When we handed out our 2008 NFL draft grades – each team got an incomplete — we mentioned that it makes more sense to go back and hand out grades from drafts three or four years ago.  Several readers and commenters challenged us to rewind to 2004 or 2005 and do just that, but we were too lazy.

Still, the arrest on Sunday of the No. 4 overall pick in 2005 has prompted us to go back to the first round from that year and ponder the curious crop of busts that emerged in the first 32 picks.  Let’s have a look:

1.  Alex Smith, quarterback, 49ers:  When the first overall pick is competing three years later with Shaun Hill and J.T. O’Sullivan for the starting job, that’s by definition a BUST.

2.  Ronnie Brown, running back, Dolphins:  After a so-so first year, Brown has been solid.  A torn ACL derailed his opportunity to have a strong third year.  Though he hasn’t lived up to the billing of the No. 2 overall pick, we’re not yet ready to call him a bust.  (But we could be after 2008.)

3.  Braylon Edwards, receiver, Browns:  Edward is becoming one of the best receivers in the league.  Clearly, not a bust.

4.  Cedric Benson, running back, Bears:  He’s been a disappointment on the field, and his arrest conjures memories of past incidents in college.  Without question, he’s a BUST.

5.  Cadillac Williams, running back, Buccaneers:  Williams made a huge splash as a rookie, but can’t stay healthy.  After rupturing a patellar tendon in 2007, he might not play again.  If he does, he might never be the same.  Based on his top-five selection, he’s a BUST.

6.  Pacman Jones, cornerback, Titans:  Do we even have to type the word?

7.  Troy Williamson, receiver, Vikings:  We once tried to throw Williamson a compliment, but he dropped that, too.  BUST.

8.  Antrel Rolle, cornerback, Cardinals:  When a cornerback might be shifted to safety at only age 25, it’s not because he’s a great cornerback.  BUST.

9.  Carlos Rogers, cornerback, Redskins:  He’s on the path to being declared a bust.  We’ll give him one more year.

10.  Mike Williams, receiver, Lions:  Maybe he wouldn’t have been a BUST if the Lions had made him an offensive lineman.

11.  DeMarcus Ware, linebacker, Cowboys:  A 2006 Pro Bowl + a 2007 Pro Bowl = not a bust.

12.  Shawne Merriman, linebacker, Chargers:  He could still be a bust if he gets suspended again for steroids (or blown up on a regular basis by a pint-sized running back); for now, though, Merriman is clearly not a bust.

13.  Jammal Brown, tackle, Saints:  The Pro Bowler in 2006 slipped a bit last year, and the Saints were rumored to be shopping him.  Still, he’s not a bust.

14.  Thomas Davis, safety/linebacker, Panters:  He’s not spectacular, but he started 16 games in 2007.  Not a bust.

15.  Derrick Johnson, linebacker, Chiefs:  Johnson made a splash as a rookie and hasn’t taken it quite to the next level in two years since, but he’s not a bust.

16.  Travis Johnson, defensive tackle, Texans:  When the biggest hit of your career is one that you unknowingly put on a quarterback’s head with your knee, you might be a redneck.  And a BUST.

We’ll do the back half of the round later.  If we remember.  For now, feel free to chime in on our thoughts regarding the first sixteen.