2014 NFL Draft Day Three Grades

Green Bay Packers A-

Aaron Rodgers is getting some more gifted pass-catchers this season, as the Packers drafted Davante Adams and TE Richard Rodgers on Friday before bringing in “local” Wisconsin Badgers standout Jared Abbrederis and talented small-school guy Jeff Janis yesterday. I still can’t believe Abbrederis was available in the fifth round, and I think he’s a big-time sleeper at wide receiver. The Packers also snagged uber-athletic edge rusher Carl Bradford, developmental Baylor CB Demetri Goodson, and decent Ohio State center Corey Linsley to add some competition for incumbent J.C. Tretter.

Detroit Lions A-

After last year’s draft that included the likes of Larry Warford and UDFA LaAdrian Waddle, there’s no question that Martin Mayhew and Brian Xander excel at identifying talent. After picking up Kyle Van Noy and center Travis Swanson on Friday, the Lions added some more quality prospects yesterday. Small-school guys Nevin Lawson and Larry Webster are two of the most intriguing players in the class, as Lawson gives the Lions more depth at CB, with Webster being a big upside guy at DE. Defensive tackle Caraun Reid was a standout at the Senior Bowl, and he was a top-notch selection for the Lions front office in the fifth round. Seventh-round BC kicker Nate Freese will compete for the starting gig, and sixth-round Notre Dame wide receiver T.J. Jones was a nifty addition to a Lions wide receiver corps that needed some depth and could even win WR3 duties.

Chicago Bears A

Like the Steelers, Phil Emery and the Chicago Bears saved their best for last, and I was a big fan of their decision to draft David Fales in the fourth round. I like him much more than McCarron, Mettenberger, Savage, Boyd, and a few other quarterbacks, and I think he will be one of the best backup QBs in the NFL. Fales excels under pressure, has a lightning-quick release, and is very accurate on short and intermediate throws. He has limited physical tools and McCarron-esque arm strength, but he is actually more accurate and a noticeably better decision-maker despite playing against weaker competition. The Bears decision to trade up for safety Brock Vereen should also be praised significantly, as Shane’s little brother received plenty of pre-draft buzz due to his versatility (can play CB or S), strength, speed, athleticism, ball skills, and smarts. Vereen has an outside shot at winning a starting job for the Bears at safety. Ka’Deem Carey has plenty of concerns, but he was a very productive back at Arizona and figures to be a quality RB2 behind all-purpose workhorse Matt Forte. Pat O’Donnell was easily the best punter in the class, and he should win the Bears starting gig without breaking a sweat. Not only did they use a sixth-round pick on the athletic punter (he ran a forty in the 4.6s), but he’s a pretty darn good one.

Minnesota Vikings B-

I’m not high on the players the Vikings took after their first two picks on the third day, but their first two picks were terrific. Antone Exum was a ridiculous steal in the sixth round, and the Virginia Tech product is one of the draft’s most intriguing players due to his versatility as a cornerback and safety. The Vikings needed a defensive back, and Exum helps fill that. David Yankey was the Vikings fifth-round selection, and the technician at guard from Stanford slid too far. The Vikings weren’t about to let him slide even more, and I think he has a good chance at starting over Charlie Johnson.