Similar to their pre-draft counterparts, the ‘Mock Drafts’, the post-draft grading of NFL teams’ performances are anything but an exact science. It often takes anywhere up to five years before you can truly judge how successful a certain draft class has been, so assumptions made before training camp has even begun, should be treated with a reasonable amount of skepticism. That being said, certain factors, such as whether or not a team managed to fill their needs, whilst also trying to adhere to a ‘best player available’ policy, can be assessed.

Winners

Minnesota Vikings

When you wind up with three first round selections, chances are that you are going to have a successful draft. Minnesota took Shariff Floyd (23rd pick), Xavier Rhodes (25th pick) and Cordarrelle Patterson (29th pick) with their three first round selections, and cases could be made that they were arguably the best defensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver in the draft respectively.

All of the three were expected to be off the board before they were actually taken, and General Manager Rick Spielman deserves credit for his draft day maneuvering, and the value he was able to pick up with each selection. He was also able to address a need at linebacker later in the draft, bring in Gerald Hodges (4th round) and Michael Mauti (7th round) who will both provide depth, and potentially eventually compete for a starting role.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers may not have had three first round picks like the Vikings did, but they did draft three first round talents. San Diego took D.J. Fluker with the 11th pick overall, and then added Manti Te’o (2nd round) and Keenan Allen (3rd round) shortly after, with both Te’o and Allen seen by many as late first round talents. New GM Tom Telesco should be applauded for adding a potential leader to his defense, and helping out quarterback Philip Rivers with a new offensive lineman in Fluker, and target in wide receiver Allen.

Losers

Cleveland Browns

You can forgive Cleveland fans for having a feeling of anti-climax after their draft which saw them make very little improvement, at least in the short-term, to their current roster. First round pick Barkevious Mingo will likely transition to an outside linebacker role in the Browns’ new 3-4 defense, but will most likely end up providing depth behind Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard in his rookie year as he develops his ability to drop back into coverage.

The Browns offloaded some of their picks for better selections in the 2014 draft, so outside of Mingo and cornerback Leon McFadden (3rd round), they’re unlikely to have much impact from their rookie class this season. GM Michael Lombardi may have laid foundations for Cleveland’s future, but it’s doubtful this class will be able to help the Browns move up the AFC North pecking order.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys did the right thing trading down from the 18th spot, presumably a decision made after Kenny Vaccaro was taken by New Orleans with the 15th pick, but spending their resulting first round pick on Travis Frederick was wasteful. The center is a good player, and will probably start on Dallas’ offensive line, but was a reach in the first round, as the Cowboys could have easily traded down once more, picking up extra picks, and still have taken Frederick.

Dallas also added a potential starter in J.J. Wilcox (3rd round) and good depth in Gavin Escobar (2nd round) and Terrance Williams (3rd round), but completely overlooked their defensive line. They have already lost players such as Marcus Spears on that side of the ball, and considering their shortage of cap space, could struggle to find reinforcements.

Image credit: San Diego Chargers via Facebook

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With the NFL Draft just days away, beginning on April 25, here’s a look at the AFC East’s biggest needs heading into the opening rounds.

Buffalo Bills

By cutting Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bills showed they are committed to finding a new franchise quarterback, and they could do a lot worse than taking Geno Smith with their first round pick. Smith has come in for a lot of criticism this offseason, largely in part to the fact he isn’t a player of the same caliber as Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, but he does have all the tools required to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

Buffalo has some talented young offensive tackles in Chris Hairston and Cordy Glenn, but with Andy Levitre leaving in the offseason, they could look for a guard in the early rounds to potentially help protect their new quarterback. Barrett Jones (Alabama) could still be on the board when they come to pick in the third round, but if not, Earl Watford (James Madison) or Hugh Thornton (Illinois) should be available.

A need for a tight end could also be filled in the second round, with Zach Ertz (Stanford) likely still available, and has the ability to be a starter immediately in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins helped fill some of their many needs by spending big in free agency, but there is still a glaring need at left tackle. Trading up to try and take Lane Johnson (Oklahoma) is a move mooted by many, but if they can’t work out a deal, it’s hard to see them taking anyone other than Xavier Rhodes (Florida St.) with the 12^th overall pick, as corner is another big need.

Depending on who Miami ultimately takes in the first round, offensive tackle Terron Armstead (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) or corner Robert Alford (Southeastern Louisiana) are potential second round targets.

Helping Ryan Tannehill has to be the Dolphins priority so do not be surprised to see Miami look for a tight end or guard in the third and fourth rounds, with both Vance McDonald (Rice) and Brian Winters (Kent St.) good fits.

New York Jets

New York could go in a number of directions with their first round pick, but finding a premiere pass rusher at the outside linebacker position has to be high on their list, and although patience will be required while he transitions to the new position, Barkevious Mingo (LSU) has so much upside that he’s hard to ignore. In addition, the recent first round they picked up as part of the Darrel Revis trade could help them aggressively go after a Dee Milliner (Alabama) or Xavier Rhodes.

Surprisingly, Mark Sanchez is still on the roster, but the Jets could be tempted to try and make a move for E. J. Manuel (Florida St.) or Tyler Bray (Tennessee) in the second or third round, to provide competition for Sanchez, and most likely, eventually replace him.

There are big question marks over Tyrann Mathieu (LSU) and whether he can keep himself out of trouble, but there are few players in the draft with more ability on the field. With Revis now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mathieu could be a valuable pickup, especially if head coach Rex Ryan is confident he can help Mathieu overcome his troubled background.

New England Patriots

The Patriots have been putting together a talented and young defense over the last couple of years and targeting a top corner in the first round could be vital in helping it progress to the next level. Desmond Trufant (Washington) could be off the board by the time they come to pick, but Jamar Taylor (Boise St.) is not far behind Trufant, and could be an immediate starter in the Patriots defense.

New England has replaced Wes Welker with Danny Amendola, but they could be looking for some more depth at receiver, and Marcus Wheaton (Oregon St.) could help make the transition easier. Wheaton is an accomplished route-runner and has good hands, making him perfectly suited to the Patriots offense.

An injection of youth at the guard position will also be high on New England’s wish list, but given their lack of picks, they would probably have to target one with their third round pick. Like the Bills, they might have to look at the likes of Watford and Thornton at this point in the draft, and hope they can develop one of them into the long-term successor  Logan Mankins.

Image credit: Buffalo Bills via Facebook

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USC quarterback, Matt Barkley, has decided to don the Trojan red and yellow for one last season. On Thursday afternoon, the 21-year-old declared that he will not enroll in the 2012 NFL Draft, opting instead to return for his senior year in Los Angeles. Barkley broke the news in a nationally televised event held in the campus’ Heritage Hall with his family, girlfriend, head coach, the USC marching band, and many others in attendance.

When discussing the two options before him, he began by speaking optimistically of his future at the next level. “I am prepared to play quarterback in the NFL,” said Barkley. “It is my dream to play quarterback in the NFL – and I intend to make that dream a reality.” While this initially sounded like a young man that had decided to move on, Barkley would take everyone by surprise and suddenly go in the exact opposite direction.

“But, I know in my heart, that I have not yet finished my journey as a Trojan football player,” said Barkley. “Our USC football team has been through some tough times, and we have persevered. This 2012 team has some serious unfinished business to attend to, and I plan to play a part in it. I have firmly decided to forgo the 2012 NFL draft and finish that.”

The conclusion of that statement quickly brought about wild cheers along with a celebratory tune played by the band. For the first time in two years, the USC football program had good news for their loyal family. Sanctions handed down by the NCAA in 2010 banned the school’s bowl eligibility for the past two years. Barkley’s return will now give him the opportunity to lead the school to its first bowl since defeating Boston College in the 2009 Emerald Bowl.  With USC retaining most of its starters for next season, a national title run after this year’s 10-2 finish could be an inspiration as well.

Head coach, Lane Kiffin, was not shocked at all by Barkley’s announcement. Kiffin had paid Barkley a visit at his home the previous night, and his quarterback gave him a gold Christmas ornament. Displayed on the front of the ornament was a picture of the two embracing after this year’s victory over Colorado. After being told to turn it around, Kiffin found the words, “One More Year”, written on the back and immediately rejoiced.

Kiffin has tremendous respect for Barkley, knowing that most star athletes would not pass up the opportunity to begin making millions of guaranteed dollars and play professionally. “This is a special, special college student-athlete story,” said Kiffin. “To be a part of this story is unbelievable for all of us involved.”

Barkley had an outstanding junior year and was projected to be an early first round pick in the upcoming draft. In 2011, he threw for 3,528 yards along with 39 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III were regarded as the only two quarterbacks that could have possibly been selected before him.

However, Barkley is not expected to hurt his draft stock at all by remaining in school. In fact, experts believe that he will be even more prepared for the 2013 NFL Draft and will actually be selected with the number one overall pick. Being a potential frontrunner for next year’s Heisman Trophy does not sound too bad either.

Barkley did not listen to those who believed that this was the wrong route to take. His ultimate goal is to help contribute to the winning tradition established by the historic USC program. All eyes will now effectively be on him in 2012 to see if he is successful in doing so, like those who occupied this prestigious position before him – current NFL quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez, Matt Leinart, and Carson Palmer.

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