NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Jamaal Anderson was a need pick after the Falcons lost Patrick Kerney in free agency to the Seahawks. Anderson appears to have the pass-rushing skills to become a solid player but may be a liability against the run unless he can get stronger. Guard Justin Blalock is a solid interior lineman and cornerback Chris Houston is a bold player who will not be intimidated. He has an excellent chance of starting opposite DeAngelo Hall.
Grade: C+

Carolina Panthers
No spectacular players here but outside linebacker Jon Beason, wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett and center Ryan Kalil will be counted on to contribute as rookies. Jarrett slipped quite a bit in the draft because he lacks speed, but he is a tough-minded player who reminds some scouts of Keyshawn Johnson without the arrogance. Kalil should be one of the top centers in the league for years to come.
Grade: B-

New Orleans Saints
After hitting home runs with Reggie Bush (first round) and Marques Colston (seventh round) last year, the Saints went for the long ball again with Tennessee wide receiver Robert Meachem. Big, strong and very fast, Meachem will become a star if he can upgrade his route running skills. The Saints went for need with their selection of Kent State cornerback Usama Young in the third round, but he lacks special qualities.
Grade: D+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Gruden will put a good face on it, but he really wanted star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Gaines Adams should be a productive defensive end, but it doesn’t seem likely that he will have the same kind of impact as Johnson. Arron Sears should be able to start on the offensive line. If he doesn’t, it will be a wasted pick. Safety Sabby Piscitelli lacks the speed needed to cover fast wide receivers.
Grade: D

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
This team appears to have had its second straight impressive draft. Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown could turn out to be better than Joe Thomas. He is a smart, aggressive and athletic blocker who enjoys doling out punishment. Huge defensive tackle Alan Branch slipped quite a bit over the last month. However, he can stop the run and has a knack for getting into the backfield.
Grade: B+

St. Louis Rams
Defensive end Adam Carriker may remind some Rams fans of Grant Wistrom. Carriker improved every year of his college career and is relentless in his approach. He uses his hands well and has a slew of good moves. RB Brian Leonard could be to Steven Jackson what Michael Turner has been to LaDainian Tomlinson. Powerful and nasty, Leonard can run over defenders and run away from them.
Grade: B

San Francisco 49ers
Mike Nolan has this team on the rise. After picking Alex Smith and Vernon Davis in his first two years, he went with middle linebacker Patrick Willis of Old Miss this year. Willis is the early pick for defensive rookie of the year and will only get better as he gets tutored by Hall of Famer Mike Singletary. Offensive tackle Joe Staley shot up the draft board in recent weeks and has stud written all over him.
Grade: A-

Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks gave up their first-round pick when they traded for Deion Branch. Second-round cornerback Josh Wilson of Maryland is a big-time reach. While capable of the spectacular play, he is quite inconsistent. California defensive tackle Brandon Mebane is a similar type of player. He has brilliant athletic skills but doesn’t always play up to them. This team needed more than two boom-or-bust athletes on the first day.
Grade: D

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