If ESPN didn't have the time to scout each of these players (and hundreds more that they give lower grades to), then why did they do it?
You say they struggle to get the first round right, which they do in terms of placement, but they are very good about who the top 32 guys that will be drafted are.

Go back and take a look at ESPN's (It is actually Scout's Inc) history in the 6th round. It is pretty good. Your theory that they can't do it or aren't good at it is proven wrong by actual history of facts.

You don't think John Elway has spent time looking at film from potential picks in the 5th, 6th and 7th rounds? You don't think he has looked at which free agents he wants to bring in? You are very, very wrong. Scouts put together a board of who they like along with pretty much every everyone in the organization. Once that board is put in place the GM absolutely researches and watches film on each and every guy. The GM puts in hundreds of hours interviewing, watching film, watching the combine, and studying to figure who to draft.

If you think Ozzie Newsome turns to his scouts and says "who should we draft, I don't know anything about either of these guys" then you are mistaken.