Top Draft Grades for 2011 NFL Draft

Now that the draft is over everyone is going to be looking at which teams had the best weekend. So without further ado, here is what team I felt had the best drafts.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
   The Steelers had a great draft in almost every aspect. They addressed a lot of their needs while adding some good depth to their core positions. I believe their main positions they wanted to upgrade were the O-line and the secondary and with some of their early picks they did that. Curtis Brown was a great pick in the 3^rd round that will be able to be groomed into a starting role in the secondary and Marcus Gilbert will be able to step into the RT role; both are big needs for the Steelers. Chris Carter was a terrific late round pick that doesn't fill a big need, but he adds some much needed depth at the linebacker position. Overall, the Steelers had a great draft weekend and prove why they are consistently one of the best teams in football.
2. New England Patriots
   This would have been just a good not great draft for the Patriots if they hadn't of acquired another first and a second round pick for next year's draft. The fact that the Patriots get another first and a second for next year's draft is amazing. They keep turning their picks into more picks; it is pretty incredible. During the draft I really was a fan of the Patriots first three selections. Solder is a monstrous OT who many scouts had as their number tackle in the draft. Dowling is a first round talent CB, who fell in the draft because of injury. If he can stay healthy, that is a heck of a pick. Vereen was a bit of a reach in the second round, but he is going to be a great fit in the Patriots offense. The only issue I had with the Patriots draft was the fact that they barely addressed their DE or OLB positions. Still when I was watching the draft, I just couldn't help but be amazed at how well Bill Belichick drafted and improved his team. Not only did he add some young talent, but he acquired more high picks for next year's draft. To Belichick, drafting is an art, and he added another masterpiece to his collection.
3. New York Giants
   After the draft, I read about all the teams complete draft classes and I was amazed at the Giant's draft. Every pick was terrific; every one they made. Jerry Reese found talented players that fell in the draft and he snatched them up. Greg Jones, Tyler Sash, and Da'Rel Scott were all fantastic picks later on in the draft. I am still really impressed at what a incredible draft the Giants had.