People love to know what the experts and analysts think of their team. There is no better example of that than the days after the NFL Draft when pundits take a first swipe at judging each team’s newest recruits.
NFL Draft grades: Looking at the 2012 NFC class, one year later
How did the 2012 draft pan out for the NFC teams?
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Last year’s draft class now has a full season under its belt. That gives us a chance to go back and take a look at how the initial impressions of the 2012 draftees stack up with their first year on the field.
Here is a look back at SB Nation’s 2012 draft grades for the NFC teams.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - B
Morris Claiborne had an up-and-down year, but he has a lot of promise. Tyrone Crawford remains a project and Danny Coale tore his ACL while on the practice squad. For the most part, this class is still in "wait and see" mode and hinges on Claiborne's development.
New York Giants - A-
It took a while for David Wilson to earn the coaches' trust, but once he did he showed the explosive playmaking ability that led the Giants to draft him No. 32 overall. With Ahmad Bradshaw out of town, the starting job is now Wilson's to lose. Rueben Randle showed some promise and is expected to be the No. 3 WR this season. Jayron Hosley picked up some starts towards the end of the season. Brandon Mosley was put on IR in the preseason, but he should be in the mix for the starting RT job.
Philadelphia Eagles - B+
Fletcher Cox got 5.5 sacks as a rookie and is considered one of the most promising DTs in the league. Nick Foles won the starting job late in the season, but with Chip Kelly in town his future is up in the air. Brandon Boykin contributed on special teams and is a solid nickelback at the moment.
Robert Griffin III is the type of cornerstone this franchise has needed for years. Many people questioned their decision to take a second quarterback, but Kirk Cousins proved to be a capable stopgap when RGIII injured his knee. Nobody else in this draft is worth mentioning yet, but RGIII alone makes it a major win for Washington.
NFC North
Chicago Bears - C-
Shea McClellin was considered a reach at the time, and he's done little to quiet the critics. There's talk of him possibly moving to linebacker. Alshon Jeffery flashed some talent but also dealt with injuries and penalty issues. He's the lone saving grace of an otherwise uninspiring draft for the Bears.
Detroit Lions - B-
Riley Reiff was eased into a role during his rookie year, but he's now expected to assume a full-time job with Gosder Cherilus and Jeff Backus gone. Ryan Broyles showed some promise before tearing his ACL in November. If healthy, he has a chance to get the No. 2 WR job after Titus Young imploded. Nobody else in this draft contributed anything of note.
Third-rounder Casey Hayward was a revelation for Green Bay, grabbing six interceptions and finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Nick Perry struggled with injuries and consistency while transitioning to the 3-4. Jerel Worthy tore his ACL in December and is not expected to be ready for 2013. The Packers went defense-heavy in this draft, but it hasn't all panned out yet.
Minnesota Vikings - A-
Matt Kalil was the smart pick and he'll be the anchor of that line for many years. Harrison Smith started all 16 games, racking up 104 tackles and three interceptions. Jarius Wright could be up for a bigger role with Percy Harvin gone. The Vikings got a lot of key contributors here.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - B-
Peter Konz struggled at right guard and the Falcons are expected to move him to center. Lamar Holmes was active for only two games, but he projects as the starting right tackle for now. Another one of those "jury still out" drafts.
Carolina Panthers - C+
This grade gets a bump for Defensive ROY Luke Kuechly, but the Panthers did little to address their defensive line issues. Amini Silatolu started 15 games at OG, but was one of the worst guards graded by Pro Football Focus. This was the last draft from former GM Marty Hurney, and for good reason. It's up to Dave Gettleman to right the ship this year.
New Orleans Saints - D-
Hamstrung by Bountygate penalties, the Saints had nothing to work with here. Nick Toon got injured in the preseason and missed the whole year. Akiem Hicks played sparingly, but he's expected to see more time as a nose tackle in the new 3-4 defense. This draft is just a total wash.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - A+
Mark Barron had 88 tackles and looks like he's worth the pick so far, but the real star of this draft is Doug Martin. The Bucs traded back into the first round to nab him, and he responded with 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lavonte David was another Week 1 starter who blossomed in his first year. With three solid starters in the first three rounds, the Bucs are big winners here.
NFC West
Michael Floyd didn't have much to do in his first year, but with a competent QB and new vertical offense, he should have a better chance to show his potential. Fourth- rounder Bobby Massie was thrown to the wolves on the offensive line. After a rough start, he looked like the team's best lineman. Speaking of "thrown to the wolves", let us never forget that Ryan Lindley was once a starting quarterback on a professional football team.
The 49ers made the Super Bowl in spite of their draft, not because of it. A.J. Jenkins was a non-factor, being active for only three games and not recording a single catch. LaMichael James was the only rookie who saw any significant playing time, and that was after a rash of injuries. It may or may not be a "redshirt" year for many of these guys, but so far it doesn't look good on paper.
Seattle Seahawks - A+
You may have heard of this Russell Wilson guy. He's pretty good. The Seahawks also got starter Bobby Wagner in the second, who finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Bruce Irvin was considered a reach, but he went on to get eight sacks and play a key role on a defense lacking in pass rush. Robert Turbin showed flashes of brilliance behind Marshawn Lynch and could be up for a bigger role next season. Grabbing two starters, including their franchise quarterback in the third round, Seattle hit this draft out of the park.
St. Louis Rams - B+
Janoris Jenkins fell to the second round due to character concerns. The Rams took a chance and were rewarded with four interceptions and four defensive touchdowns. Brian Quick and Chris Givens remain intriguing prospects. Givens topped 600 yards as a rookie, but Quick didn't see much playing time. Michael Brockers played well once he got on the field. Isaiah Pead should be up for a bigger role without Steven Jackson. This class has plenty of long-term potential.
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