The first round of any draft is a make-or-break affair. Miss with a big-money, big-name talent, and you're going to be stuck with an inferior player until you're willing to wipe the egg off your face and move on. In our look back at Round 1 in 2008, there were plenty of breaks and plenty of makes.
In part two of our look back, we examine Rounds 2 and 3, where a bad pick isn't as crushing but a good pick can make a huge impact.
The Chiefs took Brandon Flowers and Jamaal Charles, who have become two of the best players in the league and have the Chiefs atop the AFC West. The Redskins took a quartet of mostly forgettable names, and have needed a massive infusion of veteran talent just to stay mediocre. In other words, these picks count.
Round Two
1. (32) Miami — Phillip Merling
Role: Currently on IR, Merling was a part of the Dolphins' D-line rotation
Impact: Outperformed by Kendall Langford, though was decent enough last year. Has brought some pass rush from end spot and inside on nickel packages. Character concerns.
Grade: B-
2. (33) St. Louis — Donnie Avery
Role: Currently on IR, but previous to that a starter
Impact: Had an immediate impact but regressed badly in 2009. Struggled with drops (six) and an inability to gain separation.
Grade: B-
3. (34) Washington — Devin Thomas
Role: Cut by Redskins and now fighting for playing time with the Panthers
Impact: Wasn't terrible on the field, but lacked application to better himself, by all accounts. His game against New Orleans is a classic example of what he is capable of, but also his underachievement.
Grade: F
4. (35) Kansas City — Brandon Flowers
Role: Starter for Chiefs
Impact: Was a legitimate top-ten corner last year, and has started this season off in the kind of form that's made many (rightfully) view him as 2010's top corner.
Grade: A+
5. (36) Green Bay — Jordy Nelson
Role: Fourth receiver for Packers
Impact: Marginal. Struggles to see much playing time and when he does fails to make an impact. Already has four drops this year and has only been targeted 21 times.
Grade: C-
6. (37) Atlanta — Curtis Lofton
Role: Starting middle linebacker for Falcons
Impact: Was our top-ranked middle linebacker in run defense in his rookie year and third last year. If he could handle himself in coverage would be viewed as elite.
Grade: A+
7. (38) Seattle — John Carlson
Role: Starting tight end for the Seahawks
Impact: Good red-zone threat, but far from finished article. Blocking is terrible and doesn't offer enough as a receiving threat in all phases of the game.
Grade: C+
8. (39) San Francisco — Chilo Rachal
Role: Starting right guard for the 49ers
Impact: Went from liability to reliability by the second half of last year. Looks to be more of a solid guard than one who is going to amount to a perennial Pro Bowler, but that's not always a bad thing.
Grade: B
9. (40) New Orleans — Tracy Porter
Role: Starting cornerback for the Saints
Impact: Quite obviously a talented cover corner (he's more than just a Super Bowl pick), the problem is staying healthy. Every year he's missed time. Still has been a good No. 2 corner.
Grade: B+
10. (41) Buffalo — James Hardy
Role: None. Looking for a team.
Impact: Caught nine balls (and looked terrible doing so) as a rookie. Played 26 snaps in Year 2. Bust.
Grade: F
11. (42) Denver — Eddie Royal
Role: Rotational receiver for Broncos
Impact: Burst onto the scene in electrifying fashion but then disappointed in a new offensive scheme in Year 2 (635 less yards). Looks a lot more in sync with things this year.
Grade: B+
12. (43) Minnesota — Tyrell Johnson
Role: Backup safety for Vikings.
Impact: Not terrible when starting for the Vikings last year, so it's a surprise to see him riding the pine this year to some degree. Does have his problems in pass coverage, however.
Grade: C
13. (44) Chicago — Matt Forte
Role: Lead back for Bears
Impact: Is best when out in space. Has struggled to carry the feature-back load and may be more suited to a third-down role to maximize skill set. Hard to evaluate how good he could be behind a better offensive line.
Grade: B
14. (45) Detroit — Jordon Dizon
Role: Starting linebacker currently on IR
Impact: Barely played over his first two years and then ended up on IR. Impossible to evaluate, though he didn't stick out for poor or good play.
Grade: D
15. (46) Cincinnati — Jerome Simpson
Role: Buried on the Bengals' depth chart at receiver
Impact: None. He had 13 snaps as a rookie, 18 as a sophomore and two this year. His agent needs to start working on his sales pitch because the Bengals don't see much in him.
Grade: F
16. (47) Philadelphia — Trevor Laws
Role: Nickel tackle and backup DT for the Eagles
Impact: His nine pressures on the quarterback already this year suggest he may have something to offer after disappointing in his first two seasons. Big year for him with set role and increased playing time.
Grade: C
17. (48) Washington — Fred Davis
Role: No. 2 tight end for the Redskins.
Impact: Anonymous as a rookie and but became an end-zone threat as sophomore with seven touchdowns. With Chris Cooley healthy you wonder about his role in the offense right now.
Grade: C+
18. (49) Philadelphia — DeSean Jackson
Role: Starting receiver for the Eagles
Impact: Big. It's not always good, mind you. Scares defenses rotten, but equally capable of producing some rotten play. Doesn't do enough of the small things the elite receivers do and drops too many balls (five already this year). Big impact on special teams as well.
Grade: A
19. (50) Arizona — Calais Campbell
Role: Starting end for the Cardinals
Impact: Burst onto the scene last year with a year of Pro Bowl quality. Excelled getting to the quarterback — six more quarterback pressures than teammate Darnell Dockett. You question his consistency (like you do about so many Cardinals defenders).
Grade: A-
20. (51) Washington — Malcolm Kelly
Role: Injured reserve
Impact: Had his chance last year and didn't take it. Have injuries sapped all his speed and ability? Just hasn't worked out for him or the Redskins.
Grade: D-
21. (52) Jacksonville — Quentin Groves
Role: Linebacker for the Raiders
Impact: Found it tough going in his rookie year before being lost in the scheme changes at Jacksonville. Did produce one stunning game (versus Houston) but was unable to sustain it. Has been extremely unimpressive to date for the Raiders.
Grade: D
22. (53) Pittsburgh — Limas Sweed
Role: Injured reserve
Impact: Has struggled to adjust to the rigors of the NFL lifestyle. Rumored to have suffered from depression and just may not be mentally cut out for the NFL for all his physical talents.
Grade: F
23. (54) Tennessee — Jason Jones
Role: Starting defensive tackle for the Titans
Impact: Looked undersized in his rookie year before flashing some pass-rushing potential. Through the opening six weeks of 2010 has generated as much pressure as any other defensive tackle. Can he stay healthy?
Grade: A-
24. (55) Baltimore — Ray Rice
Role: Feature back
Impact: Huge. May have struggled while hurt this year, but was immense in 2009 when he was seventh in rushing and first in the passing game for a running back.
Grade: A+
25. (56) Green Bay — Brian Brohm
Role: Backing up in Buffalo
Impact: Initially this move saw people question the faith Packers management had in Aaron Rodgers. Imagine that. When he has had opportunities to play, he has struggled. That he was nowhere near the running for the Bills' quarterback job says it all.
Grade: F
26. (57) Miami — Chad Henne
Role: Starter for the Dolphins
Impact: Got his chance last year and didn't look back. Finished 17th in our passer rankings (one behind Matt Ryan) and is 14th this year. May never be elite but is better than average.
Grade: A
27. (58) Tampa Bay — Dexter Jackson
Role: Last seen trying out for a kick return role with the Giants
Impact: None whatsoever. Complete bust. Saw the field for six snaps and the Bucs decided they'd seen enough of him.
Grade: F
28. (59) Indianapolis — Mike Pollak
Role: Starting at right guard for the Colts
Impact: It seems like the Colts think he's destined to succeed. The truth is he's been pretty poor since the start, so much so that the Colts had to bench him. His run blocking especially has been terrible.
Grade: D-
29. (60) Green Bay — Patrick Lee
Role: Reserve defensive back
Impact: Finally saw some extended action in Week 5 this year and didn't look too out of place. Still buried down the depth chart and behind undrafted free agent rookies. Doesn't say a lot about the impact he has made.
Grade: D-
30. (61) Dallas — Martellus Bennett
Role: No. 2 tight end for the Cowboys
Impact: Hasn't become the mismatch in the passing game that we were led to believe he would be, but his impact in the running game shouldn't be underestimated. One of the league's better blocking tight ends.
Grade: B
31. (62) New England — Terrence Wheatley
Role: Somewhere lost on the Patriots' depth chart
Impact: Just hasn't seen much of the field and two new rookies have come in and replaced him. Yet to see any action this season and looks a long way from the field.
Grade: F
32. (63) NY Giants — Terrell Thomas
Role: Starter for the Giants
Impact: Extremely positive. Was our eighth-ranked corner in coverage in 2009 and ended the season with nine pass deflections. Tough start to this year though. Still, a home-run pick.
Grade: A+
Third Round
1. (64) Detroit — Kevin Smith
Role: Backup and occasional third-down back for the Lions
Impact: After making an instant impression injury curtailed career of Smith to the point the team invested a first-round pick in Jahvid Best. Has the tools to be a good third-down back.
Grade: B-
2. (65) St. Louis — John Greco
Role: Backup/rotational guard for Rams
Impact: Has played bit parts in all his years in the NFL and done enough to suggest he warrants more playing time. A good pass-protector, has improved his run blocking this year and could be in the mix for a starting spot.
Grade: C+
3. (66) Miami — Kendall Langford
Role: Starting defensive end for Dolphins
Impact: Positive from day one. Made an immediate contribution as a rookie and surpassed that with some excellent displays in 2009 where he ranked as our eighth 3-4 end. Would get even more credit if he was more consistent.
Grade: A+
4. (67) Carolina — Charles Godfrey
Role: Starting safety for the Panthers.
Impact: Really struggled as a rookie but improved to a serviceable level after that. He's nowhere near elite but there's a lot worse out there.
Grade: B-
5. (68) Atlanta — Chevis Jackson
Role: Just signed by the Jaguars
Impact: Cut by the Falcons after a disappointing two years. Initially looked a decent find in the slot, but struggled to get playing time when betters corners were brought in.
Grade: F
6. (69) San Diego — Jacob Hester
Role: Starting fullback for the Chargers
Impact: Regressed slightly last year and has been shaky this year. That classic ‘tweener who is caught halfway between running back and fullback, and thus won't consistently succeed as either.
Grade: B
7. (70) Chicago — Earl Bennett
Role: Third receiver for the Bears
Impact: Had a good year starting in 2009, picking up 717 yards and being impressive after the catch (forcing eight missed tackles). But he lost his starting spot as the Bears looked for something more. Offers something as a third receiver who may have a low ceiling but can produce.
Grade: B+
8. (71) Baltimore — Tavares Gooden
Role: Backup currently out injured for the Ravens
Impact: Once seen as the successor to Ray Lewis, Gooden played well when giving the opportunity to start in 2009 but is a tad injury-prone and lost his starting spot. Can he shake that tag?
Grade: B
9. (72) Buffalo — Chris Ellis
Role: Defensive end recently cut by the Bills
Impact: Not one you can really blame on regime change. Ellis couldn't get on the field in his two years and when he got a chance in Week 1, it never led to anything.
Grade: F
10. (73) Kansas City — Jamaal Charles
Role: Star component of backfield
Impact: Massive. Looked lost in the shuffle until midway through his second year, when he exploded onto the scene. A threat to break away every time he touches the ball, but also able to pick up yards after contact. Our top-ranked rusher last year and leading the way this year.
Grade: A+ (++)
11. (74) Carolina — Dan Connor
Role: Starting middle linebacker for Panthers (due to injury)
Impact: Connor slipped in the draft and looked lost amid a host of talented Panther linebackers. Then injury pushed him into the starting lineup and he's been phenomenal this year. As good a middle linebacker as there is in the league right now. Has to start when Davis returns.
Grade: A
12. (75) San Francisco — Reggie Smith
Role: Backup safety for the 49ers
Impact: None. Time and time again there's been a safety spot he could fight for and time and time again he's been overlooked. It's not even like he's a good special-teamer.
Grade: D-
13. (76) Kansas City — Brad Cottam
Role: Injured reserve/ PUP with the Chiefs
Impact: Recovering from neck surgery puts his career in jeopardy, but it's not like the Chiefs are missing out on much. He's been pretty irrelevant through his first two years.
Grade: D-
14. (77) Cincinnati — Pat Sims
Role: Backup/rotational tackle for the Bengals
Impact: Improved after a disastrous rookie year but was still pretty bad. Looks a tad better this year but nothing more than a backup.
Grade: C-
15. (78) New England — Shawn Crable
Role: Backup pass-rusher for the Patriots
Impact: Very little. Has only just started to see the field after injuries, but with so many pass-rushers already established ahead of him it's going to be tough to make an impression.
Grade: D
16. (79) Houston — Antwaun Molden
Role: Backup cornerback and special-teamer
Impact: Made an instant impact on special teams but has failed to make any in-roads to a starting place (or playing time) in a woeful Texans secondary. Apparently the Texans don't think he has it, as this year marks the second time two rookies have surpassed him on the depth chart.
Grade: D
17. (80) Philadelphia — Bryan Smith
Role: Cut by the Eagles and now on IR with the Jaguars
Impact: Showed some pass-rush chops with the Jags but lacks the durability to make an impact. That the Eagles gave up on him so soon says it all.
Grade: F
18. (81) Arizona — Early Doucet
Role: Third receiver for the Cardinals
Impact: Emerged in the 2009 playoffs in a way that made it easier for the Cards to trade Anquan Boldin away. Now as opportunity knocks, so does injury. Can't live off one game against Green Bay.
Grade: C+
19. (82) Kansas City — DeJaun Morgan
Role: Cut by the Chiefs. Cut by the Colts. Oh dear.
Impact: If you've been cut by two teams since 2008, you probably haven't done all that well. Essentially every time the Chiefs got him on the field he was one of the worst players on it.
Grade: F
20. (83) Tampa Bay — Jeremy Zuttah
Role: Backup guard/center for the Bucs
Impact: Lost his starting spot amidst suggestions of complacency. Excelled when given the chance as a rookie, but the full-time starting spot brought about many struggles. Gave up 34 quarterback pressures last year.
Grade: C
21. (84) Atlanta Falcons — Harry Douglas
Role: Third receiver for the Falcons
Impact: Made a nice start to life in Atlanta before his 2009 season prematurely ended with injury. Had a chance to stake a claim for a starting gig but failed with two drops and 45.8 percent of passes hauled in.
Grade: C
22. (85) Tennessee Titans — Craig Stevens
Role: Lead-blocking tight end for the Titans
Impact: Titans felt confident enough in his blocking to let Alge Crumpler go. Has not repaid this faith as of yet. The loss of Crumpler's blocking on the outside has hurt the Titans running game more than people seem to realize (though Stevens flashed some ability against the Giants).
Grade: C-
23. (86) Baltimore Ravens — Tom Zbikowski
Role: Deputizing for Ed Reed as Ravens' starting safety
Impact: Tough (make that impossible) displacing Ed Reed from the starting lineup, but when Zbikowski has had a chance he's proven himself more than capable.
Grade: B
24. (87) Detroit Lions — Andre Fluellen
Role: Backup defensive lineman for the Lions
Impact: Saw plenty of playing time last year, but didn't acquit himself all that well. Seems better suited to the backup role in a line that doesn't take many snaps off.
Grade: C
25. (88) Pittsburgh — Bruce Davis
Role: Somewhere on the Raiders' roster after being cut by the Steelers
Impact: Never saw a snap before being released by the Steelers. Found his way to the 49ers' practice squad before the Raiders poached him. Waste of a pick for Pittsburgh.
Grade: F
26. (89) Houston — Steve Slaton
Role: Kick-returner and third-choice running back
Impact: Excellent as a rookie (our fifth-ranked overall running back in 2008) but developed fumblitis the following year (a carryover from his college days). Good in space and could be suited to a third-down back role, but lost in running back shuffle in Houston. Still, great first year.
Grade: B
27. (90) Chicago — Marcus Harrison
Role: Part of Bears' defensive tackle rotation
Impact: Not much. Got his chance in 2009 and was pretty poor for the most part. Unable to get much going with his pass rush and handled in the run game. Not looking like a long-term prospect at this rate.
Grade: C-
28. (91) Green Bay — Jermichael Finley
Role: Starting tight end currently on injured reserve for the Packers
Impact: Massive. Really emerged last year as one of the most dominant receiving threats in the league from the tight end spot. Looked set to continue that this year before ending up on injured reserve. Not much of a blocker but sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth.
Grade: A+
29. (92) Detroit — Cliff Avril
Role: Starting left defensive end for the Lions
Impact: Good impression as a rookie followed by poor start to Year 2. Then he exploded at the back end of the season and earned his starter spot this year. So hot and cold at times.
Grade: A-
30. (93) Indianapolis — Philip Wheeler
Role: Starter at outside linebacker for the Colts
Impact: Looked solid when he got his chance as a two-down linebacker last year but hasn't built on that this season. Looks like he won't do much wrong or much right to this point. Is that enough?
Grade: B
31. (94) New England — Kevin O'Connell
Role: On injured reserve with the Jets. Before that, carrying a clipboard.
Impact: The Pats gave up on him, which, given their history with quarterbacks, doesn't say much for what they thought of him. Hard to imagine him making it in the league.
Grade: F
32. (95) New York Giants — Mario Manningham
Role: No. 3 receiver for the Giants
Impact: Made a big impact last year, being particularly nifty after the catch where he forced more missed tackles than any other receiver (18). If he could cut out the drops, he'd be a star, but won't get the targets his talents may deserve in New York.
Grade: A
33. (96) Washington — Chad Rinehart
Role: Backup for the Bills after being cut by the Redskins
Impact: When a team like the Redskins gives up on you (and we know how badly their line has struggled over the past two years), something isn't right. When he did see the field he wasn't terrible.
Grade: D-
34. (97) Cincinnati — Andre Caldwell
Role: Fourth receiver for the Bengals
Impact: Looked set for a bigger role in the offense after some big catches in 2009 sealed victories for the Bengals. Then they went out and paid some veteran receivers to relegate him down the depth chart. Not a bad find but hasn't made a strong enough impression.
Grade: B-
35. (98) Atlanta — Thomas DeCoud
Role: Starting safety for Falcons
Impact: Took his opportunity to start and finished ninth in our safety rankings for 2009. This year he's started off in a decent fashion and looks a solid all-around safety.
Grade: A-
36. (99) Baltimore — Oniel Cousins
Role: Backup offensive tackle for the Ravens
Impact: Baltimore would rather switch a guard to tackle than get Cousins on the field right now. If you saw him play against Pittsburgh last year, you'd probably do the same.
Grade: D
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