Editor’s Note: War Room Report scout Matt Maccoy contributes his draft grades. Unlike other sites which give virtually every team the same grade, the War Room Report is not afraid to take a stand. Teams are ranked from 1-32.

Grade: A

1) Minnesota Vikings

• Positives: They drafted better per selection than any other team in the 2007 Draft and addressed their primary needs while doing so. Drafting RB Adrian Peterson in Round 1 was a great “value” pick and following that up with Sidney Rice in Round 2 will add an additional dynamic to the Minnesota offense. They then addressed their defense with a CB, Marcus McCauley and a DE, Brian Robinson at the most critical positions on their defense. Acquiring OLB Rufus Alexander in Round 6 was also a “steal”.
• Negatives: Negatives are few and far between with the Vikings. There is an element of volatility with their picks since Peterson has suffered several injuries in the past and their next three selections are classified as “raw” prospects, but the upside is undeniable.

2) Carolina Panthers

• Positives: Value picks everywhere down the Panthers draft class. They were savvy enough to trade down with the New York Jets 11 selections and still get the player they targeted all along LB Jon Beason. They then selected a WRR favorite in WR Dwayne Jarrett and also drafted one of the better C prospects in some time when they selected Ryan Kalil. They also selected DE Charles Johnson in Round 3 where it was excellent value, even though it wasn’t an area of need per say.
• Negatives: There were two areas of need in particular for the Carolina Panthers and that was at TE and S, and they addressed neither position. They did draft Dante Rosario in Round 5, but many view him as more of an H-back prospect, so it will be interesting if the Panthers utilize him. There are also rumors circulating that they have been shopping DT Kris Jenkins, and if they deal him at this point they will be thin at DT since they didn’t address that position with a draft pick.

3) Atlanta Falcons

• Positives: A team who all along the WRR thought would have an excellent draft did so indeed. They lost Patrick Kearney in the off-season so they addressed that position and selected DE Jamaal Anderson with the 8^th overall selection. They also had two second round picks since they traded backup QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. They selected possibly the strongest player in the 2007 Draft in OT/OG Justin Blalock and then came back with an excellent pick in ultra-talented CB prospect Chris Houston. Selecting Laurent Robinson in Round 3 to bolster their wide receiving core as well as selecting OLB prospect Stephen Nicholas early on Day 2 were also excellent moves.
• Negatives: It was thought that new Head Coach Bobby Petrino was going to implement a new power running approach, but he did very little to show evidence to support this notion in the 2007 Draft. They did not select a power back ala Tony Hunt or Michael Bush, and only drafted one offensive line prospect. The move from a zone blocking scheme to a power game could be a slow process in Atlanta.

4) Detroit Lions

• Positives: The Lions resisted the urge to trade out of the 2^nd overall pick and stood pat and selected clearly the best prospect in the 2007 NFL Draft in WR Calvin Johnson. Johnson will become an immediate threat in the NFL. They selected QB Drew Stanton in Round 2, who is a solid QB prospect and did select their pass-rushing need with DE Ikaika Alama-Francis. Selecting CB AJ Davis and OG Manny Ramirez in Round 4 will also bolster this roster.
• Negatives: They traded up for S Gerald Alexander, and that may have given up a bit too much to make that move. Alexander is a solid prospect, but not one I would recommend trading up for. TE is still a position that is weak on this team, and was not addressed in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Grade: B+

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Positives: A really solid draft class, just may not be spectacular. They addressed several needs beginning with DE Gaines Adams, who will add another pass rusher to a defense that has needed one desperately. They got a solid value pick with OG Arron Sears and selected SS Sabby Piscattelli who will fill an immediate need on this team. The Buccaneers succeed in selecting players who fit their scheme better than any other franchise. OLB Quincy Black, who was selected in Round 3, and CB Tanard Jackson, who was selected in Round 4, are great fits in this defense.
• Negatives: After the Tanard Jackson selection in Round 4, there is little else to get thrilled about if you’re a Buccaneers fan. This is a team who had many needs, and it would have been nice to see them draft some higher tier prospects as the draft proceeded in the late rounds. They really could have used another playmaker on offense, and did not get one in the 2007 NFL Draft.

6) Dallas Cowboys

• Positives: The Cowboys were very crafty in their maneuvering during the early portions of the 2007 NFL Draft. They traded out initially and acquire a possibly top 10 selection in the 2008 Draft from the Cleveland Browns, and then moved back in to the draft to select a player they had targeted from the beginning DE/OLB prospect Anthony Spencer. Teaming Spencer with DeMarcus Ware could be a great move by the Cowboys. They also addressed their depth along the offensive line by selecting OT prospects James Marten and Doug Free. Cowboy fans will have to wait until the 2008 NFL Draft to reap the rewards of their investment in the trade with the Browns, but it could be a significant reward.
• Negatives: Drafting Isaiah Stanback in round 4 may have raised some eyebrows. It is unsure at this point whether they are going to utilize him as QB in the future or transition him from QB to WR like they did with Patrick Crayton. The Cowboys didn’t necessarily have too many areas of need, but selecting a kicker followed by a fullback leaves something to be desired with their Day 2 selections.

7) San Fransisco 49ers

• Positives: The 49ers had a lot of momentum following a good off-season of free agent pick-ups and continued that into the 2007 NFL Draft. Selecting the best linebacker in this class Patrick Willis with the 11^th overall selection was an excellent move. They also helped solidify that offensive line when they selected OT Joe Staley late in Round 1. They addressed a position of desperate need WR when they selected Jason Hill in Round 3 and traded a 4^th round selection for Darrell Jackson, formerly of Seattle. Ray McDonald also represented great value at that selection for a 3-4 Defensive End.
• Negatives: The 49ers were another team that was jockeying for position during the 1^st Round of the 2007 NFL Draft. They traded away their 2008 1^st Round pick, but then later on was involved in a transaction with the Indianapolis Colts to garner their 1^st round selection next year. The difference in the two selections could be substantial however, since the Colts are one of the better teams in the league and the 49ers, who are making strides for sure, still have room to develop and could still have a pick in the early teens next season. They didn’t address their NT position, which was expected, and took a risk with the selection of CB Tarell Brown in Round 6 which could result in a solid player or nothing.

Grade: B

8 ) Cleveland Browns

• Positives: What the Cleveland Browns did in the 2007 NFL Draft was excellent, but the moves they made need to be treated with cautious optimism. They selected clearly the best OT in the draft Joe Thomas with the 3^rd overall selection and then in one of the more dramatic moves in 2007 NFL Draft traded up into the latter portion of Round 1, 22^nd pick overall to select hometown favorite QB Brady Quinn. Having Quinn and Thomas would have been a dream situation for Browns fans, so having completed these moves along with the move for CB Eric Wright, who is an ideal fit for the Browns, gives the Browns a solid ‘B’ grade.
• Negatives: The move for Brady will be one that we will be talking about for some time due to the impact it has on the Cleveland franchise, as well as the fact that they traded their 1^st round selection in 2008 to make this big splash, a pick that is very reasonably thought to be considered a potential top 10 selection, if not top 5. After their top 3 selections, the Browns did very little to improve this team in 2007.

9) New England Patriots

• Positives: When considering the New England Patriots draft, you have to also include possibly the biggest transaction of the weekend, when the Patriots sent a 4^th round selection to the Oakland Raiders for WR Randy Moss. The Patriots were viewed by many as the front-runner to hoist the Lombardi Trophy next season prior to this move, now they are a dominant favorite. They selected S Brandon Meriweather in Round 1 of the draft, who should give them the depth in the secondary that they needed, and an eventual replacement for Rodney Harrison. The Patriots also received the 49ers 1^st round selection so next season, so for the second off-season in a row, it is presumed that they will enter the NFL Draft with two 1^st round picks.
• Negatives: Having only one selection on Day One of the 2007 NFL Draft will give the class of the Patriots draft picks a lackluster look. There are several intriguing prospects, Kareem Brown, Corey Hilliard, and Oscar Lua, but it is conceivable that the Patriots don’t get anything out of the 2^nd day picks they made in the 2007 NFL Draft.

10) Arizona Cardinals

• Positives: The Cardinals came away with top prospects at the biggest area of needs for them. They selected OT Levi Brown with the 5^th overall selection to finally fill a need they have had for some time. According to several reports the Cardinals brass’ preferred Levi Brown over fellow OT prospect Joe Thomas. The Cardinals are also in a transition from a base 4-3 defense to 3-4 scheme and they moved up to the first selection in round 2 in order to nap the perfect prospect to fill their NT position Alan Branch. They also came back with a good “value” selection at ILB with Buster Davis in Round 3 and they got one of the steals in the 2007 NFL Draft when they selected TE prospect from the University of Delaware, Ben Patrick in Round 7.
• Negatives: The Cardinals only had 5 selections in the 2007 NFL Draft, so they still have several holes to fill, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Steve Breaston will primarily be a kick returner for them, and that selection could have been better well spent on a prospect who could have a chance at playing on an every down basis.

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The draft is over and preliminary grades can be assigned. While it will take several seasons to accurately judge the draft, but it is interesting to determine the value each team received and the likely impact for the 2007 season.

Arizona Cardinals - As we projected may happen, with Joe Thomas off the board, the Cardinals reached slightly for Penn State OT Levi Brown. Because the Cardinals have a left handed QB in Matt Leinart, Brown will be able to play his more natural position at right tackle. However, Brown still did not deserve a top 5 selection - this was more of a need pick versus value. The Cardinals made an excellent selection at 33rd overall, trading up to acquire Alan Branch, who rated as a top ten talent on the War Room Report Draft Board. It was a reasonable trade and Branch should man the NT spot in the new 3-4 defense of the Cardinals with fellow Michigan player Gabe Watson. Buster Davis was a solid pick in Round 3 - the 3-4 should mask his lack of speed, but it will be interesting to see if he has the bulk to shed blockers in that scheme. Steve Breaston was a good value in Round 5 and has the ability to return kicks immediately. Ben Patrick was one of the steals of the draft after sliding all the way down to Round 7. Grade: B+

Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons made the most out of the picks acquired in the Matt Schaub trade. Though they would have liked to grab S LaRon Landry or OT Levi Brown, they made a solid selection with DE Jamaal Anderson in Round 1, as he has a high upside and the ability to contribute immediately. They grab two other potential starters in Round 2 with OG Justin Blalock, who fits Bobby Petrino’s power blocking scheme, and CB Chris Houston, another player with a tremendous upside who could contribute immediately. The selection of Houston allows the Falcons to move Jimmy Williams back to safety. The Falcons also added a WR with good upside in Laurent Robinson and two more intriguing players in Round 4 - LB Stephen Nicholas who has starter ability and TE Martrez Milner, who has the physical ability to contribute but needs to remain more consistent. The Falcons also got good value with C Doug Datish, CB David Irons, and SS Daren Stone. Grade: A

Carolina Panthers - The Panthers did a terrific job drafting value over need. They drafted four of the top 36 players on the War Room Report Big Board. The Panthers made a great move in trading down and still getting the player they coveted in Jon Beason. While we are not as high on Beason as others, he projects as a starter for the Panthers. They added one of the best center prospects we have seen in years in Ryan Kalil, a terrific redzone target in Dwayne Jarrett, and a potential difference maker at defensive end in Charles Johnson. They added three potential difference makers in the future with LB Tim Shaw, a great return man in Ryne Robinson, and an interesting sleeper at CB in C.J. Wilson from Baylor. Grade: A

Chicago Bears - The Bears got a potential steal in Greg Olsen. His blocking is sub par, but his down the field speed should be an asset for Rex Grossman. Grossman was able to hit the seam pattern regularly doing the season and Olsen should stretch the field. The Bears reached in the 2nd and 3rd rounds with Dan Bazuin, who does not really fit a need, and undersized RB Garrett Wolfe, who many projected as a late second day pick. Michael Okwo is an interesting player for the Tampa 2 system at LB and the Bears got a good value at a position of need with Joshua Beekman at OG. The Bears also drafted some interesting value in the secondary with Kevin Payne, Trumaine McBride, and Corey Graham. The Bears get extra points for fleecing the Chargers in a trade for pick #37. Grade: C+

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys made a terrific move in acquiring the 1st rd pick of Cleveland in the 2008 draft which should net them a very good player with a high draft pick. They made another move with Cleveland that was beneficial and also traded up with Philly for the explosive pass rusher Anthony Spencer. Spencer and DeMarcus Ware are going to cause nightmares for NFC East QBs. The Cowboys added two very solid OT prospects in James Marten and Doug Free, but the rest of their picks were ordinary. They did not address the secondary until very late in the draft. The trade with the Browns helps their grade immensely. Grade: B-

Detroit Lions - The Lions were able to select the #1 player on the board, Calvin Johnson, who will immediately see the field and provide Mike Martz with another playmaker. Drew Stanton, as we have detailed, was our favorite of the QBs after Round 1, and he has the physical skills to develop into an NFL starter. Ikakia Alama-Francis is talented but raw - the Lions could use a player who would help them more immediately. Gerald Alexander was a huge reach in Round 2, but the Lions did steal two players in Round 4 - AJ Davis and Manuel Ramirez, who both can contribute in 2007. Grade: B+

Green Bay Packers - The Packers may have reached in Round 1 with Justin Harrell, who is a talented player but does not fit a major need and may have been available a few picks later. Brandon Jackson is an ideal fit in the zone blocking scheme of the Packers, but again may have been a reach. The Packers reached again in Round 3 with James Jones, but did well with their second 3rd round pick in S Aaron Rouse, who could start for Green Bay. Day 2 was productive for the Packers, who added a LT prospect in Allan Barbe and good value in LB Desmond Bishop, PK Mason Crosby, and TE Clark Harris. Interesting that a team with a pair of corners in their 30s did not select a CB. Grade: C

Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings did a terrific job of getting value at positions of need. Adrian Peterson was not a huge need pick, but he is one of the best RBs to enter the league in a long time, and to steal him at pick 7 was a great move for the Vikings. Sidney Rice is a potential #1 WR in the league and Aundrae Allison was a steal in Round 5 - many WRs that went ahead of him do not have his potential. Marcus McCauley has the physical ability to be a #1 corner and the Vikings added other potential difference makers on defense in Brian Robison, an undersized pass rushing DE, and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Rufus Alexander . Grade: A

New Orleans Saints - The Saints added another offensive weapon in Robert Meacham, who was a good value at pick 27, but there were other selections that may have made more sense, including DT Alan Branch. The Saints targeted a pair of MAC players who rose up the board in the offseason in CB Usama Young and OG Andy Alleman. Jermon Bushrod is an interesting LT prospect from a small school, but he has a long way to go before he can contribute. Antonio Pittman was a good value at 107, but it may be difficult for him to get onto the field in New Orleans. Marvin Mitchell was a good value in the 7th round. Grade: C

New York Giants - Aaron Ross is a solid pick in Round 1, but it is surprising that the Giants passed on potential LT Joe Staley. Steve Smith was a good value at pick #51, but the Giants had other needs outside of WR. Jay Alford seemed to be a reach in Round 3. The Giants had one of the best Day 2s of any team, adding LB Zak DeOssie, TE Kevin Boss, a real solid tackle prospect in Adam Koets, SS Michael Johnson, and a good change of pace back in Ahmad Bradshaw. The Day 2 helps move the Giants grade up slightly. Grade: B-

Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles surprisingly traded down with divisional rival Dallas after missing out on a safety in Round 1. The Cowboys selected DE/OLB Anthony Spencer who will be putting pressure on the Eagles QB twice a season. After trading down, the Eagles made one of the most surprising picks of the draft in QB Kevin Kolb of Houston. The Eagles are set with Donovan McNabb and have two decent backups in A.J. Feeley and Kelly Holcomb. Kolb is an ideal fit for Andy Reid’s offense, but he was of little value at pick #36. The Eagles added some depth to the defensive end position in Victor Abiamiri and did very well in Round 3 with a potential starter in Stewart Bradley at LB and a good complement to Brian Westbrook with RB Tony Hunt. CB C.J. Gaddis was a decent pick with upside in Round 5. Grade: D

Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks did not have a Round 1 Pick, but you must consider the addition of Deion Branch. The Seahawks could have added a receiver like Robert Meacham with the pick they traded to the Pats. The Seahawks took several players that the War Room Report was high on, including CB Josh Wilson and DT Brandon Mebane, both of which can make an impact in 2007. The Seahawks made solid picks on Day 2 also, including high upside WR Jordan Kent. Solid draft for the Hawks, despite not being flashy. Grade: C

San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers added a great player and difference maker in MLB Patrick Willis, who instantly becomes the face of their defense. They traded up for Joe Staley, but may regret giving up a 2008 1st round pick for the 28th overall selection. They made a terrific move in trading pick 42 to the Colts for an 08 1st rounder, to get back into the round. The 49ers grabbed a pair of players who can contribute immediately in the 3rd round in Ray McDonald, who projects as 3-4 DE and WR Jason Hill, who was a great value pick and could challenge for a starting spot across from Darrell Jackson, who was acquired for a 4th round pick. The 49ers took a flier on CB Tarrell Brown, who is a first day talent but slipped to the 5th round because of character concerns. Grade: A

St. Louis Rams - The Rams had a solid, albeit not a spectacular draft, gaining a solid defensive end in Adam Carriker in Round 1 and the versatile Brian Leonard in Round 2. Jonathan Wade was a good value in the 3rd round and the Rams had a decent Day 2. Carriker should start immediately and Wade has the physical tools to develop into a starting CB. Grade: C

Tampa Bay Bucs - The Bucs decided it was too expensive to move up to acquire Calvin Johnson, but were content to add Gaines Adams to improve their aging pass rush. Adams went higher than the War Room Report’s rankings but about where most projected him. He can get to the passer and that quality is vital in the Tampa 2 system. Arron Sears is a versatile linemen who fits best at guard and can help form a young nucleus for the Bucs line with 2006 picks Jeremy Trueblood and Davin Joseph. They added a variety of Tampa 2 defenders later in the draft, including safety Sabby Piscitelli, CB Tanard Jackson, and LB Quincy Black. They added a decent OT prospect in Chris Denman on Day 2. Grade: B

Washington Redskins - Washington only had one Day One pick and they selected the best player on the board in Round 1 in S LaRon Landry. The Redskins did not trade down to accumulate more picks, and because of that, were unable to add any players to a defensive front that sorely needed assistance. They took a pair of interesting linebackers in Dallas Sartz and H.B. Blades, but the Redskins do not need players at linebacker. Taking into account the little value the Redskins got when trading their picks, they grade out poorly. Grade: F

• The Patriots have kept their off-season spending streak going, signing former Eagle WR Donte Stallworth. The deal is basically a “prove it” deal for Stallworth, who, if he can stay healthy, may have the Pats pick up the option for 2008 that would pay him $11 million in bonuses. Stallworth, combined with Wes Welker, gives the Pats two good speed targets. The Patriots were criticized for not being more aggressive last off season, but have made up for it with the signing of the two WRs and Adalius Thomas. New England also has two first round draft picks, which, after the signings, they could use on secondary or linebacker help.
• The Eagles also lost nickelback Roderick Hood to the Cardinals, who will give the Auburn graduate a chance to start opposite of Antrel Rolle. The Cardinals, like New England, seem to be making very logical signings. The Cardinals free agency moves should allow them to add offensive line and defensive tackle assistance in the draft. The Cardinals may be able to contend for the NFC West crown in 2007.
• Proving that you can go home again, Donnie Edwards returns to the Kansas City Chiefs, after five seasons in San Diego. He joins a rebuilt linebacking corps that also include former first round pick Napoleon Harris. The Chiefs need to address WR and defensive line in the upcoming draft.

• The Washington Redskins were back at it, signing FAs London Fletcher-Baker and Fred Smoot. Some analysts were celebrating their “restraint” but investing in a 32 year old middle linebacker does not seem like the right move for a team that is not a Super Bowl contender. As Justin Davis of the WRR asked about Fred Smoot - “Is it possible for the same team to overpay a player twice?”.
• Seattle is aggressively pursuing free agents Patrick Kearny and Daniel Graham. Denver is also on both players, but it is reported that Seattle is offering more money to both. Seattle does not have a Round 1 pick (shipped to New England in the Deion Branch deal), but if they do not acquire Kearney, they could look to select a player from the deep defensive end class in Round 2 of the draft. The latest WRR 2007 NFL Mock Draft has Seattle taking an interior defensive lineman in Round 2.
• Brady Quinn worked out on Saturday at Notre Dame’s pro day. Quinn did not run, choosing only to do passing drills. He indicated that he will run at the 2nd Notre Dame Pro Day. Interesting to note that while Minnesota, Houston, and Cleveland had a large number of decision makers present, Matt Millen of the Lions was absent. (Source: ESPN.com)
• An underrated signing could be Cleveland signing former Redskin and Jaguar CB Kenny Wright. While Wright is not exceptional, it may free up the Browns to focus on other positions of need, like offensive line, in the draft.
• The offensive line building continues - Dallas signs Leonard Davis to a big contract, Arizona is hosting seemingly every FA offensive lineman, and Washington is trying to sign Luke Pettigout. It is going to be very interesting to see what happens to salaries once “marquee” players become available.