NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Their first day selections all have question marks, but Bobby Petrino’s knowledge of the college game came to the surface with three excellent picks on Day Two. Georgia tight end Martrez Milner could become a star since he has speed, quickness, soft hands and the ability to learn quickly. Auburn cornerback David Irons has all the speed and athleticism to handle the best receivers and could become a solid contributor with more consistency. Center Doug Datish of Ohio State is a versatile player with size and strength and the potential to add 20 pounds to 301-pound frame.
Grade: B

Carolina Panthers
Marty Hurney has been astute at handling Draft Day responsibilities in the past, but this year’s haul is lacking. Second-round selection Dwayne Jarrett of USC could be a productive receiver, while wide receiver Ryne Robinson has the speed and explosiveness to make big plays. However, the fourth-rounder from Miami (Ohio) is small and lacks strength. Penn State outside linebacker Tim Shaw has an All-Pro attitude and determination but lacks the physical skills to become an impact player.
Grade: C-

New Orleans Saints
The Saints started Day Two with the selection of Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman. One has to wonder when Pittman will get a chance to play with Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister handling the running chores. The Saints struggled the rest of the way and did not appear to make much of a dent in their defensive needs. ILB Marvin Mitchell of Tennessee has strength and power, but lacks consistency.
Grade: D+

Tampa Bay Bucs
Jon Gruden didn’t get the talented receiver he wanted when the Lions took Calvin Johnson with the No. 2 spot in the draft, but Chucky did not feel sorry for himself after that. The addition of defensive tackle Greg Peterson from North Carolina Central in the fifth round could be a great move because he has strength and a great work ethic. Seventh round running back Kenneth Darby is a productive back who may be able to make a sizable contribution.
Grade: C-

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
New coach Ken Whisenhunt had just two picks on the second day to augment his selections of Levi Brown and Alan Branch on Day One. Michigan wide receiver Steve Breaston looked to be a can’t miss prospect during his early days with the Wolverines because of his game-breaking speed. However, he has ordinary receiving skills and will struggle to make it in the NFL. TE Ben Patrick of Delaware could make a contribution, but he lacks big-play talent at the next level.
Grade: B-

San Francisco 49ers
Mike Nolan continues to show that he knows how to run a draft. His fourth-round selection of defensive end/outside linebacker Jay Moore from Nebraska will give the 49ers more muscle. The Niners need a bit more physical presence and Moore can help them out quite a bit even if he lacks pass rush instincts. CB Tarell Brown of Texas is a tough physical player who did a good job against Dwayne Jarrett in the 2006 Rose Bowl. He would have gone earlier than the 5^th round if he did not have character issues.
Grade: B+

St. Louis Rams
Adam Carriker and Brian Leonard were solid first-day selections and offensive tackle Kendrick Shackleford of Georgia was powerful blocker at the college level but is a developmental prospect at the next level. The Rams’ best second-day pick was Michigan State defensive tackle Cliff Ryan, who has big-play potential and should help the Rams’ defensive line.
Grade: B-

Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks didn’t make much of an impact on Day One and the trend continued on the final day of the draft. OLB Will Herring of Auburn is probably the best prospect they took on Day Two. He has quickness, speed, competitiveness and plays with a non-stop motor. He should become a great special-teams player and will also contribute on defense as a rookie.
Grade: D+

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