There are so many TV stations, websites and newspapers telling everyone who are the winners and losers of this year’s draft. It’s an easy way to keep the lead story going, but it just doesn’t seem right to me. There is no way to give a team a fair grade, for at least three years. So here’s a review of the 2010 NFL Draft by division.
NFC North
Browns: I kick off this edition with the team who had the first pick in the division in the 2010 NFL Draft. This selection was on point. With the 4th overall pick, Cleveland selected cornerback Joe Haden. The Florida Gator has become a shutdown corner in a passing league and the face of this defense. In a city that is known for bad sports karma, this draft repeated their dreaded history. With their 2nd round pick, they reached big time for safety TJ Ward. The risk has turned into a moderate reward. Ward started all 16 games his rookie season recording 123 tackles and 2 picks. Unfortunately, he hasn’t repeated that great season but is the starter on a revamped D. To recap, first pick BOOM…next pick OK, after that downhill. Their next selection in the 2nd round was Montario Hardesty, who has only been a reserve at best. With a major need at linebacker and Brandon Spikes available, Mr. Hindsight says they should have gone in that direction. I want call any names, but here is one article’s quote on their next choice. “The Browns finally grab their quarterback of the future with the selection of Colt McCoy. As an athletic thrower with good accuracy, McCoy is a good fit in the Browns’ west-coast offense and could develop into a solid starter in time.” They just traded their McCoy (4th round) to the 49ers for a 5th and 7th round selection, so if you’re an optimist they turn one pick into two. Go figure.
Ravens: Ozzie Newsome is the best GM in the NFL when it comes to the draft, and that’s how you build a Super Bowl team. This draft was no different. The Ravens gained more picks by trading out of the first round. After a freak accident, Sergio Kindle suffered a skull injury and only played in 3 games with Baltimore. The 2nd round selection from Texas is currently a free agent. I can’t blame Newsome for this pick and he nailed the remaining picks. Many critics questioned Terrance Cody commitment and work ethic and he slipped to the 57th pick. Cody has blossomed into a massive run stuffer and has even lost weight in the NFL. The next two picks were brilliant. With an aging Todd Heap, the Ravens picked Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta in the 3rd round. These two selections kicked off the age of the two tight end system. Pitta and Dickson have combined for 188 catches for 1,980 yards and 16 td’s. They have emerged as one of the top tight end duos in the league. If that wasn’t enough, the Ravens have gotten production from their 7th round pick. How many teams can say that? Not many. Arthur Jones has played in 30 games the past two season racking up 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He is the brother of Patriots’ Chandler Jones. If those stats for a 7th rounder wasn’t amazing enough, check out his little brother. Ozzie Newsome should give a Draft 101 class.
Bengals: This 2010 draft was one of the foundations for a successful team. They team has never had a premier, pass catching tight end. They solved that problem with the 21st overall selection. Jermaine Gresham started slowly but his numbers have increased every season. The tight end from Oklahoma was brought in to complement Chad Ochocinco, but along with AJ Green have become the top targets in this offense. It will be interesting to see how Gresham is used with, fellow first round, pick Tyler Eifert in the mix. Gresham is versatile and can split outside to cause mismatches with smaller corners and his one of Andy Daltons favorite targets. A great team starts up front and the Bengals drafted two contributors for this defensive line. Carlos Dunlap (2nd rd) slipped in the draft because off character issues but has been more than serviceable in his time with Cincinnati. Dunlap’s numbers may not jump out on paper with 20 sacks in three season, but he holds in own on one of the most talented defensive lines in the league. To me, the major steal of this draft was defensive tackle Geno Atkins with the 122nd pick in this draft. Atkins is coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2012 and his ceiling his unlimited. The Georgia Bulldog has played in all 48 games in his career and his unstoppable. In 2012, Atkins recorded 12.5 sacks from the DT position. Monster for years to come, how did this guy slip to the 4th round? Sandwiched between Dunlap and Atkins were two busts. Jordan Shipley (3rd rd) is no longer on the roster and Brandon Ghee (3rd rd) has contributed very little with 9 tackles and 0 interceptions. The picks of Atkins, Gresham and Dunlap make up for the misses.
Steelers: With Ben Roethlisberger taking a pounding, Pittsburgh selected Maurkice Pouncey from the University of Florida. Pouncey was versatile, strong and could have played guard or center. Fast forward three years later and the 18th overall pick has started 45 games. He has all the skills to be the anchor for that offensive line and embodies a true Steeler. With an aging Hines Ward, Pittsburgh knocked it out the park with two receivers. At the time, Emmanuel Sanders (3rd rd) and Antonio Brown (6th rd) weren’t considered “sexy picks” but have excelled. Another reason why you don’t give props for winners and losers a day after the NFL draft. These two pass catchers have turned into dependable targets for Big Ben. With Mike Wallace now in South Beach, these two unheralded receivers can unleash their talents. Jason Worilds was selected in the 2nd round. The Virginia Tech product has mainly been a backup behind James Harrison. With Harrison now a Bengal, Worilds should get more chances to make plays. He still game experience with 42 games in 3 seasons. That’s what makes the Steelers so great. They knew eventually Harrison and Wallace would be out the price range so they draft low risk, high reward players that can step up. Give props to Pittsburgh’s scouting department for their 5th round pick. Stevenson Sylvester was rated very low on many “experts” draft boards, but the Steelers relied on their scouts. Sylvester has played in 41 games. Jonathan Dwyer (6th rd) may not be a big play running back, but has done his job when called upon. Only thing Pittsburgh has ever done wrong is wearing these uniforms.
There’s a reason the Ravens and Steelers dominated this division for so long…
Other draft recaps: NFC West, NFC East, AFC West
