2014 NFL Draft Day Three Grades

Denver Broncos D

While the Denver Broncos made some phenomenal signings in undrafted free agency after the draft ended (Bryn Renner, Kapri Bibbs, and Shaq Barrett), but I was underwhelmed by their three picks yesterday. It’s difficult to be overly critical of an organization that usually hits home-runs with each of their picks, and they had strong hauls on the first two days. That said, Lamin Barrow starred on LSU’s defense last season and is an interesting piece of the puzzle at LB for the Broncos. Matt Paradis and Corey Nelson fill positions of need, and the latter is worth watching closely in camp.

San Diego Chargers C+

Tom Telesco hit the Jason Verrett and Jeremiah Attaochu picks out of the park in the first two rounds, and he added a few interesting pieces yesterday. Tevin Reese was a big-time deep threat at Baylor last season (not unlike Terrance Williams in that regard) who lacks polish, and he could make an impact in certain packages next season. Marion Grice makes sense as a returner, though he crowds the backfield even further. The Chargers needed a big body in run defense, and Arkansas State product Ryan Carrethers has a shot at establishing himself as that guy.

Oakland Raiders B

The Oakland Raiders were one of the biggest winners on the first two days of the draft after adding Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, and Gabe Jackson, and Reggie McKenzie continued his winning ways yesterday, especially at the cornerback position. I wasn’t a big fan of the Raiders picks on the defensive line, because while Justin Ellis will help as a backup, the Raiders didn’t need to double up due to their talent in place on the D-Line. In any case, that doesn’t mar the other picks the Raiders made, as Keith McGill was a great pick in the fourth round. Both he and the athletic T.J. Carrie bring some intriguing ability to the Raiders secondary, and it will be interesting to see how much they play as rookies. Jonathan Dowling might have been their best pick when factoring in value (McGill was the best overall), and the Raiders should pat themselves on the back for pouncing on the safety in the seventh.

Kansas City Chiefs B-

I really wanted to give the Chiefs a higher grade, but they aren’t doing Alex Smith any favors by not drafting a legitimate wide receiver. De’Anthony Thomas was a great player in college, but did they really need to take him in the fourth round? I mean, really? Maybe they wanted to replace Dexter McCluster, but why not add a legit wideout? There were still solid options left, but a part of me feels like I’m in the minority with my criticism of this pick. I do wonder, though, if all of this means the Chiefs are high on A.J. Jenkins and simply want to build their offense by getting more playmakers in space.

The other picks, however, were solid. Aaron Murray should have went a bit higher, and he makes perfect sense as Smith’s backup. Zach Fulton is a solid offensive lineman and a very good value in the sixth round, while McGill product Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is a big-time sleeper at tackle. Watch for him closely, because he has monstrous physical tools to make up for his status as one of the most raw offensive line prospects in the class.