2014 NFL Draft Day Two Grades

Green Bay Packers B-

Khyri Thornton was an interesting selection for the Packers, and he could turn into a quality successor to B.J. Raji. The Packers spent two picks on pass-catchers on the second day to try to give Aaron Rodgers even more weapons, and you can definitely count me in as a fan of Davante Adams. Both he and Derek Carr were actually limited by an unfavorable scheme at Fresno State, but both players still managed to shine because of their great talent. Adams is one of the best wide receivers in this class in one-on-one situations, and he has amazing body control. His hands, route-running, and speed all seem solid, and while he isn’t a sure thing, he has plenty of youth and upside. I like the pick. Richard Rodgers could be a solid move tight end at the next level, and he’ll enter the mix for the Packers. It’s difficult to accurately peg Rodgers, but this looks like a decent selection on paper.

Minnesota Vikings C-

Scott Crichton received plenty of buzz prior to the start of yesterday’s festivities, and the Minnesota Vikings added their second edge rusher of the draft after already taking Anthony Barr in the top ten. Crichton is a talented prospect who should have a solid career in the league, but I thought the Vikings should have went after a defensive back with one of their day two picks. Instead, they also decided to pull Jerick McKinnon in the third round. You know how there are developmental quarterbacks who are projects behind established starters? Well, that’s effectively what McKinnon will be for the Vikings behind Adrian Peterson, because he has plenty of talent, but the former read-option QB is ridiculously raw; he’s very much a boom-or-bust RB.

Detroit Lions A-

Once again, Martin Mayhew and Brian Xander make some more strong picks in the draft, and I’m a fan of their decision to move up for Kyle Van Noy. The BYU product will rejoin Ziggy Ansah, and he might have the highest football IQ of any front seven prospect in this year’s draft class. Van Noy’s all-around game will allow him to make a solid impact as a rookie at either OLB or DE, and he was worth trading up for. Meanwhile, Travis Swanson was my third-ranked center prospect in this year’s class, and he’s a solid player who will be the heir apparent to Dominic Raiola.

Chicago Bears C

The Chicago Bears decided to double up on defensive tackles on day two in an effort to beef thing up at the heart of their defense, but drafting two DTs may have been redundant. Will Sutton has great physical tools and could dominate in the NFL, but he’s an even more boom-or-bust version of Ra’Shede Hageman in some respects. Sutton could have trouble finding his niche- and his weight- in the NFL, but there’s no denying his ability to disrupt backfields when he’s at his best. Meanwhile, Ego Ferguson can plug up holes on the inside,and the Bears will hope that he can greatly help a run defense that was beyond anemic last year.