The rest of the third round, like the first half, was largely filled with mixed results. The highlights are as follows:
Eagles draft Oregon WR Josh Huff: The first time Chip Kelly has eve picked an Oregon alum since leaving Eugene.
Chiefs drafted CB Phillip Gaines out of Rice despite a 4th or 5th round grade.
Bengals got a pass rush specialist in Will Clarke of West Virginia.
Charger reached on Notre Dame OG Chris Watt, a graded out 5th rounder.
The Colts added a fan favorite in Ole Miss WR Donte Moncrief, giving Andrew Luck another solid weapon.
The Cardinals drafted John Brown out of D2 Pittsburg State, where he caught 34 career TD passes.
The Panthers once again ignored a glaring need for more receiver help by taking LSu guard Trai Turner.
The Jags finally dropped an egg and drafted Brandon Linder, a guard who was not a top 250 guy.
Cleveland got another solid contributor by drafting Towson bowling ball RB Terrence West, who may be the best RB in the draft.
The Broncos joined the reach party by drafting 5th round talent Michael Schofield (OT, Michigan) in the 3rd.
The Vikings replaced Toby Gerhart as the primary backup to Adrien Peterson by drafting combine darling Jerrick McKinnon out of Georgia Southern, a former Veer Option QB who is still learning the ropes at RB.
The Steelers drafted an enigma player in RB/WR Dri archer, who is the smallest athlete in the draft. He looks like Warrick Dunn on anti-steroids.
The Packers reached on yet another player by taking TE Richard Rodgers out of Cal. Rodgers is so raw, you'd get a stomach bug by consuming his play.
The Ravens got a nice insurance policy to any potential injury with Dennis Pitta by drafting the guy the Packers should have drafted in Colorado State TE Crockett Gilmore.
The 49ers got a nice package lineman in Brandon Thomas of Clemson, who could line up at either guard or tackle, and start right away.
Coming up next: Complete Team by Team draft grades
Friday, May 9, 2014
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Packers Reach on Thornton
I hate it when teams draft a guy who is on no radar anywhere and then act like they were the smartest guys in the room. The Packers did that here with Khyri Thornton, a DT out of Southern Miss, who was not ranked in our top 250. The Packers are trying to fill a hole that they predict will open up when they fail to keep BJ Raji around. This isn't the guy who will fill those shoes.
2014 NFl Draft, 3rd Round: Cardinals Get Kareem Martin
Kareem Martin is the 4th North Carolina DE to be drafted in 4 years. That is amazing turnover for UNC, but these guys are producing. Martin got graded out by our services as a second round talent, but yet fell to the third, and that was too good for Arizona to pass up. Solid value pick.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Nix Falls Like a Rock, Lands In Houston
Louis Nix III was a solid mid first round graded DT, and was the best of the class. A history of injury was really a key factor in his fall to the late third round, but he landed in a great place with the Texans who have largely been having a class A draft. Nix, if healthy, will be a huge upgrade to the middle of a line that has JJ Watt on one side, and Jadeveon Clowney on the other. The potential is staggering.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Bears Continue Defensive Revamp
The Bears needed defense, and they have concentrated their efforts there so far, and that continued with the selection of Arizona State DT Will Sutton. Sutton had a step back in 2013, as his numbers fell way off from 2012. He bulked up a bit, maybe too much, and it really seemed to effect his fluidity. He also saw more double teams, but the great ones find a way around that. I'm not sold.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Raiders Get Line Help, Gabe Jackson
Gabe Jackson, a guard out of Mississippi State, was a solid second rounder who fell way down to the Raiders in the 3rd. Jackson is a bit slow and plodding, but blocks well in a phone booth, and can positively maul people with his size. The Raiders needed mean and nasty on the line, and they got that here.
2014 NFL Draft: Jets Go With McDougle
Dexter McDougle is a CB out of Maryland who the Jets fell in love with. What I see is a guy who had a hard time staying on the field due to injury, and didn't rank in our top 250. Are you seeing a theme in the 3rd round? I am, and it's not good. There were far too many reaches in this round by too many clubs. This was a terrible pick.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Brooks to Ravens
Terrence Brooks gives the Ravens great value at Safety in the 3rd round, as he could have very well have gone in the 2nd round. A rangy safety, Brooks will fill a hole vacated before last season when Ed Reed bailed out. Brooks will replace Patrick Chung right away.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Redskins Move on Spencer Long
Spencer Long graded out as a 7th round pick for us, so why the Redskins jumped on the injury plagued tackle is beyond me, Long missed a huge part of the 2013 season, and so this pick makes little sense.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Borland to 49ers
This pick is strictly insurance in case Navarro Bowman isn't ready coming back from a serious knee injury suffered in the playoffs. Borland will likely be a depth guy, but he lacks overall athleticism that you like to see at MLB. Borland should serve as a decent stop gap.
2014 NFL Draft: Travis Swanson to the Lions
The Lions went out and got line depth by taking Swanson, the Center out of Arkansas. He was a perfect fit for value, as he was drafted as he was projected. He is a solid starting candidate, but he will have some work to do. Good pick here.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Rams Keep Improving, Take Mason
The Rams made another solid move here, and drafted Auburn RB Tre Mason. Mason is a yardage machine, and although he is a bit smallish, he still churns out the numbers. Mason won't have to be a starter, as the Rams are loaded now at RB. He will have time to develop and work in a committee, which is probably what he needs. He graded out as a second rounder, and went in the third. Good value.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Giants Move On Bromley
Jay Bromley, a DT out of Syracuse, went to the Giants, but again, this was a complete overreach, as Bromley graded out at late 6th round, maybe early seventh. There were numerous options here that were far better selections for a team in need at the DT position. Sometimes you fall in love with a player, and the scouting department burns you that way. We will see.
NFL Draft 2013, 3rd Round: Preston Brown to the Bills
The Bills completely overreached here for Brown, who graded out in the 5th round at ILB. Buffalo had other needs, and could have found better value just about anywhere. Brown is more of a special teams guy than an actual starting caliber linebacker. Weird pick here.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Scott Crichton to the Vikings
The Vikings have done a nice job in this draft in trying to build up their defense. Add Crichton, probably the most underrated DE in this draft, to Anthony Barr, and the Vikings have their bookends for the next decade. This has been a special draft for the Minnesota defense. Crichton is a star in the making, and he is just waiting to get noticed here.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Browns Go Defense, Take Kirksey
Iowa LB Christian Kirksey was one of a trio of really strong LBs for the Hawkeyes, but on the next level, he may be physically limited. He isn't very quick or athletic, and if he is not making plays right at the point of attack, he won't be making them. He's a good player, but not special. The Browns didn't get a horrible player, just not a great one.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: 49ers Take on Martin
Marcus Martin of USC was most people's top rated Center entering the draft, and was ours. He was taken as the second center drafted, but the 49ers may not even use him at Center, as rumors abound of him shifting over to guard. Martin will be a dominating presence on the interior line, and may likely be a decade starter and potential all pro. Great selection.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Bucs Take Sims
Tampa Bay added to their offensive arsenal in this draft when they selected RB Charles Sims out of West Virginia. Sims is a great pass catcher out of the backfield, but will never be an every down back. He will give the Bucs a third down specialist back who will again give whichever QB starts (McCown, Glennon) another great weapon. This offense just gets better and better.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Falcons Draft Goes South on Southward
The Falcons really blew it on the 3rd round selection on Dezmen Southward. When we wrote our 2014 NFL Draft Propectus, we averaged our rankings based on three separate scouting services and averaged those rankings out. When all was said and done, the Safety out of Wisconsin never made our top 250 player list. He was literally undraftable, and could have been had as a rookie free agent. I am guessing there was no rush for a guy who finished with 40 tackles and one pick all season long in 2013, and that pick was all luck.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Dolphins Return to the Line
The Dolphins blew it on picking Ju'Wuan James in the first round, and then returned to the line to grab another tackle in Billy Turner. Turner is a good player and prospect out of North Dakota State, but he may not be ready to start at tackle from day one. I expect a kick in to guard for a bit until he is ready to get exposed outside. I like the long term potential here, but the Dolphins need patience here.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Redskins Get Morgan Moses
Morgan Moses was one of the faster risers in the draft at tackle, but somehow still lasted until the third round as he was coming off of a poor pro day. Ignore the lone workout, and watch the film. Moses is a big, athletic kick out tackle who can block all the way across the field. He can also get out front on bubble screens, and will dominate. The Redskins got a potential starter here, and he will eventually learn to dominate on Sundays. I like this pick.
2014 NFL Draft, 3rd Round: Texans Add a TE
The Texans added Iowa's CJ Fiedorowicz in the 3rd round. He is not going to wow you on most plays. The problem I have with Fiedorowicz is that when he catches the football, he goes down on the first hit. He doesn't shed tackles well in the open field. He just looks slow, but the good news is that he can absolutely block. He will fit perfectly as an inline TE, but just don't spread him deep.
2014 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Second Round
There was still an amazing amount of quality when the second round began, and everyone seems to be finding solid value with every second round pick. As I begin this writing, the 49ers are on the clock at pick number 57. Let's break down the second round by pick, and see who got the best value overall...
33. Houston selects OG Xavier Sua-Filo of UCLA
Sua-Filo is a first round talent who slid to the second round. He can play both guard or tackle on either the left or right side, and is the best UCLA OL player to enter the draft since Jonathon Ogden. Jim Mora's print on the UCLA program has been evident with both Anthony Barr and Sua-Filo going this high in the draft. Sua-Filo is a dominant beast who will be a fixture on the Texans line for a decade.
34. Dallas picks DE DeMarcus Lawrence of Boise State
Lawrence is a sack specialist, and the Cowboys need a rusher off of the edge to help fix a leaky defense. Lawrence is yet another need above whim pick by Jerry Jones, and one has to be proud of him for being so pragmatic when he is needed to be this season. Lawrence will need a bit of work early on, but he is an excellent need and value grab with this pick.
35. Cleveland picks Joel Bitonio, OT out of Nevada
Bitonio blew up the combine and really had one of the best postseasons of anyone in the draft. Bitonio has value at guard or tackle, and will give some stability to the Browns offense, especially when it comes to their run game. Bitonio is a fluid, athletic lineman, and will be one of the more underrated players coming off of this draft. Ray Farmer is killing it this draft.
36. Oakland selects Derek Carr, Fresno State QB
This is an excellent situation for Carr, who many were pegging as a top ten pick over Bortles or Manziel, and especially over Bridgewater. Carr gets to learn behind veteran Matt Schaub, and will not have to be tossed to the wolves until Schaub gets hurt, which he probably will. Carr should absorb as much time to develop as Schaub's fragile frame will allow him and come in when ready, and not a minute before. I really like this pick for both the Raiders and for Carr.
37. Atlanta grabs DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
Hageman really shot up the boards in 2013, and continued on with a solid off season. Hageman is a rare Minnesota Gopher in the draft, and will likely start out as part of a rotation until he gets his feet wet. He can play five different techniques at tackle, and will have great value all over the line, and has great size. Solid pick.
38. Tampa Bay selects TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins out of Washington
One of my favorite players available, Sefarian-Jenkins is an ultra productive TE in the passing game, and he will give whomever wins the QB battle between Luke McCown or Mike Glennon another awesome target to go along with 1st rounder Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. The Bucs offensive is getting more exciting by the minute.
39. Jaguars select WR Marqise Lee out of USC
Lee had a oretty crappy 2013 by his standards, but the Jags needed a replacement for Justin Blackmon, who nobody believes will play in 2014. Lee also noted that he had a sprained MCL in 2013, and played through it without surgery or shots. When healthy, he is explosive, and has solid speed, and adds value in the return game. The Jags needed this guy, and they are rebuilding their offense piece by piece.
40. Detroit selects LB Kyle Van Noy, BYU
Van Noy has his pros and cons, but overall I really like what he brings to the table. He seems to have overcome the character issues that he had out of high school and during his early career at BYU, and really paid off with solid junior and senior seasons. NOt what I would call a tackle machine, Van Noy is a serious pass rush threat, and will give the Lions an edge off of the edge. He forced 11 career fumbles.
41. The Rams move up, and take LaMarcus Joyner, Safety out of Florida State
Joyner could play corner or safety, but lacks ideal size for either. He is just 5-8, and weighs only 185 lbs., but he plays bigger than his size indicates. He is solid in deep pass coverage, and also disruptive up front on the run. Alabama rejected him, but he won a title at Florida State instead. In all, the Rams may line him up as a nickel back, and let him rush the QB off the edge when he can break off of slot coverage.
42. The Eagles select Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
The career leader in receptions at Vandy caught 242 passes the last two seasons, and is one of the more underrated players in the draft. Matthews will fit brilliantly into Chip Kelly's offense, and will become Nick Foles' best friends. This is a solid pick, and has great value.
43. The Giants select Warren Richburg, Center, Colorado State
Richburg goes a bit earlier than we projected, but he's a solid pick. A year ago, he was the third best Center for this class, but he moved up quickly. A no nonsense player, Richburg helped to completely revolutionize the CSU offense, and is a team captain type character guy. He has excellent technique, and will anchor the Giants line for a long time.
44. Buffalo goes line, Gets Cyrus Kuondjo, OT, Alabama
Despite doctor clearances, Kuondjo likely has arthritis in both knees. This is a red flag, as was his poor workout at the combine. He still has potential, and the Bills didn't over grab for him, so this pick still has value if he doesn't work out. Still, I don't see that ten year career for the Bills here based on preexistent conditions medically before he ever plays a snap.
45. Seattle gives Russell Wilson another weapon in Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
The Seahawks traded out of the first round, but they get a quality selection in Richardson. He has played on a bad a bad team, and therefore got limited exposure, but he is a good one. Richardson has the speed to bust loose on deep routes, and is one of the better hand receivers available. He finally gets to play for a quality QB, so look for him to take off.
46. Steeler get Stephen Tuitt, Notre Dame DE
Tuitt is added to a defense that already acquired Ryan Shazier in the first round. The Steelers are a franchise always built on defense, and that reputation took a hit last season. Tuitt can move a pile all over the field, and will be a force either playing NT or DE. He may do both in situational packages for the Steelers. Either way, with Tuitt and Shazier, the Steelers have added some muscle.
47. Redskins add muscle up front, Take Stanford's Trent Murphy
The Redskins already have talent up front at LB, and being that Murphy is not a fleet runner, he will likely move onto the line at DE. This guy is a football player, and moving to the line will be no issue for him. One of the smartest players available, he gives the Redskins a team leader that will be a force early on.
48. Timmy Jernigan to the Ravens
Jernigan only started for one season at Florida State, and is very raw, but he showed enough to scouts that he really ended up grading out as a first rounder. His ability and raw potential make him a great value here, and he should be fresh as he doesn't have a ton of mileage on the tires. The Ravens are nother team building up their defense, and this was a solid move.
49. Jets add a weapon for Gino Smith in Amaro
Jace Amaro is probably the best pass catching TE to come out of college in 30 years. He is a WR who plays in a TE body. He looks the role, and he can certainly get out and move. He uses his body well, and can run with anyone downfield. He may need some work as a run blocker, but you really want to take advantage of his amazing pass catching abilities. The anemic Jets offense needed this guy.
50. Chargers add defensive help in Jeremiah Attaochu
Attaochu played down at DE in college at Georgia Tech, but moves to OLB in a 3-4 set with the Chargers moving forward. He will be limited in pass coverage, so may only be a two down player early on, but he can certainly be disruptive in that role, and QBs in the AFC West will have some fear instilled in them as he comes off of the edge. He's rangy and athletic, and will only get better as he goes. He is a star in the making.
51. Bears bulk up leaky defense, add DT Ego Ferguson
The Bears may have jumped a bit early on Ferguson, but what they get is a very athletic pick here in the defensive tackle out of LSU. Ferguson runs a sub 5.0 40, and he can really use his hands to get through blocks. The Bears defense was a mess in 2013, and this pick again will help solidify that unit.
52. Cardinals add to explosive offense, select Niklas
Many scouts loved the TE out of Notre Dame, Troy Niklas. I am not fully on board, but he certainly has the size and body type to fill out the position. He is raw, and is experience limited, but he definitely will not be the first option in a loaded Cardinal passing game. That gives him time to develop and sneak his way into the regular pass catching group. It also gives him the opportunity to learn a bit more about blocking.
53. Packers add a big time weapon at WR
Davante Adams out of Fresno State is a huge weapon added to the offense for Aaron Rodgers, and in a matter of a year or so, he may end up being the number one receiver for the Pack. He produces huge numbers and can flat out move. He may need a bit of improvement when it comes to route running, but he should fit in with Green Bay just fine.
54. Titnas take the first RB to get picked in Sankey
Sankey was not the highest graded RB in the class, but he certainly has the cleanest record, with no red flags for character concerns. Sankey is a really nice RB who can play three downs, and that is exactly what the Titans need as they move on from Chris Johnson. Sankey wasn't the highest rated RB, but I certainly like what he brings to the table, and he could start early.
55. Jeremy Hill is just the latest character concern guy to go to the Bengals
Jeremy Hill is a huge character concern, and no matter how many people vouch for him, he was arrested twice before his 21st birthday. That's absolutely horrible. Skill wise, Hill can flat out play the game. He runs through tackles and blows up in the open field. If he can stay clean, it's a great pick. If not, he's a super bust.
56. Denver goes with a dark horse, gets Latimer for Manning
Cody Latimer, WR out of Indiana, was selected here by the Broncos, and he will be just one more weapon in a loaded offense for the Broncos and Peyton Manning. He should step in and take up some of the productivity lost when Eric Decker departed, and due to his postseason accolades, he has flown up draft boards. Latimer should fit nicely here.
57. 49ers get needed RB depth, take Carlos Hyde
Hyde is another top notch skill set RB, but again, like Hill, he is a potential character nightmare. He is loaded with off-field issues, and the Niners are taking a huge risk here. If Hyde can clean up his axct, he should provide a fixture that can eventually replace Gore at RB.
58. Saints address defense, add CB Jean-Baptiste
The Saints moved too early on Jean-Baptiste, as he graded out as a third rounder. He is a slow CB, and he really doesn't make a ton of sense on a fast track surface. He is solid if you use him as a front guy in a cover 2, but he's not great in man coverage. Not a fan of this pick here.
59. Colts make first pick of the draft, give Luck some blocking help
The Colts made a smart, conservative pick here when they drafted Jack Mewhort, an OT from Ohio State who may shift inside and play guard early on. Mewhort is one of my more underrated guys at tackle or guard, and the Colts positively needed to get help on the line, as Andrew Luck took a beating last season. This is a very smart selection here.
60. Carolina ignores lack of depth at WR, goes defense in Ealy
The Panthers probably need to draft three receivers who can play now in this draft. Instead, they ignored the need in round two and go with Kony Ealy at DE out of Missouri. I am not sure about this pick, but Ealy was considered to have 1st round potential. I find him to be a tweener at best, and I am not sure what the defensive minded Ron Rivera was thinking here. Cam Newton needs help, and Ealy can't be the guy to give it.
61. Jags add more much needed offense, add Allen Robinson
The Jaguars needed some star power on offense, and they are heaping it on. Robinson is a bigger, physical receiver who can get to the football in chunks. Look for him to get a great deal of playing time as the Jags go young. They may not be very good early, but they will be exciting.
62. Patriots may have found the heir apparent at QB in Garoppolo
The Patriots shocked the draft crowd when they made a huge move in drafting Jimmy Garoppolo, a fantastic QB prospect out of Eastern Illinois, a school that gave us Sean Payton and Tony Romo. Garoppolo has a massively quick release and passed for over 13,000 yards as a four year starter, double what Romo did there. He also tossed 118 career TD passes, and led EIU from the doormat spot in the Ohio Valley, to conference champs by the time he left. The best part is that he has at least two years to develop and learn from Tom Brady. For the Patriots, they now have a chance to unload Ryan Mallett before losing him after the 2014 season.
63. Dolphins recover from horrible first round choice, get Jarvis Landry at WR
Landry isn;t the biggest guy at WR, but he certainly is skilled. He should start almost immediately for the talent lacking Dolphins. Landry's biggest problem is an overall lack of speed, but value wise, they get him just about exactly where he was projected. He wasn't the best option here, but not the worst.
64. The Seahawks add line depth in Justin Britt
The Missouri OT goes to the Seahawks here, as the Hawks literally felt like they could go with what they thought was the best player available. When you are as deep as they are everywhere, you can do that. That being said, Britt graded out as the last draftable tackle on our board, and was a potential seventh rounder. This pick makes little sense.
Coming up next: Third Round Breakdown
33. Houston selects OG Xavier Sua-Filo of UCLA
Sua-Filo is a first round talent who slid to the second round. He can play both guard or tackle on either the left or right side, and is the best UCLA OL player to enter the draft since Jonathon Ogden. Jim Mora's print on the UCLA program has been evident with both Anthony Barr and Sua-Filo going this high in the draft. Sua-Filo is a dominant beast who will be a fixture on the Texans line for a decade.
34. Dallas picks DE DeMarcus Lawrence of Boise State
Lawrence is a sack specialist, and the Cowboys need a rusher off of the edge to help fix a leaky defense. Lawrence is yet another need above whim pick by Jerry Jones, and one has to be proud of him for being so pragmatic when he is needed to be this season. Lawrence will need a bit of work early on, but he is an excellent need and value grab with this pick.
35. Cleveland picks Joel Bitonio, OT out of Nevada
Bitonio blew up the combine and really had one of the best postseasons of anyone in the draft. Bitonio has value at guard or tackle, and will give some stability to the Browns offense, especially when it comes to their run game. Bitonio is a fluid, athletic lineman, and will be one of the more underrated players coming off of this draft. Ray Farmer is killing it this draft.
36. Oakland selects Derek Carr, Fresno State QB
This is an excellent situation for Carr, who many were pegging as a top ten pick over Bortles or Manziel, and especially over Bridgewater. Carr gets to learn behind veteran Matt Schaub, and will not have to be tossed to the wolves until Schaub gets hurt, which he probably will. Carr should absorb as much time to develop as Schaub's fragile frame will allow him and come in when ready, and not a minute before. I really like this pick for both the Raiders and for Carr.
37. Atlanta grabs DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
Hageman really shot up the boards in 2013, and continued on with a solid off season. Hageman is a rare Minnesota Gopher in the draft, and will likely start out as part of a rotation until he gets his feet wet. He can play five different techniques at tackle, and will have great value all over the line, and has great size. Solid pick.
38. Tampa Bay selects TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins out of Washington
One of my favorite players available, Sefarian-Jenkins is an ultra productive TE in the passing game, and he will give whomever wins the QB battle between Luke McCown or Mike Glennon another awesome target to go along with 1st rounder Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. The Bucs offensive is getting more exciting by the minute.
39. Jaguars select WR Marqise Lee out of USC
Lee had a oretty crappy 2013 by his standards, but the Jags needed a replacement for Justin Blackmon, who nobody believes will play in 2014. Lee also noted that he had a sprained MCL in 2013, and played through it without surgery or shots. When healthy, he is explosive, and has solid speed, and adds value in the return game. The Jags needed this guy, and they are rebuilding their offense piece by piece.
40. Detroit selects LB Kyle Van Noy, BYU
Van Noy has his pros and cons, but overall I really like what he brings to the table. He seems to have overcome the character issues that he had out of high school and during his early career at BYU, and really paid off with solid junior and senior seasons. NOt what I would call a tackle machine, Van Noy is a serious pass rush threat, and will give the Lions an edge off of the edge. He forced 11 career fumbles.
41. The Rams move up, and take LaMarcus Joyner, Safety out of Florida State
Joyner could play corner or safety, but lacks ideal size for either. He is just 5-8, and weighs only 185 lbs., but he plays bigger than his size indicates. He is solid in deep pass coverage, and also disruptive up front on the run. Alabama rejected him, but he won a title at Florida State instead. In all, the Rams may line him up as a nickel back, and let him rush the QB off the edge when he can break off of slot coverage.
42. The Eagles select Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
The career leader in receptions at Vandy caught 242 passes the last two seasons, and is one of the more underrated players in the draft. Matthews will fit brilliantly into Chip Kelly's offense, and will become Nick Foles' best friends. This is a solid pick, and has great value.
43. The Giants select Warren Richburg, Center, Colorado State
Richburg goes a bit earlier than we projected, but he's a solid pick. A year ago, he was the third best Center for this class, but he moved up quickly. A no nonsense player, Richburg helped to completely revolutionize the CSU offense, and is a team captain type character guy. He has excellent technique, and will anchor the Giants line for a long time.
44. Buffalo goes line, Gets Cyrus Kuondjo, OT, Alabama
Despite doctor clearances, Kuondjo likely has arthritis in both knees. This is a red flag, as was his poor workout at the combine. He still has potential, and the Bills didn't over grab for him, so this pick still has value if he doesn't work out. Still, I don't see that ten year career for the Bills here based on preexistent conditions medically before he ever plays a snap.
45. Seattle gives Russell Wilson another weapon in Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
The Seahawks traded out of the first round, but they get a quality selection in Richardson. He has played on a bad a bad team, and therefore got limited exposure, but he is a good one. Richardson has the speed to bust loose on deep routes, and is one of the better hand receivers available. He finally gets to play for a quality QB, so look for him to take off.
46. Steeler get Stephen Tuitt, Notre Dame DE
Tuitt is added to a defense that already acquired Ryan Shazier in the first round. The Steelers are a franchise always built on defense, and that reputation took a hit last season. Tuitt can move a pile all over the field, and will be a force either playing NT or DE. He may do both in situational packages for the Steelers. Either way, with Tuitt and Shazier, the Steelers have added some muscle.
47. Redskins add muscle up front, Take Stanford's Trent Murphy
The Redskins already have talent up front at LB, and being that Murphy is not a fleet runner, he will likely move onto the line at DE. This guy is a football player, and moving to the line will be no issue for him. One of the smartest players available, he gives the Redskins a team leader that will be a force early on.
48. Timmy Jernigan to the Ravens
Jernigan only started for one season at Florida State, and is very raw, but he showed enough to scouts that he really ended up grading out as a first rounder. His ability and raw potential make him a great value here, and he should be fresh as he doesn't have a ton of mileage on the tires. The Ravens are nother team building up their defense, and this was a solid move.
49. Jets add a weapon for Gino Smith in Amaro
Jace Amaro is probably the best pass catching TE to come out of college in 30 years. He is a WR who plays in a TE body. He looks the role, and he can certainly get out and move. He uses his body well, and can run with anyone downfield. He may need some work as a run blocker, but you really want to take advantage of his amazing pass catching abilities. The anemic Jets offense needed this guy.
50. Chargers add defensive help in Jeremiah Attaochu
Attaochu played down at DE in college at Georgia Tech, but moves to OLB in a 3-4 set with the Chargers moving forward. He will be limited in pass coverage, so may only be a two down player early on, but he can certainly be disruptive in that role, and QBs in the AFC West will have some fear instilled in them as he comes off of the edge. He's rangy and athletic, and will only get better as he goes. He is a star in the making.
51. Bears bulk up leaky defense, add DT Ego Ferguson
The Bears may have jumped a bit early on Ferguson, but what they get is a very athletic pick here in the defensive tackle out of LSU. Ferguson runs a sub 5.0 40, and he can really use his hands to get through blocks. The Bears defense was a mess in 2013, and this pick again will help solidify that unit.
52. Cardinals add to explosive offense, select Niklas
Many scouts loved the TE out of Notre Dame, Troy Niklas. I am not fully on board, but he certainly has the size and body type to fill out the position. He is raw, and is experience limited, but he definitely will not be the first option in a loaded Cardinal passing game. That gives him time to develop and sneak his way into the regular pass catching group. It also gives him the opportunity to learn a bit more about blocking.
53. Packers add a big time weapon at WR
Davante Adams out of Fresno State is a huge weapon added to the offense for Aaron Rodgers, and in a matter of a year or so, he may end up being the number one receiver for the Pack. He produces huge numbers and can flat out move. He may need a bit of improvement when it comes to route running, but he should fit in with Green Bay just fine.
54. Titnas take the first RB to get picked in Sankey
Sankey was not the highest graded RB in the class, but he certainly has the cleanest record, with no red flags for character concerns. Sankey is a really nice RB who can play three downs, and that is exactly what the Titans need as they move on from Chris Johnson. Sankey wasn't the highest rated RB, but I certainly like what he brings to the table, and he could start early.
55. Jeremy Hill is just the latest character concern guy to go to the Bengals
Jeremy Hill is a huge character concern, and no matter how many people vouch for him, he was arrested twice before his 21st birthday. That's absolutely horrible. Skill wise, Hill can flat out play the game. He runs through tackles and blows up in the open field. If he can stay clean, it's a great pick. If not, he's a super bust.
56. Denver goes with a dark horse, gets Latimer for Manning
Cody Latimer, WR out of Indiana, was selected here by the Broncos, and he will be just one more weapon in a loaded offense for the Broncos and Peyton Manning. He should step in and take up some of the productivity lost when Eric Decker departed, and due to his postseason accolades, he has flown up draft boards. Latimer should fit nicely here.
57. 49ers get needed RB depth, take Carlos Hyde
Hyde is another top notch skill set RB, but again, like Hill, he is a potential character nightmare. He is loaded with off-field issues, and the Niners are taking a huge risk here. If Hyde can clean up his axct, he should provide a fixture that can eventually replace Gore at RB.
58. Saints address defense, add CB Jean-Baptiste
The Saints moved too early on Jean-Baptiste, as he graded out as a third rounder. He is a slow CB, and he really doesn't make a ton of sense on a fast track surface. He is solid if you use him as a front guy in a cover 2, but he's not great in man coverage. Not a fan of this pick here.
59. Colts make first pick of the draft, give Luck some blocking help
The Colts made a smart, conservative pick here when they drafted Jack Mewhort, an OT from Ohio State who may shift inside and play guard early on. Mewhort is one of my more underrated guys at tackle or guard, and the Colts positively needed to get help on the line, as Andrew Luck took a beating last season. This is a very smart selection here.
60. Carolina ignores lack of depth at WR, goes defense in Ealy
The Panthers probably need to draft three receivers who can play now in this draft. Instead, they ignored the need in round two and go with Kony Ealy at DE out of Missouri. I am not sure about this pick, but Ealy was considered to have 1st round potential. I find him to be a tweener at best, and I am not sure what the defensive minded Ron Rivera was thinking here. Cam Newton needs help, and Ealy can't be the guy to give it.
61. Jags add more much needed offense, add Allen Robinson
The Jaguars needed some star power on offense, and they are heaping it on. Robinson is a bigger, physical receiver who can get to the football in chunks. Look for him to get a great deal of playing time as the Jags go young. They may not be very good early, but they will be exciting.
62. Patriots may have found the heir apparent at QB in Garoppolo
The Patriots shocked the draft crowd when they made a huge move in drafting Jimmy Garoppolo, a fantastic QB prospect out of Eastern Illinois, a school that gave us Sean Payton and Tony Romo. Garoppolo has a massively quick release and passed for over 13,000 yards as a four year starter, double what Romo did there. He also tossed 118 career TD passes, and led EIU from the doormat spot in the Ohio Valley, to conference champs by the time he left. The best part is that he has at least two years to develop and learn from Tom Brady. For the Patriots, they now have a chance to unload Ryan Mallett before losing him after the 2014 season.
63. Dolphins recover from horrible first round choice, get Jarvis Landry at WR
Landry isn;t the biggest guy at WR, but he certainly is skilled. He should start almost immediately for the talent lacking Dolphins. Landry's biggest problem is an overall lack of speed, but value wise, they get him just about exactly where he was projected. He wasn't the best option here, but not the worst.
64. The Seahawks add line depth in Justin Britt
The Missouri OT goes to the Seahawks here, as the Hawks literally felt like they could go with what they thought was the best player available. When you are as deep as they are everywhere, you can do that. That being said, Britt graded out as the last draftable tackle on our board, and was a potential seventh rounder. This pick makes little sense.
Coming up next: Third Round Breakdown
Thursday, May 8, 2014
2014 NFL Draft: Seahawks Trade Out of First Round, Vikings Pick Teddy Bridgewater
The Vikings could very well have drafted their QB of the future in Teddy Bridgewater out of Louisville. Bridgewater had a terrible pro day, and that wasn't indicative of how good he can be. He didn't have as great a season in 2013 as I would have hoped, but his inaccuracy issues in the workout was not him. He was actually one of the most accurate QBs in college football over the last two seasons. He has a great head on his shoulders, and even though he lacks great size, he can take a hit and get back up and compete. He'll play hurt, and he'll play smart. Bridgewater could be special if given time to develop. That being said, I am not sure he'll get much time.
2014 NFL Draft: Broncos Come Off of Super Bowl Debacle, Select Bradley Roby
The Broncos had a hole at CB, and they got one of the better CBs available in Bradley Roby of Ohio State. Roby is a questionable character guy, and the Broncos have had their problems with some of those guys over the years. Roby got a bit derailed with his off-field issues, and he sometimes can get beat in coverage, especially losing out on balls thrown up for grabs. He will eventually develop into a starting role if he can keep it together, but he may have to play a lot early on due to injuries. That could be an iffy proposition.
2014 NFL Draft: 49ers Pick 30th, Select Jimmie Ward
The Niners found a replacement for free agent Dante Whitner, and selected Safety Jimmie Ward out of Northern Illinois. Ward plays so much bigger than he is, is hyper productive at times, but is a smaller player in overall size. He plays the ball like a pro, he hits tough, and fears nothing. He is a prototype football player, and will make 49er fans very happy with his motor. He could be a day one starter with a great camp. More safeties went in the first round than anticipated, despite great corner depth early.
2014 NFl Draft: Patriots Keep First Rounder, Draft Easley
The Patriots just blew yet another first round draft pick by drafting DE Dominique Easley out of Florida, a guy who did not make our top 250 player draft board. DE wasn't a need for ew England, and it seems that Bilichick is always trying to be the smartest guy in the room. This time, he outsmarted himself. I absolutely hate this selection here. It's almost a joke how bad the Pats draft early.
2014 NFL Draft: Panthers Come to the Podium at 28, Pick Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin is a big bodied receiver who may be overvalued here in the late first round. His technique isn't great, and he still has a ton of work to do. Benjamin did fit in here at the end of the first, and so the quality fits, I suppose. He is just so big that he outmuscled most smaller DBs in college, but he will be playing up against a higher class of player now, and as raw as he is (one year of college production), he may take some time to develop. I don't see a true starter from day one, and if you aren't going to start right away, why blow a first rounder here? It's just too early to tell how much impact he will have.
2014 NFL Draft: Cardinals Pick 27th, Select Deone Buchannon
Safety was not a huge need for the Cardinals, but they got my favorite Safety in the draft in Buchannon, a big, fluid, athletic Safety who does nothing but make plays, make tackles, and play the football. He is a beast who far outplayed Clinton-Dix and Pryor in 2013. He has 15 career picks at Safety, and just looks like a star. He is much more impactful than the two guys picked before him at the position, and will be an underrated star on Sundays. Would he have been there in the second round? Probably, but it's still not a bad pick considering that the true need (QB) was not really a solid get here.
2014 NFL Draft: Eagles Pick At 26, Select Marcus Smith
I am not really sure what the Eagles are thinking here by drafting Smith in the first round. They could have had him in the second or third round. He isn't the most productive LB, and if he isn't making plays behind the line, he isn't making them. Almost half of his tackles last season were for loss, and his career high in tackles was 42 (2013). This pick was a head scratcher, because the Eagles needed help at ILB, not OLB, and Smith doesn't fit there. This is a confusing pick overall.
2014 NFL Draft: Chargers Pick at 25, Select Verrett
Jason Verrett is the most intriguing CB in the class. The Chargers had absolute need in the secondary, especially at CB, and they get one of the more underrated players in the draft. The Chargers win by picking the smallish, but speedy Verrett. He is a fighter, and plays much better than he is. He is not intimidated, and will fight against anyone. I really like this pick here, and they needed the help at CB.
2014 NFL Draft: Bengals Try to Stay On Right Track, Select Dennard
I really Like Darqueze Dennard, but CB was not a total need here. THe Bengals could have gotten depth later in the draft. He is probably the most NFL ready CB in the draft, even more than Fuller, but Dennard really doesn't make a huge amount of sense here. I hate drafting for depth in the first round, and that is what the Bengals did. Unless they plan on moving him up the depth chart, this pick makes limited sense.
2014 NFL Draft: Chiefs Pick Dee Ford
Dee Ford is listed as a DE, but my God he barely looks like one. He had some issues with a knee issue, and was bumpy during the season. He is too much tweener for me at DE, and really hasn't done any work at LB, and that's a problem, because he looks more like a LB than anything else. He runs well, and became more disruptive toward the end of last season, and had a solid post season. Not a great pick here for the Chiefs, but not horrible. DE was a need, just not a real pressing one in the first round.
2014 NFL Draft: Browns Up Once Again, Finally Select Manziel
Oh you poor disillusioned Browns fans. Everyone is acting like Manziel will come in and safe one of the most inept franchises in the history of the NFL. If you think that Manziel will save the Browns, I have a Ryan Leaf to sell you. Or a Colt McCoy, or a (gasp) Brady Quinn. Manziel keeps you in the football game, and he also keeps the other team in the game as well. He was a turnover machine last fall, and even though he is a highlight reel, you really can't afford to draft a highlight reel. Manziel will be loved right away, but there will be massive frustrations before all is said and done. He's small, he's arrogant, and his antics of just chucking the ball up won't work when he finds out that he has less than great receivers and linemen.
2014 NFL Draft: Packers Make Their Play at 21, Select Clinton-Dix
The Packers needed help at Safety, and so they went off and grabbed Hasean Clinton-Dix. I'm a grown man, and I have a problem calling him Ha-Ha. He's ok, but I am not overly impressed with his overall productivity. He has solid technique, and is disciplined, but his overall productivity is just average at best. He ran super slow at the combine, and I just don't see what others see in him. This isn't a terrible pick, I just don't dig what he brings.
2014 NFl Draft: Saints Move Up to 20, Select Brandin Cooks
Drew Brees gets a shiny new explosive toy in our All-Bilo WR of the Year for 2014 in Brandin Cooks of Oregon State. Cooks is a pass catching machine. He lacks any kind of size at all, but he is a faster, sleeker Wes Welker. He is a monster in the slot, but he has the speed to get loose and go wide and deep. He has amazing hands, and even better speed. If you lose him on the line, he blows by you. Most corners miss him on the line, and most safeties can't run with him. He is absolutely dangerous, and playing on that fast track of the Super Dome will do wonders for him. Great pick here, and a great job by the Saints to get up and get him.
2014 NFL Draft: Dolphins Looking For a Home Run Pick, Select a Dud
The Dolphins selected Ju'Waun James out of Tennessee at Tackle. This is a horrid pick, as he graded out as a third, or even fourth rounder. The Dolphins needed help on the line, but James is a terrible value at this spot, and they would have been better off going with Xavier Sua'Filo out of UCLA, who could play tackle or guard, and grades out well here. This selection is purely baffling.
2014 NFL Draft: Jets Pick 18th, Get Secondary Help In Pryor
Calvin Pryor, out of Louisville, is a Bob Sanders clone who plays like a machine. He hits like a hammer, and never stops working in the field. He is solid in run defense, and can cover like a pro. The second best safety in the draft, the Jets can't go wrong with this selection. They needed help at Safety, and although it wasn't their most pressing need, remember that they already signed Eric Decker as a free agent at WR. Pryor will fit in and start immediately, and will be a solid pick.
2014 NFl Draft: Ravens On the Board at 17, Pick CJ Mosley
The Ravens made a solid move to plug a hole with the pick of CJ Mosely, our highest rated ILB in this class. Mosley can play outside, but I see him fitting best right in the middle. He takes on blocks, and sheds with ease. He can go sideline to sideline, and fits well in coverage. He's obviously not Ray Lewis yet, but he can do a fine job of working into that role on this defense. Ravens fans will ove this player over the next several seasons.
2014 NFL Draft: Cowboys Look At Manziel, Finally Select Martin
Just when it looked as if Johnny Football would come off of the board, the Cowboys did the smart thing by selecting major need by drafting OT Zack Martin out of Notre Dame. The Cowboys have been struggling at Guard, and Martin will shift inside to play there, as he could play any position on the line, including center. Martin was a major need pick, and Jerry Jones finally did something bright here by not going with a pick of the whim here. Everyone would have loved Manziel here right now, but everyone will love Martin ten years from now, long after Manziel becomes a distant memory. I'm very happy with what the Cowboys did here.
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