Report cards grading each teams NFL draft are easy enough to write. After all, few teams are unlikely to earn anything below a C. The bulk of the players they select from are tops at their position, and all of them are young and over-flowing with untapped potential. No one really know what comes next- just ask players like Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, and Ryan Leaf. Even players taken on the second day are the cream of the college crop- and could develop into the league’s premier players. This may be the reason that GM’s around the league question if these expert grades are even worth the paper they’re written on.

Maybe they are, and maybe they’re not. Just like the team’s themselves, experts can only offer up their best guess on a player’s future. If history has taught us anything- it’s that of the chosen few- the very elite of the NFL draft class- not one of them is a sure thing to produce at the next level. Not one. And in that same vein- no one should be under estimated.

So without further adieu, the MonsterDraft report card for the NFL Draft- 2008:

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Grade B+. CB Leodis McKelvin is a blue chipper. He can close on anyone- and can recover from a misstep before you blink. As a bonus- he’ll lay a little lumber now and again. If he had hands he would be a top rate receiver. Leodis might find a spot on the return teams. 6’6” WR James Hardy was a player the Bills coveted, and was sitting there for their second round pick. Hardy isn’t just big, he’s strong, and he has the agility and hands to make all sorts of catches. He loves the endzone too. Doesn’t have top end speed, but like a TO, it won’t matter much. DE Chris Ellis was a reach- and lost the Bills an A grade. A little undersized for an NFL line, he doesn’t play instinctive enough to project to linebacker. Was lazy in college, which has never translated well into the NFL. Good athlete though- one of the fastest lineman in the draft.

Miami Dolphins: Grade B+. Jake Long is about the closest thing to a sure thing that any team in the league could have signed. Maybe that’s why Miami had Long sewn up four days before the draft even began. With glaring needs virtually everywhere, the Dolphins chose to use the coveted pick on the best offensive lineman available. Long is an athlete in a lineman’s body, and should anchor the O-Line for a long time. At the top of the second round- DE Philip Merling seems like a steal. If Jason Taylor gets free of Miami- Merling may help the defense stay on track with a powerful edge rush. Merling is a high motor guy with a natural athletic build- not a physique that looks pumped up on supplements and the gym. The Dolphins may have wanted Brian Brohm, who went just one pick ahead of their 3rd, but Chad Henne was there and has every bit the same potential. Henne has a good head for the game, a strong arm, and was a huddle leader. QB was a need and this coaching staff can whip him in starting shape quickly. Miami managed to get 3 big names to fill 3 big needs.

New England Patriots: Grade- C+. The Patriots traded down a few spots to add picks- then passed on some top cornerbacks to take LB Jerod Mayo. Mayo has a non-stop motor and plays smart- but will need to get a better block shedding technique at the next level- because he won’t overpower in the NFL. Has raw strength but doesn’t always show it on the field. A lot of experts seem to like the pick- I thought it was an odd selection. The next selection brought CB Terrence Wheatley to the team- a super speedy, athletic corner who sticks like glue, but is only 5’9” and 178 lbs. It’s tough to catch a ball with him around- but if you do you won’t have to worry about getting tackled. The first pick of the second day was spent on another linebacker- Shawn Crable. Crable is a quick, smart athlete with the smarts to lead a defense- and could excel if he bulks up.

New York Jets: Grade- A-. The Jets made improving their defense a top priority at the end of ‘07- tired of laying down for the high powered division rival in New England, among others. First pick DE Vernon Gholston completes the process for them. His gaudy numbers at Ohio State were enough to warrant this high a selection- but what really excites the Jets is his upside. Gholston came to football late in life- and no one knows just how good this kid could be. He’s a top notch athlete- and if he progresses in the mental aspect of the game- could be flat out dominant. A 2nd first round selection addressed the offense- taking TE Dustin Keller. They didn’t get much of a blocker in Keller- so they will need to choose carefully how he is used. What they did get was an amazing athlete- with eye-popping combine numbers. He only recently grew into the 6’3”, 245 pound Adonis that played with dominance in his senior year- and might be a steal even as a first rounder.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Grade- B+. The hopes of Matt Ryan slipping to the Ravens faded after the third pick- so they traded down knowing a QB they wanted would still be around. Joe Flacco, at 6’7”, 236 lbs is the very definition of pocket presence- and packs a rifle arm to go along with it. He’s proven he can grasp and offense and doesn’t tend to give the ball away. He’s not exactly a potted plant- but lacks the agility/mobility to be much of a factor on the move. So Flacco will need time and coaching like any rookie QB. If he gets it- he could be a hidden gem. If he doesn’t- and he endures a beating- his potential may fizzle. The Ravens didn’t need a RB- but couldn’t let Rutgers’ Ray Rice slide any further. Rice was underrated because of his size- 5’8”, 199 lbs.- but otherwise has superstar written all over him. Speed, vision, and power if he needs it- though most defensemen struggle to get a grip on him. Could impact right away in a tandem with McGahee, if the Ravens go that way. Athletic LB Tavares Gooden is for the future. WR Marcus Smith can grow along with Flacco- not a separator but a smart, good handed ball catcher.

Cincinnati Bengals: Grade- C+. LB Keith Rivers was the best available at his position- and fills a big need for the Bengals. Polished enough to start on day one- may need to get stronger to be an NFL run stopper. Great athlete- will really thrive behind a physical D-Line. I hadn’t even heard of Coastal Carolina until WR Jerome Simpson came on the scene- and the Bengals tapped him to begin fixing the major WR problems they are having. 6’2” and a 4.47 40 were numbers the Bengals liked- though they will get him working in the weight room. His lack of strength could see him get shutdown in bump coverage- so he will look to add muscle bulk. DT Pat Sims is a wild card. Has all the ability of a Glenn Dorsey- but skipped a year of college football and then left the program again in 2007 on questionable terms for the draft. Isn’t as polished a player due to inexperience- but if he commits to the NFL could be a steal.

Cleveland Browns: Grade- D. The Browns didn’t have a selection until late in the second day, which made it tough to score the kind of impact player needed to get fans excited. When the top of the fourth round arrived with their first pick- it was LB Beau Bell who became the teams’ first selection. Bell is a big, strong, aggressive guy who gives 100% on every snap- but can’t be counted on for much in coverage- and won’t go sideline to sideline. TE Marcus Rucker has big upside. A great athlete- his performance was improving in leaps and bounds up to his last college game. May need a year to fully develop- which he certainly will have behind Winslow.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Grade-A-. Why would the Steelers go with a RB in the first round? Maybe they just couldn’t resist Rashard Mendenhall- a tough, speedy RB who they think is a late bloomer- and ready to blossom. Mendenhall runs bigger than his size, and should offer a nice compliment for Parker from day one. WR Limas Sweed was a great value at 53 overall- and looks to make an impact straight away. Great size- NFL strength- will run after catch. So he doesn’t block- so what? Draft a tackle if you need blocking. Few of the great WR’s are good blockers- not everyone can be Hines Ward- and the Steelers already have one of those. Second day pick DE Bruce Davis projects better to LB in the NFL- and the Steelers could use his brute force style and field smarts at strong side, as Davis won’t track many people down in open space.

AFC South

Houston Texans: Grade- B. OT Duane Brown converted from TE in college- then moved from the right side of the line to the left- so his shabby technique isn’t a very big concern. No one can excel when trying to pick up something new virtually every year. He should learn all he needs to know at the pro level. Brown is a great athlete- with quick feet and strong hands/arms. May not be ready right away- and the Texans don’t have much time to wait- but could excel if they are patient. CB Antwaun Molden is a blazing, rangy athlete but needs coaching and commitment to become NFL caliber. RB Steve Slaton slid into the second day- and the Texans grabbed him. He’s got NFL speed- and if he doesn’t prove to be an every down back- could still be a situational and special teams gem. LB Xavier Adibi is quick- maybe a rung down the athletic ladder- but is a pure producer- a bigger Zach Thomas.

Indianapolis Colts: Grade- C. The Colts had only one first day selection- a second rounder- and used it on a player they most likely won’t use in ’08. OT Mike Pollock spent some time in his career at center, and some expect the Colts to ask him to replace Jeff Saturday someday. Pollock has the athleticism and skill to be ready when called. LB Philip Wheeler is an athletic, blitzing type- a great athlete with top tier strength- impressive combine. TE Jacob Tamme is another player for the future- and will learn from starter Dallas Clark- but not likely see much action in ‘08. A lot of potential needing development here- which is usually a 50/50 proposition.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Grade- C-. DE Derrick Harvey is who the Jags wanted with their first pick- and they made a big trade to go get him. They jumped from 26th to 8th- a slot many considered too high for Harvey- but the Jags must have run out of options to ensure they could get their man. Harvey is a great athlete with big upside- and could probably play standing up if Jacksonville wants to explore that. He will need to add some weight and power to match up at the next level. With the 52nd pick overall- the Jags went defensive line again. They went defensive end again. DE Quentin Groves is yet another player who might be better suited as a linebacker- but at the very least must be put into schemes where he can run free. Another great athlete- but wants to play his way which doesn’t always add up to NFL success. Jags were a team that was close last year- and needed some anchors on the D-line, secondary help, or maybe a tough O-lineman. Not sure what they were thinking here.

Tennessee Titans: Grade- B. Vince Young may have been hoping for a speedy WR- but RB Chris Johnson may be the next best thing. After running a blinding 4.24 40 yard dash at the combine- the Titans envision using Johnson split or in the slot- and certainly in screens or other open space scenarios. Some say he’s built for a breakdown- but other than turf toe in 2006, he’s been pretty durable. The word on Johnson is that he isn’t very smart. Well if you hand the ball to Albert Einstein and send him into a pack of NFL linebackers- he’s going to get broken up. I’m quite sure Johnson is smart enough to play football. DE Jason Jones started as a TE but reportedly couldn’t catch- so he’s understandably raw as a D-lineman after switching. He’s a good athlete and garnered attention by dominating at Eastern Michigan. A lot of upside- but also has potential to fizzle if things move too fast for him at the next level. TE Craig Stevens can catch the ball- but is meant to address the O-Line protection needs. He’s a blocking machine- the strongest TE in the draft- with bonus speed and athleticism. Might surprise in the passing game.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: Grade- B+. OT Ryan Clady was a great pick at 12- and Denver got him just before teams started reaching for other offensive lineman. Big, strong, long arms, and heart- Clady should play right away and hold the spot for years. 5’10”, 189 lb. WR Eddie Royal is a jaw dropping athlete with muscle- might have be slated for the return game- but has all the talent to be a big factor in the passing attack- just lacks ideal size. Second day pick OG Kory Lichtensteiger was another boost for the O-line- not the biggest or strongest lineman available- but smart and productive with good technique.

Kansas City Chiefs: Grade- A+. With their first pick, the Chiefs were undecided until literally the last second. Last minute trade offers were coming in, and other talented players were still on the board- but in the end, KC could not bypass defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. The powerful player from LSU can plug the middle and get after a QB with equal effectiveness- and the fact that he’s a good kid never hurts. KC grabbed OG Branden Albert with another first round pick- a rare combination of size and athleticism that immediately makes the offensive line better. He could easily develop into a pro-bowler. CB Brandon Flowers is 1st round talent- but fell to KC at 35 overall. Speed (a 4.55 40) and size (5’10”, 189 lbs.) kept him out of the top ten- and teams will pay for that. Flowers is a top notch cover man- ball hawk- and gets physical. Might be the 3rd starter pulled from the draft. Have to mention second day pick- WR Will Franklin. Playing behind bigger names at Missouri- he looks like another hidden gem. Blazing speed- body control- and can jump with the best. If he does what is asked of him- I see great things in his future. KC hit a home-run.

Oakland Raiders: Grade B-. How could the Raiders not take McFadden? Critics may claim this is another case of Al Davis being enamored with speed and athleticism- but McFadden is a lot more than that. He was the best player in the draft- and gives a team with a lot of glaring needs a big boost from day one. Oakland still intends to show that Jamarcus Russell was worthy of a first round pick- and McFadden improves the offense and takes pressure off the QB to pull rabbits out of his hat on every play. Oakland didn’t pick again until the 4th round- and grabbed CB Tyvon Branch- a workout wonder with top tier strength and speed. Scouts didn’t appreciate his cover skills- and he might translate to the NFL as a nickel or even a safety. WR Arman Shields dropped in production while a senior at Richmond- which was enough to make team after team pass on him. But with a 4.37 40 and natural agility- he should be able to make an impact in the NFL.

San Diego Chargers: Grade C-. CB Antoine Cason has as much potential as any corner in the draft. He’s a smart, ball-hawk and should be ready to play right away. He won’t be able to sprint with the fastest WR’s in the league- and might need to get stronger or else the TO types might shove him around. Scouts compared him to Baltimore’s Chris McAlister- which ain’t too bad. FB Jacob Hester will replace Michael Turner- which means a lot of bench time- some 3rd down carries- and the need to shine on special teams. Same goes for RB Marcus Thomas- who is a tall speedster with good vision. When a team like Seattle piles up back-up running backs- the Chargers should take notice. Now they wasted a chance to get some impact lineman. Maybe they think LT is hurt worse than he says.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Grade C+. The Cowboys are hoping Felix Jones will not only replace Julius- but provide a explosion that JJ never consistently did. Jones is a speedy back with good vision- but I was surprised Dallas overlooked the faster, stronger Mendenhall- who went on the very next pick. Another first rounder brought CB Mike Jenkins- a polished, shutdown corner with top notch speed and an attitude when he gets there. Will need to learn to read play development better in the NFL or might get lost. TE Martellus Bennett isn’t a great receiving TE- but the Cowboys have one of those. At 6’6”, 295 lbs., Bennett can block anyone in front of him, and is a quick, athletic guy who can develop into whatever they want him to be. CB Orlando Scandrick has off-field issues- and that dropped him deep into day 2. He’s a gamble who could disappear in a year- but has the talent to be productive if he screws his head on right.

New York Giants: Grade- A. The reigning champs had to watch 30 players fall off the board before they got to select- but came away with a real nice player that filled a team need. S Kenny Phillips is ready to play from week 1- a good athlete with enough attitude to provide true run support and not just a body to wave at running backs as they go by. Phillips is the kind of player who could have big upside- depending on how willing and capable he is to be coached. WR Mario Manningham could be a steal- he was extremely productive at Michigan- but lost value after a poor combine. Usually players in that scenario can prove in the NFL that they play better than their combine numbers- don’t forget what a big time program Michigan is. LB Jonathan Goff is a brainy player who has improved every year of play at Vanderbilt. Then he shows up at the combine and scores in the top ten in….well… everything. Goff is a kid growing into a man in front of our eyes- and the Giants scored a gem at 165th overall- and quietly had a real nice draft.

Philadelphia Eagles: Grade- C+. The Eagles traded out of the first round- and missed out on the top tier of defensive lineman. They liked what they saw in DT Trevor Laws, and selected him with their first pick at 47th overall because he was a good fit into their defensive scheme. High energy- great motor- raw power and good athleticism- his inability to shed quality blocking- even one on one- makes him a reach here. The Eagles love to rotate their DT’s- but it’s hard to figure if Laws will ever be more than a part-timer. Their second selection- WR DeSean Jackson offers Philly fans something to be excited about. Jackson’s first round talent slid into the second round because of his slight build- and fears of durability. What he offers is the most explosive receiver the team has seen since TO was run out of town. His 4.35 40 was the best among WR’s at the combine- an injury in 2007 lowered his senior year numbers- and he may have been undervalued as a result. Jackson could really help this offense. LB Bryan Smith was drafted on potential- and the Eagles are hoping the athleticism he displayed on pro day translates to big plays in the NFL. Smith is small and wasn’t much of a student- but can fly and is stronger then he looks. FS Quintin Demps ran a 4.39 40- and played sideline to sideline with good closing ability- and he will be mentored by one of the best in the league.

Washington Redskins: Grade- A. The Skins have been trying to acquire numerous receivers from around the league- including disgruntled Chad Johnson. If that wasn’t enough to convince you they wanted to improve their passing game- take a look at their first three picks in the 2008 draft- all in the second round. 6’2”, 215 lb WR Devin Thomas is all speed and power- and should be starting in week one despite some known trouble catching the ball on deep routes. TE Fred Davis is a sure handed, big target that could give the Skins a great two TE set. He has been- perhaps ironically- compared to Chris Cooley. WR Malcolm Kelly is a 6’4” field stretcher built for the long ball- would have been a good pick in the first round but fell to 52 overall. On the second day- the Skins got OT Chad Rinehart- who looks to be able to rotate in immediately- and the top rated punter Durant Brooks. The Skins have to be feeling good right now.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: Grade- C. The Bears O-Line needed help- and they grabbed OT Chris Williams in the first round. If he improves his strength- there is no reason he can’t play in the NFL for a long time. Other than lack of brute strength- there isn’t much not too like about him. Good balance and quick feet. RB Matt Forte will be given every chance to help the stalled running attack in Chicago- using top end north/south speed and quick, agile movements along with a golden work ethic. The Bears stayed with the offense- but reached early in the second day for WR Earl Bennett. Even his upper most upside doesn’t project into a big impact receiver in the NFL.

Detroit Lions: Grade- D. OT Gosder Cherilus is a 6’7”, 315 lb. monster- and tends to maul rather then rely on technique. Not much agility or footwork- might be outmatched while he adjusts to the NFL. Not a great pick- not because Cherilus won’t produce- but because it was a reach and the Lions needed an impact player on defense but once again thought offense first. They went defense with the next pick- LB Jordon Dizon- who is undersized and not particularly fast or athletic. 6’1”, 217 lb RB Kevin Smith lacks the top end speed to be a breakaway ground threat- and is a bit lanky to be a first down pounder. Only had one great college year. Hard to see him as the answer at running back. Not sure if the Lions fell asleep at the wheel or what… at least they saved S Caleb Campbell from Iraq.

Green Bay Packers: Grade- A-. WR Jordy Nelson hasn’t even reached his full potential as a WR- not bad considering the impressive senior year he posted at Kansas State. At 6’3”, 215 lbs. he can match up physically with any corner in the NFL once he bulks up in the weight room. Not a blazer- but a good athlete and quick in bursts. I think he’s a better player than his projections- and could easily see him in the pro bowl after three or four years. QB Brian Brohm was a high first rounder had he come out in ’07- but despite an even more impressive senior year- he fell out of favor a bit. I think he was a steal- and fully expect him to beat out Rodgers for the starting job- if not this year then soon. Brohm is a well built QB, and a good athlete with zip on the ball and a top notch football IQ. S Patrick Lee is a pick for the future.

Minnesota Vikings: Grade B-. The Vikings spent their only first day selection on safety Tyrell Johnson. Everyone knew he was a tough, strong kid that teams could confidently move up to the line of scrimmage- but the speed he displayed in private workouts really started a buzz. Johnson out benched every safety on the board. The Viks didn’t pick again until the 5th round- and scored QB John David Booty. While he may not have wowed like predecessor Matt Leinart, he did manage USC’s big time offense with field smarts and an accurate arm. Some scouts say he easily projects to an NFL starter- and seems well worth such a low pick. DT Letroy Guin has good size and athleticism combo- but has never played consistently well.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Grade B. Many thought #3 was too high for Matt Ryan- but this pick makes a lot of sense. QB was obviously a huge need for the Falcons- and Ryan has every opportunity to succeed in the NFL. He virtually carried his college team- a school that was not loaded with talent. Ryan has the physical tools- but that’s the easy part. He’s mentally tough and should thrive in a scenario where he isn’t asked to be a gunslinger in every fourth quarter. Another first round pick was used to help protect the prize QB- and OT Sam Baker is ready after playing at USC. The Falcons weren’t concerned with a history of minor injuries- and expect Baker to get bigger and use his strength to hold the line. LB Curtis Lofton is a strong, determined run stopper- who could use a little more bulk. FS Thomas McCloud is fast enough to cover WR’s- and tough enough to play the run- though needs a little muscle to be effective there.

Carolina Panthers: Grade B. The Panthers must be thinking tandem for DeAngelo Williams- and took RB Jonathan Stewart in the first round. Stewart is a strong, thick RB at 5’11”, 235 lbs.- with good quickness and vision. He should be a good player- but I question this pick for Carolina’s immediate needs. With a 2nd first rounder- obtained from Philly in a trade- Carolina continued working on the offense with big OT Jeff Otah. Otah is a fire plug- if fireplugs came with bad attitudes. He’s strong and tough- a grinder- the kind of worker that QB’s love to see in the huddle. CB Charles Godfrey isn’t fast enough to hang with the NFL wideouts on fly patterns- but he’s smart, strong, and a good tackler. Came out of no where the best way a player can- by playing good football.

New Orleans Saints: Grade B+. Sedrick Ellis takes the Saints a big step closer to solidifying the front seven of the defense. A little smaller then you might like- Ellis has a thick, powerful lower body, from his calves to his butt, and is a speedy linebacker’s best friend. CB Tracy Porter is a flyer- north and south or changing direction. He will be a shut down, play maker- and might factor into the return games if his slight build isn’t too much of a concern. OT Carl Nicks is a roll of the dice. At 6’5”, 341 lbs., he has the size to just sit in the gap and block- but can use surprising agility and good feet when he needs to. He’s a development project- but is well worth a 5th rounder.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grade B-. The Bucs hope first rounder CB Aqib Talib will fill in right away in the opening they have in the secondary. Talib is physical- and that fits the Bucs defensive mindset. His agility and “ball skills” will be needed in the NFL to make up for his lack of fifth gear. Tampa used the 58th overall pick on kick return man- Dexter Jackson- who might develop his receiving skills enough to find a spot on the offense. If not- the Bucs will get good use from his 4.33 speed and agility to jump start a stagnant special teams division. DT Dre Moore could be a steal at 115 overall- he plays with a chip on his shoulder- and has a magical energy source that coaches love. Scouts question his ability to be coached and to focus.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Grade C+.- CB Rodgers-Cromartie is a 6’2” burner. He may not have played against the top college competition- but cornerback is a position where the combine numbers are just as important as college stats. For Cromartie, that key number is 4.33. DE Calais Campbell would have been a first rounder in 2007- but had a down year and slipped a bit. At 6’8”, 232 lbs- he has the size to be a force on the line- needs better legs at that height though. If he reverts to the kind of player he looked like in 2006- he could really help this defense. WR Early Doucet could fit in nicely with the stud receivers in Arizona- he’s a great route runner and a hard worker- if not a speedster.

San Francisco 49ers: Grade B-. No one questions that the Niners needed help on the D-Line- but they chose DE Kentwan Balmer and that didn’t sit well with all observers. Balmer didn’t stand out much early in his college career- but broke out as a senior and that was enough for SF. He can play anywhere on the line- and is effective against the run- a rarity in a league where every end wants to get the QB and not much else. OG Chilo Rachal is a tenacious blocker- and nearly immoveable at 6’5” 315 lbs.- a little raw but has big upside. WR Josh Morgan is a flyer- playing second fiddle on a run first team might make him a hidden gem. Will get a long look for special teams- but there is room for him to make the roster as a WR.

Seattle Seahawks: Grade C. Speculation was that the Seahawks would go offense with their first pick- but DE Lawrence Jackson proved too much player to pass up. A strong and agile player who proved he could be productive at Southern Cal- may need a year or two to see his top potential. A real bookworm- he believes in preparing mentally as much as he does physically- really seems to love the game. Taking a TE was no surprise- but taking John Carlson was. Carlson is considered a committed blocker, but not necessarily the pass catching threat the Seahawks could use. Was top rated- but fizzled in ’07- he may have been limited by the Irish’s struggling offense- Carlson does have athletic skills- but is a bit of an unknown quantity to go this high. DT Red Bryant was a good value at 121 overall. He’s a run stuffer with good athleticism- and might be on the field quite a bit as a rookie.

St. Louis Rams: Grade C+. Chris Long helps this team right away- and is also a player with character you can build around in the future. Aside from a non-stop motor and a scary ability to shed blocks with his hands, quickness, or bull power, Long is a leader and locker room role model type guy. WR Donnie Avery is fast- but at 5’11”, 185 lbs- might struggle in jump ball situations and getting off the line in bump coverage. Was projected to go considerably lower- but the Rams wanted him and got him. OT John Greco is a big, mauler type- with natural strength and an attitude. He may need time to develop technique. LB David Vobora was the last overall pick in the draft- but has so much natural talent and athleticism that many think he has a chance to make the roster.