Looking Back At My Draft Grades

It is difficult to really reflect on a draft until at least three years out, but we are going to try to look at my draft grades from last year in this post. All of my draft grades can be found before the section that I discuss so they are there for your reference.

AFC East
I gave the Bills a B for their draft class and I think that is a solid grade still today. They gave up way too much to move up to get Sammy Watkins in a deep receiver class. He was outperformed by Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Odell Beckham Jr. yet the Bills moved up to nab him and don't have a 1st rounder this year as a result. However, their pick of Seantrel Henderson was magnificient as I stated at the time.Henderson was picked in the 7th round and started all 16 games. Great value for Buffalo with that pick.
I said the Dolphins reached on Juwan James and James had a decent rookie season. He started all 16 games and turned out to be a solid round 1 selection or at least it appears that way right now. However, Billy Turner who I said was the Dolphins best pick, has yet to make a start. The draft class is still pretty weak, but James has been better than I thought. I would put their best pick as Jarvis Landry if I were filling this out today.
The Patriots won the Super Bowl and had a decent draft class. I gave them a D+ which was probably a bit harsh. However, I said their best pick was Bryan Stork which is not really arguable. Stork was a starter for the Pats at Center and a key piece of the Super Bowl run. The real value in this class will be decided though when Brady hangs up his cleats and it becomes Garoppolo's team.
Finally, I raved about the Jets class and especially Calvin Pryor. He was good, but not great and was not the defensive rookie of the year as I imagined. However, he still has a lot of potential and I am excited about that pick still. Not much else came out of this draft class though and I think I may have been a little too bullish about it.

AFC North
The Baltimore Ravens had one of the best drafts around. I firmly stand by the fact that their draft was quite good. Timmy Jernigan who was their best pick according to me had a fine rookie season.Terrance Brooks was playing well prior to his injury. Brooks and Jernigan were not full time starters as expected, but great picks. CJ Mosely was a starter as expected and performed even better than I thought he would. Mosely had 133 tackles and was the runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl. My most accurate prediction about the draft for the Ravens though was that undrafted free agent James Hurst was an absolute steal. If they re-did the draft he would go in the first 15 picks. Hurst was the starting left tackle for the Ravens and on one of the best lines in the entire NFL. Hurst was a superstar all year for Baltimore.
Hurst's college teammate Russell Bodine was the best pick for the Bengals as I stated last year. Bodine was a 16 game starter for Cincinnati and helped lead them to the playoffs. Eventhough their 1st round pick provided very little last year, Cincinnati had immediate returns from this class that rivals any team. Jeremy Hill was great for the Bengals and I'd rate this draft even higher if I did it today. However, I still hate the AJ McCarron pick.
The Browns draft was worse than I thought. I had it at a C+, but I'd change it to a D- today. It didn't swing the right way and Johnny Manziel was an absolute disaster as predicted. They also did not keep either of the Noles that they signed. The good news for Cleveland is that they got great value out of signing the undrafted Connor Shaw.
As always, the Steelers had a very solid draft. Their best pick was Martavis Bryant not Stephon Tuitt as I predicted. Well that is for last year at least, Tuitt could develop into quite the player. During the 2014 season though, Bryant caught 8 touchdowns. He wasn't selected until the 4th round either. Their season went as I expected out of their draft picks, just very solid all around. Nothing spectacular, but quite solid.

AFC South
I had the Houston Texans draft listed as being spectacular and Louis Nix was a big reason why. However, Nix ended up having his 3rd knee surgery and did not play a game. It appears that NFL teams did their homework with Nix and his knee and that is why he fell. Jadeavon Clowney's injury also impacted this draft class a great deal, but it was a solid class. The book is still open on what Tom Savage can do, Sua Filo looks like he can be a decent guard, CJ Fiedorowicz caught a TD, Alfred Blue had a 100 yard game and 3 touchdowns, and Jay Prosch had 5 starts.
Donte Moncrief does seem to be the best player in what was a weak draft for the Colts. Jonathan Newsome and Jack Mewhort were also solid as rookies. However, there is nothing spectacular in this class by any means.
Telvin Smith was not only the best pick by the Jaguars, but the best pick of the entire draft. What incredible value Smith provided and I would bump up their entire draft because of it. Telvin Smith had 104 tackles in what was a spectacular rookie season. Blake Bortles still has plenty of time to develop and has 3000 yards passing, but didn't do anything special as a rookie. The second best pick the Jaguars had was another ACC guy in Luke Bowanko. The Virginia product started 14 games for the Jags and did a good job at center. That was an impressive class the Jags had.
Taylor Lewan disappointed for the Titans and only started 6 games. He leaves a lot to be desired on the line and it looks like I may have overrated the youngster. If not for finding a solid QB in the 6th round this draft would have been a disaster. The emergence of Zach Mettenberger as the starter could save this class. Mettenberger had a QB rating of 83.4 last season and will likely be the Titans starter in 2015.

AFC West
I think the Broncos had a quite weak draft and stand by my below average grade. Roby was solid, but the rest was disappointing. Wasting a 2nd rounder on Cody Latimer with all the depth at WR in the last draft was a huge miscalculation. He was not and is not a top 15 receiver in that draft for me. How did he go in Round 2?
De'Anthony Thomas only got 14 rushing attempts in 2014, but turned those attempts into 113 yards and just may have been the Chiefs top pick in 2014. The biggest reason I believe that has nothing to do with Thomas and more to do with the junk around him.
Khalil Mack had a really solid rookie season for Oakland, but not a top 5 season. He was not their best pick as I stated. It appears that they may have found their QB though which skyrockets this class. Derek Carr threw for 3200 yards and 21 touchdowns and appears to be a solid guy for Oakland. If Carr turns into a franchise QB, than this class was fantastic. Either way, he appears to be the 2nd best QB of this class (some say the best) and was great value in the 2nd round. Carr was easily their best pick. The Raiders also found a starting guard in Gabe Jackson. Solid draft from Oakland especially if Carr and Mack pan out.
I raved last year about the Chargers selection of Jeremiah Attaochu. He had a great debut as well, but then virtually disappeared the remainder of the season. Quite disappointing. Jason Verrett likewise did nothing as a rookie. It is hard to give a team an above average grade when their first two picks do virtually nothing over the season. This draft class as far as production was probably the worst as rookies. I gave them a B, but they were awful. Hopefully, they produce more this season for the sake of their fans.

NFC East
Zach Martin being picked by the Cowboys allowed them to have the best offensive line in the entire NFL and helped them win the division. It was a fantastic selection as I pointed out at the time. As a whole I was unfair to the rest of this draft because the trade to get Demarcus Lawrence was so bad. It was just that bad. Each of the picks they traded to get up to take Lawrence are and will continue to be better pros than him. However, this was a solid draft in some spots. I vastly underrated Anthony Hitchens who had a decent rookie season for one.
When the Giants selected Odell Beckham Jr., I stated that he would be one of 4 fantastic rookie receivers along with Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Sammy Watkins. It seemed to me that picking between them was like splitting hairs and I was right about that. Each was quite productive, but it was Beckham that was Rookie of the Year. He was also the guy that ended up with one of the best catches in NFL history. You won't remember much else about that Giants class, but you can't complain about the Beckham pick.
Marcus Smith compiled 0 stats for the Eagles in 2014 so based on last year it is difficult to justify him as being the best pick by the team. It seems though that it was just a weak team draft overall. The bright spot had to be Jordan Matthews and his 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. Matthews will likely be the Eagles #1 WR in 2015.
Although I would say it was a poor roster decision Morgan Moses only started 1 game in 2014. Based on that season, it is difficult to justify him as their best pick. I would have to say that Bashaud Breeland was the top Redskins rookie. Breeland played a pretty darn good corner for Washington and was a great pick in the 4th round. I talked about how I liked that pick at the time, but I thought the Moses pick was slightly better. I may have slightly overrated this class, but I still have high hopes for Moses and stand by the fact that Breeland and Seastrunk were fantastic selections.

NFC North
The Chicago Bears had a solid draft last year and I predicted that it would be that way. Their top pick according to me was Brock Vereen and he had a solid rookie season. Vereen ended up starting 4 games and made some plays for the Bears as their 4th round pick. Their first round pick Kyle Fuller was also quite good and he was able to make 14 starts. Fuller played a solid corner for the Bears last season. Charles Leno also got a start for the Bears despite being a 7th round selection.
I thought Travis Swanson would start from Day 1 and was a fantastic selection for Detroit. He was a solid selection in round 3, but he made 5 starts and not 16 as I anticipated. Ebron was a bit of a reach and did not produce much. It will be interesting to see what he does in the future. I had Detroit's draft at a C- and that seems about right. With Swanson's struggles I think my assessment is even more accurate that this draft was below average.
I raved about the Packers selection of Jared Abbrederis in Round 5, but he played 0 snaps in 2014. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was a solid pickup and made an immediate impact as expected. Richard Rodgers proved to be good value as I said and his 2 touchdown grabs as a rookie to go with 5 starts show signs of promise. Linsley was even better value as a 16 game starter out of Round 5. The C proved to be the strongest pick of the draft to date. I also stated Bradford was good value and he accumulated no stats
The Vikings draft depends on the success of Tedy Bridgewater, but the early returns are good and they got him at a great spot. David Yankey was not their best pick based on early returns as he didn't see the field. McKinnon got lots of PT early because of the Adrian Peterson disaster last year. Anthony Barr had a very solid rookie season just as expected.

NFC South
I gave the Falcons a top 10 draft grade because overall they picked quite well. Jake Matthews was the safest pick in the draft as I said at the time and started 15 games. He will be a great tackle for them for years to come and was clearly their top selection. Their second pick Ra'Shede Hageman was a huge disappointment in year 1 though and had virtually 0 production. Former FSU RB Devonta Freeman played in all 16 games and caught a TD, as well as rushing for a TD. Freeman has a bright future in Atlanta. Prince Shembo started 3 games at LB and recorded 59 tackles as a high value 4th rounder.
At pick 28 Kelvin Benjamin was the best value in Round 1. Well unless Tedy Bridgewater develops that is. Benjamin had 78 catches for 1,008 yards and 9 touchdowns despite erratic quarterback play. He proved what I was saying about the top receivers having very little seperating them and was tremendous value for Carolina. Kony Ealy had 4 sacks and an INT and looks to gain even more playing time in 2015. Trading down to get him was a fantastic idea. 3rd round pick Trai Turner had 9 starts. 4th round safety Tre Boston had 5 starts. 5th round corner Bene Benwikere had 6 starts. The majority of their selections ended up starting which is why this draft was rated in the top 3. I'd go so far as to say because this team easily had the best draft in the division they were able to repeat as NFC South Champs. The rookies made the difference in the division race.
Before injury himself for the season, Brandin Cooks may have been on pace for a Rookie of the Year campaign. The future is bright for Cooks. I said though that New Orleans' best pick was Ronald Powell the former Gator linebacker. Powell only recorded 2 tackles and showed why you should never trust a UF football player. Other than Cooks this draft had zero production and through year 1 would have to be graded lower than the C+ grade I gave it.
Finally, Jameis Winston's future home in Tampa. Mike Evans did not disappoint at all in his rookie season. He was as good as I said he was and caught 12 TD passes. Evans also had 68 catches for 1,051 yards. Not only was he the Bucs top choice, but he may have been the best receiver in a loaded class. Sefarian Jenkins caught 2 TDs and shows promise. I was also intrigued by Charles Sims who provided very little help. In 2014 the Bucs did nothing to address their weaknesses along the offensive line or at QB and it showed. However, that lack of addressing QB will work to their advantage when they select Mr. Winston at the end of the month.

NFC West
Not taking Bridgewater in Round 1 was a colossal mistake for the Arizona Cardinals. Had Tedy been the QB and not Ryan Lindley, they would have won the Super Bowl IMO. Pittsburgh State receiver John Brown did have a solid rookie year to save a weak draft for the Cardinals. He had 48 catches for 696 yards and 5 touchdowns.Bucannon had a decent rookie season in being selected over Bridgewater as he had 9 starts. However, he wasn't the impact in Round 1 that several other players could have been. This draft goes down as a major missed opportunity for Arizona.
I said that I thought the 49ers reached in each of the 1st two rounds. Their first pick Jimmie Ward spent the majority of the year injured and confirmed my suspicions that he was a reach. Carlos Hyde will be the top back in San Francisco and I like that he is in fold, but I still think it was a reach. The reason I say it was a reach is I hate when backs are selected before round 3 unless it is an absolute game changer like Adrian Peterson. Carlos Hyde is not that level in my opinion. I thought that Marcus Martin was their best pick and moving forward that appears to be true. Martin started 8 games and the best competition he had for their top pick was Chris Borland who just retired.
The Seattle Seahawks had one of the worst drafts last year according to my grades, but they performed better than I thought in year 1. Seattle of course was still able to make the Super Bowl for 1. While I was right that Richardson was an awful selection, this class had several contributors. Justin Britt was a 16 game starter on the offensive line and he was selected in Round 3. However, their top pick according to me in Cassius Marsh only recorded 5 tackles in his rookie season.
Finally, comes the St. Louis Rams who I said had a top 3 draft. This draft looks like the very best after a year. The Rams got 12 starts out of Greg Robinson. Aaron Donald was Defensive Rookie of the Year. LaMarcus Joyner had 40 tackles and a start in the defensive backfield. Tre Mason had 765 yards and 4 touchdowns and looks like the back of the future. EJ Gaines had 15 starts despite only being a 6th round selection. Gaines looks like one of the best values of the entire draft following a tremendous rookie season and is St. Louis's best pick from last year's draft. None of the 7th round selections worked out, but the Rams picked up 5 starters for 2015 in this draft. The team did a great job.

Now, I will give some input on this draft and especially its top player as this year's draft approaches in the coming weeks.

-Noland

NFC North Draft Grades

Chicago Bears

1(14) Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)

2(51) Ego Ferguson (DT, LSU)

3(82) Will Sutton (DT, Arizona State)

4(117) Ka’Deem Carey (RB, Arizona)

4(131) Brock Vereen (SS, Minnesota)

6(183) David Fales (QB, San Jose State)

6(191) Pat O’Donnell (P, Miami)

7(246) Charles Leno (OT, Boise State)

Best Pick: Brock Vereen

Brock Vereen is the younger brother of NFL runningback Shane. Not the best indicator of success, but seeing the NFL bloodlines does not hurt. Again, not a huge point of emphasis, but Vereen had the 2nd best time among all safeties in the 3 cone drill, the 20 yard shuttle, and the 40 yard dash. Additionally, Vereen did the most bench press reps among all safeties at the combine. All that tells you is that Vereen is strong and fast which is verified on tape. Watching the tape also shows you that he is one of the hardest hitting safeties in this draft. He won't be a starter right away and needs some work, but this is great value in Round 4. Vereen will be an impact player for the Bears down the road.

Summary: Eventhough the Bears signed Jay Ratliff in Free Agency they needed depth at defensive tackle. Ferguson provides that depth. Vereen and Carey were great value picks in the 4th round. Like I said, Vereen could start early and will eventually be an impact player. Kyle Fuller is a really good cover corner and the Bears didn't reach for anybody or have any truly bad selections. Nice job by Chicago.

Grade: B+

Undrafted Free Agents
Cody Booth (OT, Temple)
James Dunbar (OG, TCU)
Brandon Dunn (DT, Louisville)
Ryan Groy (OG, Wisconsin)
Christian Jones (LB, Florida State)
Devekeyan Lattimore (LB, South Florida)

Jordan Lynch (RB, Northern Illinois)
Tana Patrick (LB, Alabama)
Lee Pegues (DT, East Carolina)

I love the Dunn signing. He is another guy that provides depth and is a great guy to take a shot on as an undrafted free agent. Jordan Lynch of course was the Heisman finalist QB that the Bears are gonna try as a runningback. He has a very slim chance of making the roster. Ryan Groy is another guy that has a shot to make this roster.
The linebackers will all have a shot to make the roster. Most likely to make the roster is Christian Jones. Before the season Jones was considered by some to be the most likely Seminole to go in the 1st round. His production did not match that, but he has loads of talent and is extremely versatile. Many teams will be disappointed that they passed on Christian when they see what he does for the Bears.

Detroit Lions

1(10) Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina)

2(40) Kyle Van Noy (LB, BYU)

3(76) Travis Swanson (C, Arkansas)

4(133) Nevin Lawson (CB, Utah State)

4(136) Larry Webster (DE, Bloomsburg)

5(158) Caraun Reid (DT, Princeton)

6(189) TJ Jones (WR, Notre Dame)

7(229) Nate Freese (K, Boston College)

Best Pick: Travis Swanson

One of the best, if not the best center in the draft. A starter from Day 1. Great in zone blocking schemes. Highly talented and a good worker. Solid fit for this offense. Great value pick in Round 3.

Summary: Swanson was a terrific pick in round 3. They reached on Van Noy though and its hard to justify a 1st round TE with the holes they had. This is a team that could have really benefited from trading down. I can't believe that they didn't address the secondary until a 4th round reach on Nevin Lawson. They got good value late with Jones and Reid who along with Swanson prevent this from being a bottom 5 draft.

Grade: C-

Undrafted Free Agents
Chad Abram (FB, Florida State)
Alex Bullard (OG, Tennessee)
Justin Couplin (S, William & Mary)

James Franklin (QB, Missouri)
Justin Jackson (LB, Wake Forest)
Cornelius Lucas (OT, Kansas State)
Gabe Lynn (S, Oklahoma)
Jacob Maxwell (TE, Louisiana-Lafayette)
DJ Morrell (OG, Old Dominion)
Andrew Peacock (WR, Appalachian State)
Mohammed Seasay (CB, Nebraska)

The best signing by far for the Lions and one of the best signings of this period was Gabe Lynn. This guy is a playmaker at safety which is the Detroit Lions' biggest position of need. Out of any team's undrafted free agents this is as likely as any to make the team. Lynn will make the team and likely have an impact this season. The Lions are so thin at safety, that Justin Couplin has a great chance to make it as well. These guys were very smart to sign with Detroit. Detroit probably should have added another corner though just to see if they could find a diamond in the rough to help the weak secondary. Seasay has a good chance to make the roster for that reason.
Chad Abram has a decent chance to make it depending on how Caldwell wants to use the fullback. If he uses the fullback like he did in Baltimore, then Abram makes it. However, if it's more like the fullback use in Indy, Abram will be squeezed off the roster.

Green Bay Packers

1(21) Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS, Alabama)

2(53) Davante Adams (WR, Fresno State)

3(85) Khyri Thornton (DT, Southern Mississippi)

3(98) Richard Rogers (TE, California)

4(121) Carl Bradford (LB, Arizona State)

5(161) Corey Linsley (C, Ohio State)

5(176) Jared Abbrederis (WR, Wisconsin)

6(197) Demetri Goodson (DB, Baylor)

7(236) Jeff Janis (WR, Saginaw Valley State)

Best Pick: Jared Abbrederis

If you watch the tape of Abbrederis against first round pick Bradley Roby, you will be shocked that Roby was a 1^st rounder and Abbrederis a 5^th. The Wisconsin WR absolutely destroyed Roby. Getting a guy this polished in the 5^th round is a big score for Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers. The fan base has to be jacked that they keep this guy in state.

Summary: This draft was just the typical above average draft. Very slightly above average. Clinton-Diz will make an immediate impact. Adams was a slight reach, but will be quality. Thornton was picked in a good spot. Rogers, Linsley, and Bradford are good values for where they got selected. As discussed Abbrederis is a steal at the point he was selected. The last two picks have great upside for their spot in the draft, but don’t expect impacts from them. Not a bad draft at all, but nothing spectacular.

Grade:  B-

Undrafted Free Agents
Denico Autry (LB, Mississippi State)
Jake Doughty (LB, Utah State)
Jayrone Elliot (LB, Toledo)
John Fullington (OL, Washington State)
Carlos Gray (DE, North Carolina State)
Adrian Hubbard (LB, Alabama)
Demetruce McNeal (FS, West Alabama)
Raijon Neal (RB, Tennessee)
Mike Pennel (NT, Colorado State)
Justin Perillo (TE, Maine)
LaDarius Perkins (RB, Mississippi State)
Chase Rettig (QB, Boston College)
James Sims (RB, Kansas)

Joe Thomas (LB, South Carolina State)
Wilson Van Hooser (WR, Troy)
Ryan White (CB, Auburn)

Thomas has good tackling ability and put up an impressive vertical jump score. Jayron Elliot led Toledo in sacks. James Sims put up terrific numbers at Kansas despite playing behind a terrible offensive line. McNeal was dismissed from Auburn University and ended up at West Alabama. Hubbard is a very talented kid from Alabama. Nothing else intriguing here for the Packers.

Minnesota Vikings

1(9) Anthony Barr (LB, UCLA)

1(32) Tedy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)

3(72) Scott Crichton (DE, Oregon State)

3(96) Jerick McKinnon (RB, Georgia Southern)

5(145) David Yankey (G, Stanford)

6(182) Antone Exum (CB, Virginia Tech)

6(184) Kendall James (DB, Maine)

7(220) Shamar Stephen (DT, Connecticut)

7(223) Brandon Watts (LB, Georgia Tech)

7(225) Jabari Price (DB, North Carolina)

Best Pick: David Yankey

Yankey could be an immediate starter for the Vikings. He is a beast in the middle of the offensive line and it is incredible that he was available in the 5th round. An awesome fit. This is one of the most physical players in the draft and the new coaching staff is all about that. This guy is one the Vikings just have to be thrilled about. Mike Zimmer is happy with this pick.

Summary: I talked about how Zimmer was happy with Yankey, but he likely is happy with the entire draft. This is a very quality draft by the Vikings. You have Yankey in the 5th round and Exum in the 6th providing tremendous value. In the 3rd you get Scott Crichton who some had as a 1st rounder and Jerick McKinnon. McKinnon of course was the Georgia Southern RB who had the game-winning touchdown against the Florida Gators. Georgia Southern beat the Gators without throwing a pass, which kind of shows you what McKinnon can do (or that the Gators are just THAT bad). Anthony Barr is a phenomenal pick and instant starter. Bridgewater I am mixed on, but they got him at a good spot.

Grade: B+

Undrafted Free Agents
Pierce Burton (OT, Mississippi)
Kain Colter (WR, Northwestern)
Rakim Cox (DE, Villanova)
Isame Faciane (NT, Florida International)
Donte Foster (WR, Ohio)
Matt Hall (OT, Belhaven)
Zac Kerin (C, Toledo)
AC Leonard (TE, Tennessee State)
Eric Lora (WR, Eastern Illinois)
Antonio Richardson (OT, Tennessee)
Tyler Scott (DE, Northwestern)
Jake Snyder (DE, Virginia)
Austin Wentworth (OG, Fresno State)
Dominique Williams (HB, Wagner)

Rakim Cox is the best of the group, but there is nothing here.

-Noland

NFC East Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys

1(16) Zack Martin (OT, Notre Dame)

2(34) Demarcus Lawrence (LB, Boise State)

4(119) Anthony Hitchens (LB, Iowa)

5(146) Devin Street (WR, Pittsburgh)

7(231) Ben Gardner (DE, Stanford)

7(238) Will Smith (LB, Texas Tech)

7(248) Ahmad Dixon (DB, Baylor)

7(251) Ken Bishop (DT, Northern Illinois)

7(254) Terrance Mitchell (DB, Oregon)

Best Pick: Zack Martin

This is the biggest no-brainer in the draft about best draft pick. The Cowboys resisted the urge to do something crazy and picked one of the safest guys in the draft. Martin has the Notre Dame school record for starts and may be the only guy in this draft that can play anywhere on the offensive line. He's durable as he never missed a game and started all 52. This guy was also dominant in the Senior Bowl during the entire week. The Cowboys could not have done much better.

Summary: If you take the Martin pick out of it, I hate what the Cowboys did in this draft. Cowboys fans should be furious. When your own front office is questioning whether another team beat you in a draft trade, there is a problem. I do not think Demarcus Lawrence comes close to the value that they traded to get him (Kony Ealy and Trai Turner). In fact, I think that Ealy and Turner will both be better pros than Lawrence. That is likely why the Cowboys questioned their move. The Panthers made a huge move and the Cowboys have to be disappointed in the return. Devin Street was good value in the 5th though. Really the Cowboys got nobody that can make an impact on this team other than Martin. Lawrence or Street could be decent role players, but in the deepest draft in my lifetime they got to get more. Especially a team like the Cowboys who are in such horrible salary cap position. I bump them up slightly for passing on Manziel and getting quality, but this was not a good draft for Dallas. It would surely have been an F if Dallas had got their wish and Ryan Shazier been available. Martin has a better pro career in his future than Shazier.

Grade: D

Undrafted Free Agents
Josh Aladenoye (OL, Illinois State)
Chris Boyd (WR, Vanderbilt)
Brian Clarke (OG, Bloomsburg)
JC Copeland (FB, LSU)
Andre Cureton (Cincinnati)
Casey Kreiter (LS, Iowa)
Cody Mandell (P, Alabama)
Glasco Martin (RB, Baylor)
Ben Malena (RB, Texas A&M)
Jordan Najvar (TE, Baylor)
Ronald Patrick (OG, South Carolina)
Jarrod Pughsley (OL, Akron)
Marvin Robinson (S, Ferris State)
Dontavis Sapp (LB, Tennessee)
Jocquel Skinner (DB, Bethel)
Keith Smith (LB, San Jose State)
Ryan Smith (S, Auburn)
Dustin Vaughan (QB, West Texas A&M)
L'Damian Washington (WR, Missouri)
Evan Wilson (TE, Illinois)
Joe Windsor (DE, Northern Illinois)

I like the Washington signing. He is better than the majority of players the Cowboys actually drafted. This guy is quality and adds depth to a weak WR crop that exists in Dallas. Dez Bryant is quite good, but I don't really like what else Dallas has. Ronald Patrick and Andre Cureton are good depth moves for the offensive line as well. I don't see any other players making the roster, but the Cowboys could really use it if they did.

New York Giants

1(12) Odell Beckham (WR, LSU)

2(43) Weston Richburg (C, Colorado State)

3(74) Jay Bromley (DT, Syracuse)

4(113) Andre Williams (RB, Boston College)

5(152) Nat Berhe (DB, San Diego State)

5(174) Devon Kennard (LB, USC)

6(187) Bennett Jackson (DB, Notre Dame)

Best Pick: Odell Beckham

Eli has to be thrilled with this pick. They get the best route runner in the draft and a guy that has sure hands. There were 4 wide receivers in this draft who I thought had all-pro potential and Beckham was one of them. He's not as big as Benjamin or Evans and not as fast as Watkins, but a better route runner than all and as good with his hands. All 4 will be studs and the Giants have got to be thrilled to have one.

Summary: The Giants had a very solid draft. This draft had a lot of quality picks and players who can contribute. Andre Williams is a workhorse back that they got in the 4th round. Richburg, Bromley, and Berhe all fell to provide great value. This was one of the better drafts and just below the top group. Great job by the Giants. They got a top 10 draft on their hands.

Grade: A-

Undrafted Free Agents
Justin Anderson (LB, Kansas State)
CJ Barnett (S, Ohio State)
Emmanuel Dieke (DE, Georgia Tech)
Dan Fox (LB, Notre Dame)
Thomas Gordon (S, Michigan)
Xavier Grimble (TE, Southern California)
Eathyn Manumaleuna (DT, BYU)
Kelcy Quarles (DT, South Carolina)
Kerry Wynn (DE, Richmond)

I like the Quarles signing as he was very underrated on that South Carolina front. He's great at getting into the opponents backfield. He needs to get better at making plays behind the line, but that is a skill that can develop.
I like the way that Manumaleuna plays the game. He has the desire and skillset to succeed in the pros. The one thing he needs to add is muscle and a lot of it. Manumaleuna needs to get stronger and fast to succeed.
Emmanuel Dieke is a guy I have seen play a lot the last three years and not once did he stand out or look impressive. He is an extreme longshot to make the roster. All the rest of these guys seem like longshots as well.

Philadelphia Eagles

1(26) Marcus Smith (DE, Louisville)

2(42) Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt)

3(86) Josh Huff (WR, Oregon)

4(101) Jaylen Watkins (CB, Florida)

5(141) Taylor Hart (DE, Oregon)

5(162) Ed Reynolds (DB, Stanford)

7(224) Beau Allen (DT, Wisconsin)

Best Pick: Marcus Smith

This was a solid, but unexciting pick towards the end of the 1st round. The reason he is their best pick is that he is a great scheme fit and they picked up extra picks. This guy was not anywhere close to the best player drafted in Round 1. However, the Eagles get extra picks in the process and he fits wonderfully in that defense. This pick is a win-win.

Summary: How they got Marcus Smith trading back and getting a great guy for their team is how it should be done. If you want a guy for your scheme take him when he holds value. Do not reach for a prospect. They got great value in Round 2 with Jordan Matthews as well. Jaylen Watkins will be a good special teams player and can develop into a solid nickel corner. I like a few guys in this draft, but no dominant players.

Grade: B-

Undrafted Free Agents
Josh Andrews (OG, Oregon State)
Blake Annen (TE, Cincinnati)
Karim Barton (OG, Morgan State)
Kadron Boone (WR, LSU)
Trey Burton (TE, Florida)
David Fluellen (RB, Toledo)
John Fulton (CB, Alabama)
Kevin Graf (OT, Southern Cal)
Donald Hawkins (OL, Texas)
Henry Josey (RB, Missouri)
Wade Keliikipi (NT, Oregon)
Daytawion Lowe (S, Oklahoma State)
Taylor Martinez (WR/DB, Nebraska)
Frances Mays (DE, Florida A&M)
Quron Pratt (WR, Rutgers)
Carey Spear (K, Vanderbilt)

Trey Burton is a sleeper to contribute in this offense. Chip Kelly is an offensive genius and a guy as versatile as Burton could create several matchup problems. I say he makes the team and Kelly finds a creative way to utilize his talents.
Josh Andrews was a good depth move.
Henry Josey is a guy that I am still quite surprised he wasn't picked. This guy was one of the fastest runningbacks in the nation last year and ran rather effectively. Although he is a smaller back, he simply gets the job done.
Kevin Graf also has a great chance at earning a spot as does Donald Hawkins. Hawkins is a better fit at guard, but played tackle in college.
Keliikipi is probably the most likely of this group to find a roster spot. He has the Oregon connection to Kelly, but more importantly is the best player of this group.
Taylor Martinez is the guy who was once thought of as a serious Heisman contender that never lived up to the potential. He is getting a shot to play at the NFL Level for the Eagles, but not as a QB. Much like Eric Crouch before him, Martinez is getting a shot at WR and DB. This should be an interesting one to watch with this well known longshot.

Washington Redskins

2(47) Trent Murphy (DE, Stanford)

3(66) Morgan Moses (OT, Virginia)

3(78) Spencer Long (OG, Nebraska)

4(102) Bahaud Breeland (CB, Clemson)

5(142) Ryan Grant (WR, Tulane)

6(186) Lache Seastrunk (RB, Baylor)

7(217) Ted Bolser (TE, Indiana)

7(228) Zach Hocker (K, Arkansas)

Best Pick: Morgan Moses

Moses had a first round grade on many boards. While I had him going in the 2nd round, he had a 1st round grade for me as well. I had him rated higher than some guys who were actually taken in the 1st round also. This was a great pick for the Redskins who didn't have many. I thought Washington would take him in the 2nd, so to get him in the 3rd has got to make the team ecstatic.

Summary: This was another above average draft. I really liked this draft outside the last two picks. The Moses pick was fantastic as was the other ACC guy they got. Bashaud Breeland was a projected 2nd rounder who fell to the Skins in the 4th. This guy is better than the guy they got in the 2nd last year (Amerson). Spencer Long is a solid pick and Mayock thinks Washington will start him immediately. I wasn't as high on him, but Mayock usually knows his stuff. I thought he was drafted around where he should have been picked. Trent Murphy being available in the 2nd round had to be very exciting for the Skins as well. Murphy instantly helps the Redskins put pressure on the Quarterback. Lache Seastrunk in Round 6 is ridiculous as well. That guy is a burner and a great fit in Jay Gruden's offense. The 1-2 punch of Morris and Seastrunk will be great. Helu is not going to see nearly as many carries next year.

Grade: B+

Undrafted Free Agents
Justin Blake (S, Hampton)
JR Carr (LS, Tennessee)
Chris Davenport (DT, Tulane)
Cody Hoffman (WR, BYU)
Rashad Lawrence (WR, Northwestern)
Silas Redd (RB, Southern Cal)
Tommy Rees (QB, Notre Dame)
Bryan Shephard (CB, North Dakota State)
Robert Thomas (DT, Arkansas)

I love the Davenport signing. I say he sticks with the team and by doing so gives the Redskins much needed depth on the defensive line. Thomas could do the same, but I think Davenport is the better player.
Lawrence doesn't have the elite speed you look for in an NFL receiver, but he runs fantastic routes. He also is fearless across the middle and has good size. This guy is one that can make the team.
Silas Redd of course is the player who transferred to USC from Penn State following the scandal. However, in the new offense and tougher conference, Redd was not as successful. The fact that he was more successful against weaker teams and a weaker schedule should be somewhat alarming.
Bryan Shephard isn't very physical on the outside, but he could help and would be great on special teams.

-Noland

AFC West Draft Grades

Today, we wrap up the AFC portion of the draft with a recap of the AFC West.

Denver Broncos
1(31) Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State)
2(56) Cody Latimer (WR, Indiana)
3(95) Michael Schofield (OT, Michigan)
5(156) Lamin Barrow (OLB, LSU)
6(207) Matthew Paradis (C, Boise State)
7(242) Corey Nelson (OLB, Oklahoma)

Best Pick: Lamin Barrow

Most people would go with Roby because of the fit for the Broncos defense. However, Roby has gotten destroyed against good competition in his career and I believe he will flop. Wisconsin tore Roby a new one in that game this past year. Therefore, I pick the one guy who I think will eventually be a starter.Picking Barrow in Round 5 is tremendous value as he is a guy that can start as a WILL linebacker in a 3-4 defense right now. The only problem with that is that the Broncos employ a 4-3 defense. Although he doesn't fit as well in the 4-3 he still holds great value in this round though. His speed is what sets him apart from some other at the position. This guy will be a quality player for a while.

Grade: D+

Summary: You'd like to get a few starters out of each draft. As I said, I don't see any quality starters for the future other than Barrow. Schofield could be as well, but I don't see it from the other guys. The one thing I will say is that the Broncos drafted positions of need which helps their grade to a D+. Otherwise, I would probably give this draft a D-. Not many impact players if any in the Broncos group. From a loaded draft, this club did not pick up much. Latimer was a major reach in my opinion. However, lucky for him he gets to play with Peyton Manning and get some very inflated stats because of it.

Undrafted Free Agents
Kenny Anunike (DE, Duke)
Shaquil Barrett (OLB, Colorado State)
Kapri Bibbs (RB, Colorado State)
Isiah Burse (WR, Fresno State)
Steven Clark (P, Auburn)
Brennan Clay (RB, Oklahoma)
Mister Cobble (DT, Kentucky)
Bennie Fowler (WR, Michigan State)
Greg Hardin (WR, North Dakota State)
Greg Latta (DE, Purdue)
Bryn Renner (QB, North Carolina)
Aslam Sterling (OT, Kansas)
Jordan Sullen (CB, Tulane)
Juwan Thompson (RB, Duke)
Louis Young (CB, Georgia Tech)

I love the Barrett pickup as Barrett definitely should have been drafted. Head-to-head against Alabama and Cyrus Kouandjo, Barrett picked up 1.5 sacks. He had 12 sacks on the season and is a very solid pass rusher. This was one of the better free agent pickups.
Bryn Renner has a lot of upside following his injury plagued 2014. He was considered by many to be the best QB in the ACC heading into the season.
I am a big fan of the Juwan Thompson pickup. He is a big back and the Broncos are small at this position. Thompson is a grinder and his 225 lb frame will do some damage in the Denver running game.
Louis Young is fast, but he can't tackle.
The other players are intriguing, but don't see any diamonds in the rough here.

Kansas City Chiefs
1(23) Dee Ford (DE, Auburn)
3(87) Phillip Gaines (CB, Rice)
4(124) De'Anthony Thomas (RB, Oregon)
5(163) Aaron Murray (QB, Georgia)
6(193) Zach Fulton (OG, Tennessee)
6(200) Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff (OT, McGill(Canada))

Best Pick: De'Anthony Thomas

This is one of the biggest reasons I said that you can wait for a runningback in the draft. The Oregon Ducks got who I believe is the most pro ready runningback in round 4 of the draft. He is the perfect complement/backup to Jamal Charles. Drafting Thomas allows the Chiefs to not put as much wear and tear on Charles and should keep Charles healthy. After losing McCluster, this was a big deal that the Chiefs got Thomas. De'Anthony Thomas can do everything McCluster did, but a bit faster. He will instantly be one of the fastest runningbacks in the NFL. If you look at the data, 40 yard time only positively correlates with one position and that is runningback. Drafting the fastest runningback makes a lot of sense for Kansas City.

Grade: C-

Summary: I like the Thomas pick a lot, but the Chiefs reached in other parts of the draft. Dee Ford will be a productive player and while most say that was a reach, I am ok with that pick. Picking the developmental Gaines in Round 3 was a reach. Aaron Murray should have been a 7th rounder or undrafted and he got picked in the 5th. Fulton is another guy I wouldn't have drafted. Admittedly, I know nothing about the kid from Canada. I've seen zero film. However, Mayock seems to like the guy. If he hits as a 6th rounder it changes the outlook of this draft a lot.

Undrafted Free Agents
James Baker (RB, Idaho)
Turvon Brandin (CB, Monmouth)
Stetson Burnett (OG, Tulsa)
Kenny Carter (DE, Auburn)
Joey Demartino (RB, Utah State)
Brandon Denmark (LB, Florida A & M)
Deron Furr (S, Fort Valley State)
Ben Gottschalk (OT, SMU)
Marcus Heit (LS, Kansas State)
Jon Jennings (QB, Saginaw Valley State)
Ben Johnson (LB, Tennessee-Martin)
Vincent Jones (C, Utah)
Cole Pensick (C, Nebraska)
Kacy Rogers (S, Miami)
Cairo Santos (PK, Tulane)
Kona Schwenke (DL, Notre Dame)
Daniel Sorenson (S, BYU)
Daryl Surgent (WR, Louisana-Lafayette)
David Van Dyke (DB, Tennessee State)
Charcandrick West (RB, Abilene Christian)
Albert Wilson (WR, Georgia State)

I'll be honest and say that out of every undrafted free agent group I know the least about these guys. Those guys I do know like, Kacy Rogers of Miami, do not impress me at all. On paper this group is not impressive. However, there may be a player in here that ends up being quite good.

Oakland Raiders
1(5) Khalil Mack (OLB, Buffalo)
2(36) Derek Carr (QB, Fresno State)
3(81) Gabe Jackson (OL, Mississippi State)
4(107) Justin Ellis (DT, Louisiana State)
4(116) Keith McGill (CB, Utah)
7(219) Travis Carrie (CB, Ohio)
7 (235) Shelby Harris (DE, Illinois State)
7(247) Jonathan Dowling (SS, Western Kentucky)

Best Pick: Khalil Mack

Everyone expected the Raiders to be the Raiders and do something like draft Johnny Manziel. However, the Raiders did the smart thing and drafted the best player available on their board in the 1st round. Mike Mayock said he will certainly be an all-pro and he definitely has that potential. I wouldn't say its a lock, but there isn't a safer pick in this draft than Mack other than Jake Matthews. This was a very smart pick that fills a huge need. Mack could easily turn into the leader and cornerstone of this defense.

Grade: B-

Summary: The Mack pick was smart and at least they waited until Round 2 to pick a QB. That being said, I am not a big fan of the QBs in this draft and a team like the Raiders need help elsewhere. I personally would have gone wide receiver in round 2 as the Raiders desperately need help there and there were several options available. Derek Carr could be good, but I just don't see it happening. The Raiders already have 3 QBs better than Carr will ever be in my opinion. Matt McGloin, Terrell Pryor, and Matt Schaub are all better than Derek Carr. It is possible I am wrong, but they need a receiver more. Who are all these QBs going to throw to? James Jones was a good signing and helps a bit and Moore is a solid starter, but they don't have much beyond that. They could be counting on undrafted rookie Mike Davis in the slot. Other than the Carr pick, I love what the Raiders did. Gabe Jackson was great value in round 3 and I look for him to be an instant starter.

Undrafted Free Agents
George Atkinson III (RB, Notre Dame)
DJ Coles (WR, Virginia Tech)
Mike Davis (WR, Texas)
Carlos Fields Jr. (LB, Winston-Salem State)
Danny Kistler (OT, Montana)
Rob Smith (DT, Jackson State)
Karl Williams (FB, Utah)
Jake Murphy (TE, Utah)
Noel Grigsby (WR, San Jose State)
Scott Simonson (TE, Florida International)

Mike Davis is the best of this group and he should have been drafted. Again, players like this not being picked is why Texas had nobody drafted. It wasn't for lack of quality. Davis has sub 4.5 speed and could develop into a quality slot receiver in the pros. I see him as a quality #3 for some team down the line. A better QB in college has this guy drafted in the 3rd round.
The other players are pretty good quality for undrafted free agents. Adding these guys for competition was a wise move.

San Diego Chargers
1(25) Jason Verrett (CB, TCU)
2(50) Jeremiah Attaochu (OLB, Georgia Tech)
3(89) Chris Watt (OG, Notre Dame)
5(165) Ryan Carrethers (NT, Arkansas State)
6(201) Marion Grace (RB, Arizona State)
7(240) Tevin Reese (WR, Baylor)

Best Pick: Jeremiah Attaochu

The way the draft was falling the Chargers knew they had to move up in Round 2 to get Attaochu and they will be sure glad they did. I rarely like trading up, but it was smart in the Chargers case who want instant starters and to make a real run. Attaochu is one of the best 3-4 outside linebackers in this draft and he is a brilliant scheme fit for San Diego. He is a 1st round talent that is solid rushing the passer and defending the pass. Great pick for San Diego. Do not be surprised if Attaochu challenges Calvin Pryor for defensive rookie of the year.

Grade: B

Summary: The San Diego Chargers had an above average draft. Nothing really newsworthy besides the Attaochu selection, but they got solid players throughout. In Verrett and Attaochu they got two instant starters that help out a great deal. Much like the Raiders though they waited a bit too long to get a WR. This team could really use a good complement to Keenan Allen and Tevin Reese just doesn't cut it for me. Reese is fast, but I just don't see it. Their first three picks were more A- quality, but the talent they got on day 3 dropped them to a B. There is not much there for their day 3 picks.

Undrafted Free Agents
DJ Adams (RB, Portland State)
Torrence Allen (WR, West Texas A&M)
Brelan Chancellor (WR, North Texas)
Alden Darby (S, Arizona State)
Chris Davis (CB, Auburn)
Greg Ducre (CB, Washington)
Michael Flacco (TE, New Hampshire)
Micah Hartfield (WR, Oregon State)
Javontee Herndon (WR, Arkansas)
DJ Johnson (OG, New Mexico)
Tenny Palepoi (DT, Utah)
Alvin Scioneaux (OLB, Wofford)
Jeremiah Sirles (OT, Nebraska)
Chase Tenpenny (P, Nevada)
Ricky Tjong-a-Tjoe (DT, Boise State)
Colton Underwood (DE, Illinois State)
Ian White (OL, Boston College)

It is hard to find a better group of undrafted free agents than what the Chargers pulled off. Every one of their signings can compete for a roster spot. The best signing was Iron Bowl hero Chris Davis as he will almost certainly make the team. Several other players are notable though. The tight end Michael Flacco is the younger brother of Ravens QB Joe. Ian White is incredibly versatile on the offensive line and has played a lot of guard and tackle in the past. Several others DBs that were signed are high quality. Nice job by San Diego here.

-Noland

AFC East Draft Grades

It has been a while since I have been able to talk sports on here, but one of my favorite sports seasons just passed. With the NFL Draft now behind us, here are my reactions to the picks and those not picked. I will list all draft picks and undrafted FA signings by team. The teams will be listed alphabetically by division. Each division will be presented separately and alphabetically. Draft recaps for each division will be released by June 1st. A divisional recap will be released every few days.

Let us begin with the AFC East...

Buffalo Bills

1(4) Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)

2(44) Cyrus Kouandjio (OT, Alabama)

3(73) Preston Brown (LB, Louisville)

4(109) Ross Cockrell (CB, Duke)

5(153) Cyril Richardson (OG, Baylor)

7(221) Randell Johnson (LB, Florida Atlantic)

7(237) Seantrel Henderson (OT, Miami)

Best Pick: Seantrel Henderson

Henderson was at one point a projected 1^st round pick and rarely mentioned as a possibility to be available on Day 3 period. To get a guy in the last round that was at one point a round 1 value is a steal for Buffalo. To get this guy who could eventually start has to be considered a win in that spot. Above you can see Henderson manhandling Markus White who stuck on a NFL roster for a few years. His star may have faded as a pick and he did test positive for drugs at the combine, but in round 7, what a fantastic pick.

Summary: Henderson and Richardson were both amazing Day 3 values. Both could be starting coming into next season. Richardson might start this season. To potentially get 3/5 of your future starting O-line in one draft has to be considered a great deal. The players picked up could all end up being solid players for the Bills down the road. However, the Bills cannot get an A draft for this draft despite the quality players throughout. The trade for Watkins while necessary will hurt the team down the road. To give up two 1^st round picks to get a guy is too steep a price. Even as an ACC guy, I still say Mike Evans is the best WR of this draft anyway. Benjamin is also better than Watkins IMO. Watkins will be good and EJ needed weapons, but too steep a price for the WR in a very deep WR draft.

Grade: B

Undrafted Free Agents:
Derek Brim (DB, Buffalo)
Deon Broomfield (DB, Iowa State)
Damien Jacobs (DT, Florida)
Bryan Johnson (LB, West Texas A & M)
Darrin Kitchens (LB, Florida)
Kenny Ladler (DB, Vanderbilt)
Darius Robinson (DB, Clemson)
Colby Way (DL, Buffalo)

The undrafted free agent crop is nothing to get too excited about. I don't see any of these guys making the roster, but would not be surprised if Robinson made it.

Miami Dolphins

1(19) Ja’Wan James (OT, Tennessee)

2(63) Jarvis Landry (WR, LSU)

3(67) Billy Turner (OT, North Dakota State)

4(125) Walt Aikens  (CB, Liberty)

5(155) Arthur Lynch  (TE, Georgia)

5(171) Jordie Tripp  (LB, Montana)

6(190) Matt Hazel (WR, Coastal Carolina)

7(234) Terrence Fede (DE, Marist)

Best Pick: Billy Turner

Turner fills an area of need and was a very important pick for the Dolphins. The Dolphins need an offensive line. The only quality lineman they have returning sports “Free Hernandez” shirts and was questioned about Hernandez’s arrest and a double-murder in Gainesville. I don’t have a lot of faith in the Dolphin’s o-line. Turner was a good value pick for where he was in the draft and has a lot of upside. Given the O-line woes, he or a similar offensive lineman had to be the pick in round 3.

Summary: The Dolphins needed to address Oline strongly and they just didn’t do it in this draft. The picked up two tackles only despite needing an entirely new offensive line. Not just that, but their 1^st round pick was the most overrated lineman in the draft. Ja’Wan James should not have been a 1^st round pick and is actually a worse football player than Cyrus Kouandjo who the Bills got in the 2^nd round. The Dolphins cannot compete with the Patriots still and had the worst draft in the AFC East.

Grade: D

Undrafted Free Agents
Deion Belue (DB, Alabama)
Steven Clarke (DB, Vanderbilt)
Tariq Edwards (LB, Virginia Tech)
Evan Finkenburg (OL, Arizona State)
Harold Hoskins (TE, Marshall)
David Hurd (OL, Arkansas)
Anthony Johnson (DT, LSU)
Derrell Johnson (LB, East Carolina)
Kamal Johnson (DT, Temple)
Ryan Lankford (WR, Illinois)
Tyler Larsen (OL, Utah State)
Tevin Mims (DE, South Florida)
Garrison Smith (DT, Georgia)
Marcus Thompson (LB, Rutgers)
Davonte Wallace (OL, New Mexico State)
Damien Williams (RB, Oklahoma)
Andrew Wilson (LB, Missouri)
Rantavious Wooten (WR, Georgia)

Strength in numbers for the Dolphins FA class here. They signed a ton of guys and got some OL as undrafted free agents that hopefully will stick. There is some talent here and a few guys are better than guys that Miami actually drafted. They did pretty impressive for undrafted free agents. I could see multiple guys from this list making the team. Tevin Mims and Tyler Larsen are two I like in particular. The chances of making the team for those two are better than you might think.

New England Patriots

1(29) Dominique Easley (DT, Florida)

2(62) Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, Eastern Illinois)

4(105) Bryan Stork (C, Florida State)

4(130) James White (RB, Wisconsin)

6(179) Jon Halapio (G, Florida)

6(206) Jemea Thomas (DB, Georgia Tech)

7(244) Jeremy Gallon (WR, Michigan)

Best Pick: Bryan Stork

Stork is a future starter and to get him in the 4^th round is a great pick for the Patriots. He is a top 5 C in this draft on any board and will make Tom Brady happy for years to come. He had a great season for the National Champs and will deliver in Foxboro.

Summary: The Stork pick was great and I liked the White pick right after as well. However, this was a very unspectacular draft for the perennial playoff team. This did not help restock the team that has a lot of holes right now. This team is a Tom Brady injury away from having a Top 5 selection next season and reinforcements are not coming at least through the draft.  The back end of the draft wasn’t awful, but I hate the front end. Brady needs help on offense and the solution was to draft a DT coming off 2 ACL Surgeries and a 3^rd string QB. Look I understand that Mallett is leaving at the end of the year, but in a loaded draft that was weak at QB, I hated that pick. I am a firm believer in draft the best available player, but NE should have used those picks a little better.

Grade: D+

Undrafted Free Agents
Tyler Beck (TE, Bowling Green)
Deylan Buntyn (DT, NC State)
Jeremy Deering (S, Rutgers)
Seali'i Epenesa (DT, UCLA)
Roy Finch (RB, Oklahoma)
Shamiel Gary (S, Oklahoma State)
Cameron Gordon  (LB, Michigan)
Travis Hawkins (CB, Delaware)
Stephen Houston (RB, Indiana)
Justin Jones (TE, East Carolina)
Ja-Mes Logan (WR, Ole Miss)
James Morris (LB, Iowa)
Tyler Ott (LS, Harvard)
Deontae Skinner (LB, Mississippi State)
Asa Watson  (TE, NC State)

Much like the Dolphins, the Patriots have strength in numbers when it comes to the undrafted free agents. The quality of the players is better than the Dolphins group as well. There are at least two guys here who will make the team. My bet is that Justin Jones makes it and contributes. I believe the other tight end, Tyler Beck, will make it as well.  Also like the Dolphins I like some of these guys better than the ones they picked. They have several good fits for their offense. The one thing I will say is that they didn't pick up a WR worth a darn on the undrafted free agent market. Kenny Shaw was sitting there and they let him go to the Browns. Not a fan of Ja-Mes Logan. Don't see him making an impact.

New York Jets

1(18) Calvin Pryor (FS, Louisville)

2(49) Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech)

3(80) Dexter McDougle (CB, Maryland)

4(104) Jalen Saunders (WR, Oklahoma)

4(115) Shaq Evans (WR, UCLA)

4(137) Dakota Dozier (OT, Furman)

5(154) Jeremiah George (LB, Iowa State)

6(195) Brandon Dixon (DE, NW Missouri State)

6(209) Quincy Enunwa (WR, Nebraska)

6(210) IK Enemkpali  (DE, Louisiana Tech)

6(213) Tajh Boyd (QB, Clemson)

7(233) Trevor Riley (LB, Utah)

Best Pick: Calvin Pryor

Pryor is the best safety in this draft and that is what the Jets needed the most (other than QB). He is an impact player and immediate starter. This pick will end up giving the Jets back to back DROY selections I believe. Pryor is not the highest rated player on my board, but he is as NFL ready as anyone. He will step in for the Jets and plug a big hole.

Summary: None of these picks really blow me away, but each player is a decent value at the spot they were selected. The Jets picked safely and solidly and I am impressed with what they did. They didn’t blow any picks and they handled themselves pretty solid in the draft. They got some guys that can help early and who might help make this the surprise team of 2014.

Grade: B+

Undrafted Free Agents
Tevon Conrad (OT, Saginaw Valley State)
Nick Dimarco (LB, WilliamPenn)
Steele Divitto (LB, Boston College)
Anthony Grady (DL, Missouri)
Kerry Hyder (DT, Texas Tech)
Jermaine Jones (WR, St.Augustine)
Terrance Miller (WR, Arizona)
Michael Palardy (K, Tennessee)
Brent Qvale (OT, Nebraska)
Zach Thompson (DL, Wake Forest)
Chad Young (FB, San Diego State)

The Jets did as well as anyone on the undrafted free agent market. All of their players they got I like. I am a big fan of a few of these guys and think they would have gotten drafted in most drafts. They picked up two good depth Offensive lineman and three quality defensive lineman. I love the WRs and LBs they picked up.
For me personally, my favorite pickup is Zach Thompson. The Ashburn native is a former Stone Bridge Bulldog and 4 years behind me. While I was helping coach Stone Bridge the summer after I graduated Zach was a freshman on the team that I worked with. He is also my HS football coach's son. Zach worked hard then and I am sure he worked just as hard in college. Glad to see a kid like that get an opportunity. Good luck to Zach Thompson on his journey to make an NFL roster.

-Noland