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

100 Most Likable American Athletes (70-61)

Weeks ago, I started looking at the most likable athletes in this country following the retirements of Derek Jeter and Champ Bailey. That continues today with the latest look at some awesome American athletes. First, let's look back at what we have gone over so far...
Preview
100-91
90-81
80-71

70. Vince Carter

Daytona Beach, Florida

Current Team: Memphis Grizzles

If this was back in his Raptor days like this picture, Carter would be a lock for the top 10. Unfortunately, many people don't even realize he is still playing. While that fact is sad and he is a shell of his former self, Carter is still a heck of a player. A heck of a player and one still loved all over the place. How can you not love Vince Carter for all the highlight reel moments he has provided? The guy is a walking highlight reel and has always been entertaining. He plays on a very good team this season as well that is a darkhorse contender.

69. Odell Beckham Jr.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Current Team: New York Giants

Odell Beckham Jr. rose to fame with the catch in the picture above. It is a catch that is talked about around the world (or at least the United States). Many consider it to be the greatest catch of all-time. Following the catch, Beckham took off in his rookie year and was Eli's most trusted target at the end of the season. He ended up with fantastic numbers and is the Rookie of the Year. It seemed tough to imagine before this catch as he was behind a couple other receivers. However, post catch he passed all the rookie receivers in every stat category. Everyone seems to love Odell Beckham Jr. Back in my NFC East Draft Grades for this class, I mentioned my thoughts on Beckham as the best route runner in this draft and his sure hands. I was proven right by Mr. Beckham this season.

68. Adam LaRoche

Fort Scott, Kansas

Current Team: Chicago White Sox

Adam LaRoche once again has a new team as he recently signed with the Chicago White Sox. LaRoche has left a favorable impression at each of these stops he has made. He seems to be one of the most down to earth professional athletes there is. This guy seems to do things many people love. LaRoche is also an avid hunter and good friends with Willie Robertson. He has even appeared on TV with the Robertson family. If you have seen the show Buck Commander, LaRoche is a co-owner of that show. Additionally, he is a strong Christian athlete and he helped established "Faith Day"as a member of the Washington Nationals.

67. Jonathan Quick

Milfred, Conneticut

Current Team: Los Angeles Kings

Quick won a silver medal as part of Team USA in the 2010 Olympics, but rarely played. This past Olympics he was the starting goalie on a team that did not medal, but he played quite well. He also happens to be the goalie for the defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings. All of those factors make Quick one of the most recognizable and likable hockey players from this country. It does not hurt that he is one of the best goalies that the NHL has to offer.

66. Jimmy Butler

Houston, Texas

Current Team: Chicago Bulls

Butler can best be summed up by one quote that a GM made about him prior to the 2011 NBA Draft. "His story is one of the most remarkable I've seen in all my years of basketball. There were so many times in his life where he was set up to fail. Every time, he overcame just enormous odds.When you talk to him - and he's hesitant to talk about his life - you just have this feeling that this kid has greatness in him." Doesn't that just about say it all? However, I will go on.
Butler was abandoned by his dad when he was an infant and forced to live in a single parent household. That parent kicked Butler out of the house when he was just 13 years old. As a student until he went to college, Butler was forced to bounce between houses of his friends. Still, Butler had a successful HS career and ended up going to a junior college after light recruiting. Following his Freshman Season, Butler transferred to Marquette. Finally, he was drafted by the Bulls in that 2011 draft. Once Butler finally got his chance to start with the Bulls in 2012, he never looked back. Now, he is expected to command a max deal and there aren't many players more deserving. Everyone that has seen his game loves the guy. He still is not a mega star yet, but he is getting there.

65. Jeff Demps

Winter Garden, Florida

Current Team: Indianapolis Colts

Jeff Demps is the one and only Gator on this list. He also is the only true two-sport athlete. Demps made it as a track athlete, but is also on the Indianapolis Colts. There is no doubting Demps' likability or his pure speed. The guy is a superstar in every sense of the word. Despite him being a Gator, I wish him nothing but the best. You can bet that I will be cheering Demps on with the rest of the country during the Olympics in Rio next year.

64. Earl Thomas

Orange, Texas

Current Team: Seattle Seahawks

Earl Thomas is the only member of the Legion of Boom that I truly like and I know that there are several people that agree with me on that. Thomas is also the best safety in the league, with less competition after Eric Berry was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This guy just goes out every week and plays his heart out. Most correctly see him as the anchor of that amazing defensive backfield in Seattle. On his website, Thomas does a great job talking about how being a father is the most important role in his life. How refreshing is that in today's day and age? Thomas loves his kids and treats them as priority #1. Additionally, Thomas has a foundation that does a lot of good. What isn't there to like about this guy.

63. David Wright

Norfolk, Virginia

Current Team: New York Mets

In 2014, David Wright was voted as MLB Network's Face of MLB, so you know he is well liked. This guy also seems to be in the all-star game just about every season. There is a lot to like about this guy and his game. Everyone that I have heard from seems to like the guy. However, I do get a vibe that it is more indifference towards him than like. Therefore, I couldn't put him in the Top 50 even if he is the face. He is one of the hardest guys to peg on this list. That being said he is one of the best 3rd baseman in the game and he definitely belongs here.

62. Paul George

Palmdale, California

Current Team: Indiana Pacers

Paul George is a guy that is falling off a bit largely in part to the fact that he may never be the player he once was. You could argue George for a top 25 spot prior to his injury, but now it seems that many are writing him off. Everyone likes him and wants him to succeed, but it seems a bit far-fetched for him to be elite again. Still, he got hurt playing for our country and he was a top 10 player in this league before the injury. The Pacers surely are not even close to the same team without him. Get well Paul because the NBA needs you. It may be coincidence that Paul George changed his number from 24 to 13 shortly before his gruesome injury. This guy is elite and loved by fans everywhere so if he comes back strong he could be the most liked player in the league.

61. Michael Bradley
Princeton, New Jersey
Current Team: Toronto FC

Michael Bradley is a popular midfielder for Toronto FC and the US Men's National Team. He scored the opening goal against Mexico in April 2012 for the National Team. Bradley also started all of the World Cup games for the US. An interesting note about Bradley is that he speaks 5 languages. He can speak English, Dutch, German, Italian, and Spanish. He recently had a baby girl as well which adds to the likability factor. However, most know him here as the Center-Midfielder on the National Team of course.

-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