2014 NFL Draft First Round Grades
Green Bay Packers A
The Packers came into the draft with free safety as their biggest need, and they also had a sizeable need at LB with some weird rumblings about how they could take a wide receiver. They were able to net a top-notch safety, and it’s incredible to think that Ha Ha Clinton-Dix fell to them at 21. He’s a massive upgrade for the Packers, and it was a no-brainer selection for them, to be honest with you. One of the most versatile players in the class, Clinton-Dix looks like a safe pick on paper and is a big-time addition to a Packers secondary that received some horrific play at safety last year.
Detroit Lions C+
Drafting Eric Ebron at No. 10 was a decent pick overall, even if I would have rather taken Beckham Jr. or a cornerback. Ebron gives Joe Lombardi someone he can use as a Jimmy Graham, and the Lions should have one of the strongest tight end groups in the league next year in Ebron, Brandon Pettigrew, and Joseph Fauria. Although he has terrible hands and can’t block well, Ebron is a perfect “joker” tight end due to his athleticism, size, speed, and agility.
Minnesota Vikings A+
Not only were the Vikings able to trade down one spot before taking Anthony Barr at No. 9, but they were also able to swoop in and draft the most polished quarterback in the class with the last choice in the first round. If their offseason signings at corner pan out and Teddy Bridgewater (my top-ranked QB since I started caring about QBs in this year’s class, which is about a year) is as good as I think he is, then the Vikings will be very strong playoff contenders next season.
Chicago Bears B
There are plenty of people who believe Kyle Fuller is the best cornerback in the draft class, and he fits the Bears organization perfectly. No corner plays the run better than Fuller, and he tackles so well that he looks like a safety out there. Fuller is physical, possesses strong ball skills, is smart, displays sound technique, and he is so versatile that he can do just about anything you ask him to. Charles Tillman doesn’t have much time left in him, so Fuller could be a great heir apparent for “Peanut” in Chicago.
San Francisco 49ers A
I think Jimmie Ward qualifies as a mini-steal for the San Francisco 49ers at 30, and I think the Niners are going to play Ward as a slot corner at times next season. One of the draft’s most underrated players, Ward can excel in man or zone coverage, and he’s more physical than people think. I think the only reason why the Cardinals took Deone Bucannon over Ward is because they view Buc as a better scheme fit next to Tyrann Mathieu, because I’ve had Ward ranked as my No. 2 safety for quite some time. This marks the second straight year in which the 49ers have drafted a free safety, and they needed some secondary help after losing Tarell Brown this offseason and saving some cap by cutting veteran slot guy Charles Rogers. I think the 49ers will start Eric Reid and vet Antoine Bethea at safety this year with Ward mostly getting nickel corner time (like Mathieu last year) before ultimately moving to safety later on. Don’t sleep on this guy.
Arizona Cardinals C
I don’t think Bucannon is worth a first-round pick, but I’m not surprised that he made it into the first round due to all the buzz surrounding him in the pre-draft process. It seemed like every beat writer was saying, “Bucannon would be a good fit for our team, so I think we should definitely take him in the second round; it’s not worth it to reach for him in the first.” Well, the Cardinals decided to “reach” for him in the first, but I don’t think this qualifies as a reach if they like him enough. I had a second-round grade on Buc, who is a solid, well-rounded safety and can play at FS or SS. He’ll be the SS across from Mathieu, and he’ll be a good fit there next to one of last year’s top rookies. Edge rusher was the Cardinals biggest need coming into the draft, but safety was always a strong possibility in the first. I decided to bump up the Cardinals grade to a “C”, because they were able to trade down and secure some extra picks.
St. Louis Rams A
I thought the Rams should have drafted Mack at No. 2., but I’m not disappointed with their decision to pick up Greg Robinson despite their lack of need for an offensive tackle. It will be interesting to see how they shuffle their line next season after re-signing Rodger Saffold and drafting Robinson. The Rams get their “A” on the strength of the Aaron Donald pick, and it’s pretty ridiculous just how stacked the Rams defensive line is now. They have the insanely good Robert Quinn, the excellent Chris Long at the other DE spot, the talented Michael Brockers at DT, and now a guy with Geno Atkins upside starting next to Brockers.