NFL Draft 08: NFC South Draft Analysis

Hey everyone, another guest analyst this time it's Raymond Campa, Raymond can be reached here. Any comments or anything feel free to email me as well at L2odnunez at gmail dot com
...Enjoy!
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Atlanta Falcons

Best pick: Some questioned their decision to trade back into the first round and get USC tackle Sam Baker, but it was the right move. He was a four-year starter for the Trojans and will be a 10-year starter for the Falcons, beginning as a rookie.

Questionable move: Taking Matt Ryan third overall. If Dorsey goes on to be a star and Ryan isn't the franchise passer they expect, look out.

Second-day gem: LSU corner Chevis Jackson, taken in the third round, doesn't run as well as scouts like, but he has everything else needed to be a successful corner on the next level.

Overall grade: B. I wouldn't have selected Ryan third overall, but they needed a passer. I get it. The rest of the draft was very good. Trading up to get Baker will pay off in a big way. Second-round pick Curtis Lofton is a run-stuffing linebacker and Jackson capped it off.



Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best pick: I like first-round pick Aqib Talib as a player, but can he overcome the character issues? If he does, he's a steal.

Questionable move: They used their second-round pick on speedy receiver Dexter Jackson from Appalachian State when there were more prominent receivers on the board.

Second-day gem: Seventh-round running back Corey Boyd has the tools to make the Tampa Bay roster. He has good size and he's faster than scouts expected.

Overall grade: C+. If Talib turns out to be a star, it will be higher. If he has off-the-field issues, it will go even lower.



New Orleans Saints

Best pick: Their aggression to go up and draft USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis should be lauded. He will be an immediate starter.

Questionable move: I thought they took Indiana corner Tracy Porter too high in the second round. There were better options.

Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick Carl Nicks has some character concerns, but if he stays out of trouble he could develop into a starting-quality player.

Overall grade: B-. Landing Ellis is big, but there are questions about the other picks.



Carolina Panthers

Best pick: Third-round pick Charles Godfrey played corner and safety at Iowa, but he might be better suited to play safety in the NFL. He has a lot of range for that position.

Questionable move: A lot of people will question trading their 2009 first-round pick and other choices to move back into the first round to take tackle Jeff Otah. I like it, but it will be questioned.

Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick Gary Barnidge, a tight end from Louisville, is a nice receiving tight end who will help the Panthers passing game.

Overall grade: B-.
As much as I like top pick Jonathan Stewart, don't the Panthers have far greater needs than a running back?