10
I gave Baldwin points in all the categories except leadership/work ethic, character, and value at draft slot. I am also assigning a bonus point because Baldwin is working out with Larry Fitzgerald (Haley’s prize pupil) and because WR was such a HUGE need that one point doesn’t seem like enough. Final score is 8 out of 10.
Grade: B
Rodney Hudson: 9 out of 10
I gave Hudson a point in every category except elite upside potential. I see Hudson more as a good NFL starting player as opposed to a regular pro bowler.
Grade: A
Justin Houston: 7 out of 10
I gave Houston points in everything except leadership/work ethic, character, and IQ/Football IQ. I am also giving Houston a bonus point because even if he does struggle to become an every down player who gives A+ effort (his number one knock), he can still be a huge impact for the Chiefs if he can just come in on clear passing downs and use his pass rushing skills opposite of Hali. Final score is 8 out of 10.
Grade: B
Allen Bailey: 7 out of 10
I gave Bailey points in everything except elite upside, football IQ, and position of need. Bailey instincts on the field have been questioned and with Dorsey, Jackson, Gilberry, and hopefully Smith. I don’t know how much we need Bailey. If we don’t bring Smith back then I would raise it a point. I’m also giving a bonus point because the guy killed an alligator with a shovel. Final score is 8 out of 10.
Grade: B
Jalil Brown: 8 out of 10
I gave Brown points in everything except elite upside and position of need. My only real complaint is that Brown’s physical size and abilities seem better suited on the outside as opposed to a nickel back covering small and agile slot WRs. He’s a great back up plan for the Brandons but I don’t know how much he’ll help outside of special teams right now.
Grade: B
Ricky Stanzi: 9 out of 10
The only point I didn’t give Stanzi was elite upside. I think worst case scenario he will be a great NFL back up. I’m giving this pick a bonus point because after QBs like Ponder, Dalton, and Kaepernick went much earlier the Chiefs were able to get their QB project with similar grades and upside in round 5. Final score is 10 out of 10.
Grade: A
Gabe Miller: 4 out of 10
I didn’t want to be this harsh, but I had to be fair. The only points I gave Miller were for physical conditioning, work ethic, character, and IQ/football IQ. I hope he proves me wrong, but Miller is by far my lowest rated draft pick.
Grade: F
Jerrell Powe: 7 out of 10
I love this pick, but I couldn’t give Powe points in elite upside, physical conditioning, or IQ. I am giving a bonus point because of the massive need at NT and because if any coach can fix a conditioning problem, it’s Haley. Final score is 8 out of 10.
Grade: B
Shane Bannon: 8 out of 10
I might be too kind, but I really like this pick. The only points I didn’t give Bannon were elite upside and quality experience. I’m also giving him a bonus point because I think the idea of an athletic 268 lb Ivy League fullback plowing a lane for Jamaal Charles is just too cool. Final score is 9 out of 10.
Grade: A
That gives me a total draft score of 72 out of 90. That would make my overall draft grade a B. I think that is pretty fair. There is the potential for this to be an amazing class but Baldwin, Houston, and Powe all have to overcome their question marks. If they do, this could be a VERY special draft class.
Do you think I graded fair? Do you have any major problems with the point system? I’d love to hear your feedback.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!