Grading The 2014 NFL Draft
AL.com
Like New York City itself, Radio City is a special place. Many performers have starred in the venerable theater over the decades and it is a place where many future NFL superstars -- and legions of not-so-shining stars -- have heard their names called. Against that backdrop, let the curtain rise on the final review of how the league's 32 teams performed under the spotlight for a fickle audience at the 2014 NFL Draft:
Standing Ovation
Houston Texans: No. 1, DE, Jadeveon Clowney; No. 33, G, Xavier Su'a-Filo; No. 65, TE, C.J. Fiedorowicz; No. 83, DT, Louis Nix; No. 135, QB, Tom Savage; No. 177, DE, Jeoffrey Pagan; No. 181, RB, Alfred Blue; No. 211, FB, Jay Prosch; No. 216, CB, Andre Hal; No. 256 (Mr. Irrelevant), S, Lonnie Ballentine
The Review: Jadeveon Clowney was the head of the class and the Texans stayed put at No. 1 to select the difference maker on defense. A couple of top-notch picks followed in the second and third rounds in guard Xavier Su'a-Filo and DT Louis Nix, respectively. Nix dropped from a first-round projection to the third round (No. 83) and he is more than worthy of the selection at that spot. Bill O'Brien and Tom Savage will be a good teacher/pupil fit as the latter builds up to eventually being the Texans' starter. Prosch represents great late-draft value.
St. Louis Rams: No. 2, OT, Greg Robinson; No. 13, DT, Aaron Donald; No. 41, CB, Lamarcus Joyner; No. 75, RB, Tre Mason; No. 110, S, Maurice Alexander; No. 188, CB, E.J. Gaines; No. 214, QB, Garrett Gilbert; No. 226, OT, Mitchell Van Dyk; No. 241, S, C.B. Bryant; No. 249, DE, Michael Sam; No. 250, C, Demetrius Rhaney
The Review: It could be argued the Rams had the best first round of any team. OT Greg Robinson is eager to learn and ultimately will take over at left tackle for a decade. On the other side of the ball, a tenacious Aaron Donald can be a disruptive force for just as long. Tre Mason (No. 75), a former Auburn teammate of Robinson, will give the Rams a boost in the running game. Joyner is an outstanding cover corner and Gaines adds depth at that position. With so much speculation as to whether Sam would be drafted it turns out he will remain in Missouri.
Thunderous Applause
Atlanta Falcons: No. 6, OT Jake Matthews; No. 37, DT, Ra'Shede Hageman; No. 68, S, Dezmen Southward; No. 103, RB, Devonta Freeman; No. 139, LB, Prince Shembo; No. 147, CB, Ricardo Allen; No. 168, LB, Marcus Spruill; No. 253, LB, Yawin Smallwood; No. 255, LB, Tyler Starr
The Review: A really solid draft in addressing several needs. Matthews and Hageman will have an immediate impact, and Freeman is a versatile running back with great hands. He and Jacquizz Rodgers should make for an exciting backfield duo. Southward could play right away at corner or safety. Four of the last five picks were linebackers, including a very athletic Spruill.
Baltimore Ravens: No. 17, LB, C.J. Mosley; No. 48, DT, Timmy Jernigan; No. 79, S, Terrence Brooks; No. 99, TE, Crockett Gilmore; No. 134, DE, Brent Urban; No. 138, RB, Lorenzo Taliaferro; No. 176, G, John Urschel; No. 194, QB, Keith Wenning; No. 218, WR, Michael Campanaro
The Review: The Ravens went for defense with their first three picks and got a couple of difference makers in Mosley and Jernigan. They later added quality depth to the D-line with Urban. Gilmore is a very strong pick at No. 99. His stock rose late and he could turn out to be a gem in the Ravens offense. Campanaro was a steal in the seventh round. Overall, it was a very nice draft for GM Ozzie Newsome with a mix of impact players and those with considerable upside.
Green Bay Packers: No. 21, S, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix; No. 53, WR, Davante Adams; No. 85, DT Khyri Thornton; No. 98, TE, Richard Rodgers; No. 121, LB, Carl Bradford; No. 161, C, Corey Linsley; No. 176, WR, Jared Abbrederis; No. 197, CB, Demetri Goodson; No. 236, WR, Jeff Janis
The Review: Clinton-Dix can play right away in a Green Bay secondary that is in need of somebody with his ball skills. Speaking of ball skills, the Pack certainly upgraded its corps of receivers with Adams and Abbrederis, with the latter known for his superb route running. Green Bay needed to address the linebacker position and did an outstanding job of it with Bradford, who can work inside or outside.
Jacksonville Jaguars: No. 3, QB, Blake Bortles; No. 39, WR, Marqise Lee; No. 61, WR, Allen Robinson; No. 93, G, Brandon Linder; No. 114, CB, Aaron Colvin; No. 144, LB, Telvin Smith; No. 159, LB, Chris Smith; No. 205, C, Luke Bowanko; No. 222, RB, Storm Johnson
The Review: The selection of the in-stater Bortles surprised many at No. 3. Third picks are usually reserved for prospects who will play right away, which is likely not the case with Bortles. He will be a good one, though. The Jags snagged a pair of wonderful receivers in Lee and Robinson while addressing the O-line with Linder. They finally went with defense in the fourth and fifth rounds and did very well, especially with the versatile Telvin Smith.
Minnesota Vikings: No. 9, LB, Anthony Barr; No. 32, QB, Teddy Bridgewater; No. 72, DE, Scott Crichton; No. 96, RB, Jerick McKinnon; No. 145, G, David Yankey; No. 182, CB, Antone Exum; No. 184, CB, Kendall James; No. 220, DT, Shamar Stephen; No. 223, LB, Brandon Watts; No. 225, CB, Jabari Price
The Review: A very strong class overall was led by a playmaking linebacker in Barr and a much-needed quarterback in Bridegwater. The Vikings, who had 10 picks, did a nice job upgrading most areas of the defense. Many thought Crichton could have gone in the second round. Watts, meanwhile, is a talented linebacker who could provide great seventh-round value. Needing help at corner, the Vikes took three in the final two rounds.
Oakland Raiders: No. 5, LB, Khalil Mack; No. 36, QB, David Carr; No. 81, G, Gabe Jackson; No. 107, DT, Justin Ellis; No. 116, CB, Keith McGill; No. 219, CB, Travis Carrie; No. 225, DE, Shelby Harris; No. 247, S, Jonathan Dowling
The Review: Mack was regarded as the best defensive player in the draft not named Clowney. Carr has great arm strength -- perhaps the best among the QBs -- and was a good pick in Round 2. Jackson is a bull at guard and Ellis has the tools to be one of the draft's best mid-round picks.
Pittsburgh Steelers: No. 15, LB, Ryan Shazier; No. 46, DT, Stephon Tuitt; No. 97, WR, Dri Archer; No. 118, WR, Martavis Bryant; No. 157, CB, Shaquille Richardson; No. 173, C, Wesley Johnson; No. 192, LB, Jordan Zumwalt; No. 215, DT, Daniel McCullers; No. 230, TE, Rob Blanchflower
The Review: Ben Roethlisberger has to be happy with the big-bodied Bryant (6-foot-4) and also the diminutive Archer, who is a thrill-a-second RB/WR who will provide a major spark. Shazier provides speed off the edge and Tuitt can clog up the middle. Zumwalt was an excellent pick in the sixth round.
Golf Clap
Arizona Cardinals: No. 27, S, Deone Bucannon; No. 52, TE, Troy Niklas; No. 84, DE, Kareem Martin; No. 91, WR, John Brown; No. 120, QB, Logan Thomas; No. 160, DE, Ed Stinson; No. 196, WR, Walter Powell
The Review: The Cardinals needed a safety and got one in Bucannon, who was widely regarded as the third best as his position. Arizona also bolstered the pass rush with Martin, who moved up the board as the draft neared and could find himself starting sooner than later. Niklas gives Carson Palmer a nice outlet while the speedy John Brown was a star at the FCS level who will likely have more of an impact on the return game at first.
Buffalo Bills: No. 4, WR, Sammy Watkins; No. 44, OT, Cyrus Kouandjio; No. 73, LB, Preston Brown; No. 109, CB, Ross Cockrell; No. 153, G, Cyril Richardson; No. 221, LB, Rendell Johnson; No. 237, OT, Seantrell Henderson
The Review: The Bills traded up from No. 9 to get the ultra-talented Watkins, who was widely regarded as the best receiver of a deep class. He will make a difference on offense and special teams. Kouandjio addresses a need on the offensive line, but injuries are a concern. Richardson was a very good fifth-round selection. There were a couple of good selections on defense -- Brown is strong against the run and on the blitz while Cockrell could make a difference in the secondary very soon.
Chicago Bears: No. 14, CB, Kyle Fuller; No. 51, DT, Ego Ferguson; No. 82, DT, William Sutton; No. 117, RB, Ka'Deem Carey; No. 131, S, Brock Vereen; No. 183, QB, David Fales; No. 191, P, Patrick O'Donnell; No. 246, OT, Charles Leno, Jr.
The Review: The Bears needed help at corner and they got a player in Fuller who was arguably the best CB in the draft. Ferguson seemed questionable in the second round, though the Bears did a nice job snagging Sutton 31 picks later. Carey was one of the nation's leading rushers last season and at least one draft publication tabbed him as the best of the RBs. He has maturity issues, but he was a very good pick in the fourth round. Fales may not have the strongest of arms, but he could develop into a nice backup.
Cincinnati Bengals: No. 24, CB, Darqueze Dennard; No. 55, RB, Jeremy Hill; No. 88, DE, Will Clarke; No. 111, G, Russell Bodine; No. 164, QB, AJ McCarron; No. 239, WR, James Wright; No. 252, CB, Lavelle Westbrooks
The Review: Dennard is a physical and tough corner who was the 2013 Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's best defensive back at Michigan State. Cincy did well in getting Clarke, who can be an immediate contributor to the pass rush. Hill has character issues and, though he is very talented, it makes for a questionable second-round pick. While Andy Dalton has the No. 1 QB job locked down, McCarron could eventually compete for the top job.
Cleveland Browns: No. 8, CB, Justin Gilbert; No. 22, QB, Johnny Manziel; No. 35, G, Joel Bitonio; No. 71, LB, Christian Kirksley; No. 94, RB, Terrance West; No. 127, CB, Pierre Desir.
The Review: After trading down from No. 4 to the No. 9 spot and back up to No. 8, Cleveland took neither Manziel nor a receiver, but they did get a player who was the top corner in many mock drafts in Gilbert. After lighting up Times Square with their selection of Manziel, the wait was on for the receiver everyone expected after news broke that Josh Gordon faces a possible one-year suspension and Nate Burleson has a broken arm (again). The Browns picked up some good players in Bitonio, the very talented West and the high-upside Desir, but it was a curious draft that ended in the fourth round without the selection of a single wide receiver. The overall value of this haul hinges on Manziel, who could ultimately make GM Ray Farmer's first draft a standing "O."
Denver Broncos: No. 31, CB, Bradley Roby; No. 56, WR, Cody Latimer; No. 95, OT, Michael Schofield; No. 156 Lamin Barrow; No. 207, C, Matthew Paradis; No. 242, LB, Corey Nelson
The Review: A short but somewhat sweet draft for the Broncos. Roby is a little questionable off the field and has a history of injuries, but there is no question he was one of the top corners in this draft. Latimer shot up the board in the weeks leading up to the draft and he will be a nice replacement for Eric Decker. Schofield and Barrow are solid depth players.
New Orleans Saints: No. 20, WR, Brandin Cooks; No. 58, CB, Stanley Jean-Baptiste; No. 126, LB, Khairi Fortt; No. 167, S, Vinnie Sunseri; No. 169, LB, Ronald Powell; No. 202, OT, Tavon Rooks
The Review: The Saints did not have many picks but selected a group of tough, physical players. Cooks was the Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation's top receiver at Oregon State last season. Jean-Baptiste is a big corner (6-foot-3) and Sunseri will provide nice depth at safety.
New York Giants: No. 12, WR, Odell Beckham; No. 43, C, Weston Richburg; No. 74, DT, Jay Bromley; No. 113, RB, Andre Williams; No. 152, S, Nat Berhe; No. 174, LB, Devon Kennard; No. 187, CB, Bennett Jackson
The Review: The Giants might have taken Eric Ebron if he were on the board, but ended up getting an outstanding receiver and special teams contributor in Beckham. The momentum did not last, though. Richburg probably would have been available later. Bromley never lets up on a play, but consistency is often lacking. Kennard could prove to be a strong late pick with his ability to play both linebacker and end.
New York Jets: No. 18, S, Calvin Pryor; No. 49, TE, Jace Amaro; No. 80, CB, Dexter McDougle; No. 104, WR, Jalen Saunders; No. 115, WR, Shaquelle Evans; No. 137, G, Dakota Dozier; No. 154, LB, Jeremiah George; No. 195, CB, Brandon Dixon; No. 209, WR, Quincy Enunwa; No. 210, DE, IK Enemkpali; No. 213, QB, Tajh Boyd; No. 233
The Review: The Jets addressed a major need in the secondary by making Pryor the first safety selected. McDougle, though, may have gone too high. Amaro will be a nice fit in the West Coast offense while Saunders, who split his career between Fresno State and Oklahoma, and Evans can be dangerous weapons for Geno Smith. Dozier can contribute at tackle or guard. Let's face it, getting Tajh Boyd that late makes for a nice pick.
Philadelphia Eagles: No. 26, LB, Marcus Smith; No. 42, WR, Jordan Matthews; No. 86, WR, Josh Huff; No 101, CB, Jalen Watkins; No. 141, DE, Taylor Hart; No. 162, S, Ed Reynolds; No. 224, DT, Beau Allen
The Review: After some maneuvering, the Eagles got perhaps the best pass rusher that remained at No. 26 in the person of Smith. They then addressed the release of DeSean Jackson by getting the bigger Matthews. Of course, Chip Kelly had to get a couple of his own from Oregon in Huff and Hart. Watkins is a very strong corner.
San Diego Chargers: No. 25, CB, Jason Verrett; No. 50, LB, Jeremiah Attaochu; No. 89, G, Chris Watt; No. 165, DT, Ryan Carrethers; No. 201, RB, Marion Grice; No. 240, WR, Tevin Reese
The Review: San Diego nicely addressed the defense in this draft. Verrett, who plays well beyond his 5-foot-9 frame, could turn out to the best corner taken. Attaochu is an equally talented player who could develop into a Pro Bowler and Carrethers offers much value in the fifth round.
San Francisco 49ers: No. 30, S, Jimmie Ward; No. 57, RB, Carlos Hyde; No. 70, C, Marcus Martin; No. 77, LB, Chris Borland; No. 100, G, Brandon Thomas; No. 106, WR, Bruce Ellington; No. 129, CB, Dontae Johnson; No. 150, LB, Aaron Lynch; No. 170, CB, Keith Reaser; No. 180, CB, Kenneth Acker; No. 243,DE, Kaleb Ramsey; No. 245, FB, Trey Millard
The Review: Ward was one of the best safeties on the board, but it was not a position of need. Bordland was a great pick at No. 77 as insurance if NaVorro Bowman (knee) struggles to return. On offense, Martin nicely addresses a need at center while Hyde is depth behind Frank Gore. Keep an eye on Lynch, who many scouts thought had first-round talent while at Notre Dame before transferring to USF.
Seattle Seahawks: No. 45, WR, Paul Richardson; No. 64, OT, Justin Britt; No. 108, DE, Cassius Marsh; No. 123, WR, Kevin Norwood; No. 132, LB, Kevin Pierre-Louis; No. 172, DT, Jimmy Staten; No. 199, OT, Garrett Scott; No. 208, S, Eric Pinkins; No. 227, FB, Kiero Small
The Review: The Seahawks traded out of the first round before grabbing a couple more weapons for Russell Wilson to work with. Richardson could have been available in the third round but will stretch the field while the sure-handed Norwood also has good speed. There are character questions with Marsh, but he is not lacking for talent. Pinkins is a 6-foot-3 safety who could end up being quite a sixth-round pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: No. 7, WR, Mike Evans; No. 38, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins; No. 69, RB, Charles Sims; No. 143, G, Kadeem Edwards; No. 149, OT, Kevin Pamphile; No. 185, WR, Robert Herron
The Review: QB Josh McCown got a pair of big-bodied weapons in the 6-foot-5 Evans and the 6-foot-6 Seferian-Jenkins. After those two there was little to get excited about. Sims can make plays with his hands and feet out of the backfield, by I wonder how much he will be used as long as Doug Martin is around. Pamphile might develop into a starter.
Yawns
Dallas Cowboys: No. 16, G, Zack Martin; No. 34, DE, Demarcus Lawrence; No. 119, LB, Anthony Hitchens; No. 146, WR, Devin Street; No. 231, DE, Ben Gardner; No. 238, LB, Will Smith; No. 248, CB, Ahmad Dixon; No. 251, DT, Ken Bishop; No. 254, CB, Terrence Mitchell
The Review: Martin and Lawrence address needs, and Street could turn out to be a favorite of Tony Romo. Hitchens could have been had later, and who knows about all those seventh-round picks -- perhaps a couple can make the roster as depth players.
Detroit Lions: No. 10, TE, Eric Ebron; No. 40, Kyle Van Noy; No. 76, C, Travis Swanson; No. 133, CB, Nevin Lawson; No. 136, TE, Larry Webster; No. 158, DT, Caraun Reid; No. 189, WR, T.J. Jones; No. 229, K, Nate Freese
The Review: The Lions got an outstanding talent in Ebron with the 10th pick, but they did not need him. Van Noy is solid, but Swanson would have been around much later. Detroit went to the FCS level with consecutive picks for Webster (Bloomsburg) and Reid (Princeton). The latter could provide solid value.
Indianapolis Colts: No. 59, OT, Jack Mewhort; No. 90, WR, Donte Moncrief; No. 166, LB, Jonathan Newsome; No. 203, LB, Andrew Jackson; No. 232, OT, Ulrick John
The Review: Thanks for stopping by. With no first-round selections and only two of their five picks in the top 100, it was an uneventful draft for the Colts. Mewhort probably went higher than most expected, though Moncrief as a third-round selection could turn out to be a valuable weapon for Andrew Luck.
Kansas City Chiefs: No. 23, LB, Dee Ford; No. 87, CB, Phillip Gaines; No. 124, RB, De'Anthony Thomas; No. 163, QB, Aaron Murray; No. 193, G, Zach Fulton; No. 200, OT, Laurent Devernay-Tardif.
The Review: The Chiefs were looking down the road with the selection of Ford, which does not seem like the wisest way to utilize your only pick in the first two rounds. With Dexter McCluster off to Tennessee, K.C. needed help at running back and got an unpolished home-run threat in Thomas. Maybe Murray becomes a solid backup at some point.
Miami Dolphins: No. 19, OT, Ja'waun James; No. 63, WR, Jarvis Landry; No. 67, OT, Billy Turner; No. 125, CB, Walt Aiken; No. 155, TE, Arthur Lynch; No. 171, LB, Jordan Tripp; No. 190, WR, Matt Hazel; No. 234, DE, Terrence Fede
The Review: With their first two picks the Dolphins selected players they could have taken later in the draft. Lynch could become a very dependable tight end and Tripp offers plenty of upside at linebacker. There are too many projects here.
New England Patriots: No. 29, DT, Dominique Easley; No. 62, QB, Jimmy Garoppolo; No. 105, C, Bryan Stork; No. 130, RB, James White; No. 140, OT, Cameron Fleming; No. 179, G, Jon Halapio; No. 198, DE, Zach Moore; No. 206, CB, Jamea Thomas; No. 244, WR, Jeremy Gallon
The Review: The Patriots appeared to get some value late, but things were questionable early on. Easley tore his ACL twice at Florida, making him a high-risk pick. Garoppolo may prove to be a successor to the 37-year-old Tom Brady, but selecting him this high? Fleming could turn out to be a nice guard/tackle.
Tennessee Titans: No. 11, OT, Taylor Lewan; No. 54, RB, Bishop Sankey; No. 112, DT, Daquan Jones; No. 122, S, Marqueston Huff; No. 151, LB, Avery Williamson; No. 178, QB, Zach Mettenberger
The Review: Lewan was the best tackle available and he gives the line an injection of youth. Sankey will help with the loss of Chris Johnson, and it would not be a stretch to expect Mettenberger to compete for the top QB job in a year or two.
Boooooo
Carolina Panthers: No. 28, WR, Kelvin Benjamin; No. 60, DE, Kony Ealy; No. 92, G, Trai Turner; No. 128, S, Tre Boston; No. 148, CB Bene Benwikere; No. 204, RB, Tyler Gaffney
The Review: Benjamin was a good pick for the Panthers, but Marqise Lee might have been the better route to go. Ealy is an outstanding player, but the Panthers did not need help at DE, and there is little that stands out otherwise in a draft that must leave Carolina fans feeling underwhelmed.
Washington Redskins: No. 47, LB, Trent Murphy; No. 66, OT, Morgan Moses; No. 78, G, Spencer Long; No. 102, CB, Bashaud Breeland; No. 142, WR, Ryan Grant; No. 186, RB, Lache Seastrunk; No. 217, TE, Ted Bolser; No. 228, K, Zach Hocker
The Review: After being left out of the first round, the second day was not too good for the 'Skins. Murphy is a nice player, but does not seem to be an immediate need with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan still in place. Moses was an excellent value at No. 66, but that was not the case with Long a dozen picks later. They did pick it up a bit with Grant and Seastrunk, two guys that can be nice contributors on offense.
NFL Report Cards
By Kansascity.com
ARIZONA CARDINALS: B
1 (27) Deone Bucannon, DB, Washington State ...
2 (52) Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame ...
3 (84) Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina ...
3 (91) John Brown, WR, Pittsburg State ...
4 (120) Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech ...
5 (160) Ed Stinson, DE, Alabama ...
6 (196) Walter Powell, WR, Murray State ...
You could argue Bucannon is a slight reach, but he should be a plug-and-play starter who fills a need, is a big hitter and has ball skills. He's a nice complement to free safety Tyrann Mathieu. The Cardinals also got intriguing players at tight end (Niklas), defensive end (Martin), slot receiver (Brown) and quarterback (Thomas). Niklas and Martin could start as soon as next year, and Thomas is raw but has all the tools. All three were solid value picks. In all, they filled four needs with their first five picks. Well done.
ATLANTA FALCONS: B-
1 (6) Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M ...
2 (37) Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota ...
3 (68) Dezmen Southward, DB, Wisconsin ...
4 (103) Devonta Freeman, RB, Florida State ...
4 (139) Prince Shembo, LB, Notre Dame ...
5 (147) Ricardo Allen, DB, Purdue ...
5 (168) Marquis Sprull, LB, Syracuse ...
7 (253) Yawin Smallwood, LB, Connecticut ...
7 (255) Tyler Starr, LB, South Dakota ...
Matthews is a rock-solid first-round pick, a plug-and-play tackle with NFL bloodlines. Hageman is a boom-or-bust guy, and the Falcons just signed two expensive interior linemen in free agency, but he represents good value in the second round. Southward has all the tools but needs to be coached up. Freeman and Shembo have intriguing potential in the fourth round, and the latter comes at a position of need. They failed to address a pressing need for a pass-rushing defensive end, however.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: A
1 (17) C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama ...
2 (48) Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State ...
3 (79) Terrence Brooks, DB, Florida State ...
3 (99) Crockett Gillmore, TE, Colorado State ...
4 (134) Brent Urban, DE, Virginia ...
4 (138) Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Coastal Carolina ...
5 (175) John Urschel, C, Penn State ...
6 (194) Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State ...
7 (218) Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest ...
Incredible. The Ravens are always in position to pounce when good players fall, and they did it again this year. Mosley is one of the draft's best players, and he fell because he plays a non-premium position, which happens to be one of need for the Ravens. They also landed Jernigan, a stout run-stuffer who some thought would go in the first round. He's a bit of a luxury pick, but a great one. Brooks is yet another solid pick, a speedy free safety who will serve as a perfect complement to last year's first round pick, Matt Elam. Gillmore, Urban and Taliaferro are solid depth picks.
BUFFALO BILLS: C+
1 (4) Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson ...
2 (44) Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama ...
3 (73) Preston Brown, LB, Louisville ...
4 (109) Ross Cockrell, DB, Duke ...
5 (153) Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor ...
7 (221) Randell Johnson, LB, Florida Atlantic ...
7 (237) Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami ...
The Bills landed a player that many consider to be the best receiver in the draft in Watkins. He fills a major need, too. But they had to give up a first-round pick in 2015 to get him. Kouandjio has a chance to compete for the starting job at right tackle, and he represents OK value in the second round. Brown is a two-down middle linebacker, at worst, and he could be the starter in 2015 once Brandon Spikes' contract runs out. Cockrell can add depth behind Leodis McKelvin and Stephon Gilmore, and Richardson is an intriguing developmental guy.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: C-
1 (28) Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State ...
2 (60) Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri ...
3 (92) Trai Turner, G, LSU ...
4 (128) Tre Boston, DB, North Carolina ...
5 (148) Bene' Benwikere, DB, San Jose State ...
6 (204) Tyler Gaffney, RB, Stanford ...
After losing Steve Smith, Ted Ginn and Brandon LaFell, the Panthers desperately needed to give star quarterback Cam Newton some weapons. They drafted a potential No. 1 option in Benjamin, who has enormous physical tools but is raw. The Panthers got good value in Ealy, who was expected to go in the first round, though defensive line was not a need. His impact could be limited early. Turner is a solid prospect who could come in and start. Benwikere can come in and challenge for playing time. Boston will add depth.
CHICAGO BEARS: B-
1 (14) Kyle Fuller, DB, 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, DB, Minnesota ...
6 (183) David Fales, QB, San Jose State ...
6 (191) Patrick O'Donnell, P, Miami ...
7 (246) Charles Leno, OT, Boise State ...
The Bears did a nice job marrying value and needs. Fuller won't start this year over Tim Jennings or Charles Tillman but both are getting older and Fuller has the bloodlines and talent to be a quality NFL starter. The Bears also did a ton to improve their interior defense by taking Ferguson, who looks the part but needs to be more consistent, and Sutton, who can be a wrecking machine if he manages his weight. Carey isn't a burner but he can form an effective tandem with Matt Forte, and Vereen is an athletic, rangy guy who not only fills a need but also comes at a great value.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: B
1 (24) Darqueze Dennard, DB, Michigan State ...
2 (55) Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU ...
3 (88) Will Clark, DE, West Virginia ...
4 (111) Russell Bodine, C, North Carolina ...
5 (164) A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama ...
6 (212) Marquis Flowers, LB, Arizona ...
7 (239) James Wright, WR, LSU ...
7 (252) Lavelle Westbrooks, DB, Georgia Southern ...
The Bengals didn't have a ton of essential needs, necessarily, but Dennard boosts an aging group and represents excellent value. So does Hill, a first-round talent who fell because running backs no longer hold the value they once did. Clarke adds position depth while Bodine could eventually win the starting job. McCarron also represents good value and will serve as an insurance policy for the mercurial Andy Dalton.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: A
1 (8) Justin Gilbert, DB, Oklahoma State ...
1 (22) Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M ...
2 (35) Joel Bitonio, G, Nevada ...
3 (71) Christian Kirksey, LB, Iowa ...
3 (94) Terrance West, RB, Towson ...
4 (127) Pierre Desir, DB, Lindenwood ...
The Browns weren't scared to wheel and deal. They moved down from No. 4 and ended up with a 2015 first-round pick and Gilbert, which filled a major need. They also moved up to take the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the draft in Manziel, who gives them some sorely needed star power. Bitonio fits a need but may be best in a power-blocking scheme, while Kirksey, West and Desir are all intriguing developmental players who can grow into starring roles. But they failed to address receiver, which was a glowing need before news broke during the draft that star wideout Josh Gordon could be facing a year-long suspension.
DALLAS COWBOYS: C
1 (16) Zach Martin, G, Notre Dame ...
2 (34) Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State ...
4 (119) Antony 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 ...
Johnny Manziel was still on the board at No. 16, but owner Jerry Jones showed tremendous restraint by taking Martin, a rock-solid and versatile option who fills a need. He will play immediately. The Cowboys also gave up a third to move up in the second round and take Lawrence, an intriguing pass rusher who definitely fills a need. Hitchens and Street don't fill needs but add some depth. They failed to address a potential need at safety.
DENVER BRONCOS: B
1 (31) Bradley Roby, DB. Ohio State ...
2 (56) Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana ...
3 (95) Michael Schofield, OT, Michigan ...
5 (156) Lamin Barrow, LB, LSU ...
6 (207) Matt Paradis, C, Boise State ...
7 (242) Corey Nelson, LB, Oklahoma ...
The Broncos did a nice job of adding some pieces to add their looming Super Bowl run. Roby adds some athleticism to the secondary and fills a need, while Latimer helps provide insurance if Wes Welker gets hurt. The Broncos lost starting guard Zane Beadles to free agency, so Schofield adds some depth. They also traded down and still managed to land an intriguing developmental linebacker in Barrow, who could play inside or outside.
DETROIT LIONS: B
1 (10) Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina ...
2 (40) Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU ...
3 (76) Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas ...
4 (133) Nevon Lawson, DB, Utah State ...
4 (136) Larry Webster, DE, Bloomsburg ...
5 (158) Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton ...
6 (189) T.J. Jones, WR, Notre Dame ...
7 (229) Nate Freese, K, Boston College ...
The Lions came away with another excellent receiving target for quarterback Matt Stafford in Ebron -- the best tight end in the draft -- and a versatile pass-rusher in Van Noy. Both can be instant starters. Swanson will inherit the starting center job when Dominic Raiola retires, and in the meantime, he can gain some much-needed strength. Lawson gives them depth at corner while Webster and Reid have plenty of physical talent and are intriguing developmental candidates. The Lions could have used a little more help at corner, but they obvious decided to give some youngsters they already have at the position a shot.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: A-
1 (21) Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, DB, Alabama ...
2 (53) Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State ...
3 (85) Khyri Thornton, DE, Southern Mississippi ...
3 (98) Richard Rodgers, 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 ...
Yet another strong draft for the Packers, who got a top-notch free safety in Clinton-Dix, a playmaking receiver in Adams who fits the system perfectly and an athletic-but-inconsistent tight end in Rodgers. All those positions were needs, by the way. They also got some intriguing developmental candidates at position of needs in Thornton, Abbrederis and Linsley and another young pass rusher in Bradford, who might have the tools to stick. They did not address inside linebacker, but it's hard to complain about the collection of talent.
HOUSTON TEXANS: A
1 (1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina ...
2 (33) Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA ...
3 (65) C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa ...
3 (83) Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame ...
4 (135) Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh ...
6 (177) Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama ...
6 (181) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU ...
6 (211) Jay Prosch, RB, Auburn ...
7 (216) Andre Hal, DB, Vanderbilt ...
7 (256) Lonnie Ballentine, DB, Memphis ...
A heck of a haul for the Texans, who not only got the best pass rusher in the draft in Clowney but arguably the best guard (Su'a-Filo), best nose guard (Nix) and one of the best tight ends (Fiedorowicz). Savage is a big, pro-style quarterback who should benefit greatly from Bill O'Brien's coaching, which makes up for the fact they didn't burn a pick on a QB early. Pagan is an excellent value pick at a position of need and Prosch is also a sneaky-good pick. They could have used another body at offensive tackle, but that's nitpicking,
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: D+
2 (59) Jack Mewhort, G, Ohio State ...
3 (90) Donte Moncrief, WR, Mississippi ...
5 (166) Jonathan Newsome, LB, Ball State ...
6 (203) Andrew Jackson, LB, Western Kentucky ...
7 (232) Ulrick John, OT, Georgia State ...
In retrospect, the Trent Richardson trade doesn't seem like such a good idea, as the Colts certainly could have used their first-round pick. Mewhort, who could move inside, and Moncrief are solid prospects at position of need. Jackson is a developmental pass rusher with some promise, but in such a deep draft, to have only three picks in the first five rounds is a killer.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: B
1 (3) Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida ...
2 (39) Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California ...
2 (61) Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State ...
3 (93) Brandon Linder, G, Miami ...
4 (114) Aaron Colvin, DB, Oklahoma ...
5 (144) Telvin Smith, LB, Florida State ...
5 (159) Chris Smith DE, Arkansas ...
6 (205) Luke Bowanko, C, Virginia ...
7 (222) Storm Johnson, RB, Central Florida ...
The Jaguars had needs at quarterback, receiver, and guard and came away with intriguing early-round prospects at each position. How well they did depends on how you feel about them. Bortles, Lee and Robinson have talent but also question marks. For Bortles, it's almost impossible to predict quarterback performance. Lee has durability concerns and Robinson needs to improve his route running. But Colvin and both Smiths all represent solid value, and Linder has a chance to come in and help immediately.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: C+
1 (23) Dee Ford, de, Auburn. ...
3 (87) Phillip Gaines, db, Rice. ...
4 (124) De'Anthony Thomas, rb, Oregon. ...
5 (163) Aaron Murray, qb, Georgia. ...
6 (193) Zach Fulton, g, Tennessee. ...
6 (200) Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, ot, McGill. ...
Their overall grade is hurt by the fact they a.) could have dearly used a second-round pick and only had six picks, in general, and b.) they didn't come away with a receiver, per se. But the Chiefs still came through with a solid draft. They began with by taking a talented pass rusher and corner to fortify a defense that fell apart toward the end of last season. And while Thomas is too small to play running back full-time, he'll log plenty of snaps in the slot as Dexter McCluster's replacement. Murray is a nice fit in Andy Reid's offense who will serve as insurance in case the Chiefs and quarterback Alex Smith can't agree to a reasonable extension, while Fulton and Duvernay-Tardif are big, aggressive developmental prospects who might make it. The Chiefs failed to come away with a safety, but that is probably a reflection on the confidence they have in Eric Berry, Sanders Commings and Husain Abdullah.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: C+
1 (19) Ja'Wuan James, OT, Tennessee ...
2 (63) Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU ...
3 (67) Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota State ...
4 (125) Walt Aikens, DB, Liberty ...
5 (155) Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia ...
5 (171) Jordan Tripp, LB, Louisiana-Monroe ...
6 (190) Matt Hazel, WR, Coastal Carolina ...
7 (234) Terrence Fede, DE, Marist ...
The Dolphins reached in the first round to address their glaring need at tackle, but they also addressed pressing needs at receiver, guard and cornerback by investing high picks in Landry, Turner and Aikens. All four have a chance to pan out. Lynch and Tripp are interesting developmental prospects, too. But their grade is hurt a bit by reaching on James -- who probably had second-round value -- in the first round.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: B-
1 (9) Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA ...
1 (32) Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville ...
3 (72) Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State ...
3 (96) Jerick McKinnon, RB, Georgia Southern ...
5 (145) David Yankey, OT, Stanford ...
6 (182) Antone Exum, DB, Virginia Tech ...
6 (184) Kendall James, DB, Maine ...
7 (220) Shamar Stephen, NT, Connecticut ...
7 (223) Brandon Watts, LB, Georgia Tech ...
7 (225) Jabari Price, DB, North Carolina ...
The Vikings needed a playmaking linebacker, and they're betting that Barr -- a gifted prospect -- will fit the bill. They're also banking on Bridgewater being their quarterback on the future, though there are concerns about his ability to play in the cold and the Vikings will be playing outdoors for two years until their new stadium opens. Crichton and McKinnon are interesting prospects who won't start early on, though Yankey might. Exum and James fill needs but aren't premium picks. The Vikings failed to adequately address needs at inside linebacker and receiver.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: B
1 (29) Dominique Easley, DE, Florida ...
2 (62) Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois ...
4 (105) Bryan Stork, C, Florida State ...
4 (130) James White, RB, Wisconsin ...
4 (140) Cameron Fleming, OT, Stanford ...
6 (179) Jon Halapio, G, Florida ...
6 (198) Zach Moore, DT, Concordia St. Paul ...
6 (206) Jemea Thomas, DB, Georgia Tech ...
7 (244) Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan ...
The Patriots addressed a need at defensive tackle by taking Easley, who is disruptive and quick. But he is coming off ACL and meniscus surgery and his durability is a concern. The Patriots also decided to take Tom Brady's eventual replacement in the gifted Garoppolo, and invested a pick in White, who can step in if starters Shane Vereen or Stevan Ridley leave as free agents next season. Stark is smart, tough and a candidate to start immediately. The Pats surprisingly passed on addressing tight end but selected a number of talented players in the later rounds.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: B-
1 (20) Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State ...
2 (58) Stanley Jean-Baptiste, DB, Nebraska ...
4 (126) Khairi Fortt, LB, California ...
5 (167) Vinnie Sunseri, DB, Alabama ...
5 (169) Ronald Powell, LB, Florida ...
6 (202) Tavon Rooks, OT, Kansas State ...
The Saints got sorely needed help at receiver by trading up to take Cooks, who has a high floor and should serve as a valuable weapon for Drew Brees. They surrendered their third-round pick to do it, but still managed to address needs with Jean-Baptiste, Fortt and Powell. Sunseri is a smart player who could contribute to Rob Ryan's defense. A solid draft, though they passed on beefing up the center position.
NEW YORK GIANTS: C+
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, Southern California ...
6 (187) Bennett Jackson, DB, Notre Dame ...
The Giants got another weapon for quarterback Eli Manning in Beckham and also someone who can help him stay upright in Richburg. Bromley can aid the pass rush while Williams is a sneaky-good pick -- he is a classic Giants tailback. Behre, Kennard and Jackson all have some potential. The Giants could have used some help at tight end and offensive tackle, though.
NEW YORK JETS: C+
1 (18) Calvin Pryor, DB, Louisville ...
2 (49) Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech ...
3 (80) Dexter McDougle, DB, Maryland ...
4 (104) Jalen Saunders, WR, Oklahoma ...
4 (115) Shaquelle Evans, WR, UCLA ...
4 (137) Dakota Dozier, G, Furman ...
5 (154) Jeremiah George, LB, Iowa State ...
6 (195) Brandon Dixon, DB, Northwest Missouri ...
6 (209) Quincy Enunwa, WR, Nebraska ...
6 (210) IK Enemkpali, LB, Louisiana Tech ...
6 (213) Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson ...
7 (233) Trevor Reilly, LB, Utah ...
The Jets addressed a huge need for a playmaker at safety with Pryor, and they also added some legitimate weapons at receiver (Saunders and Evans) and tight end (Amaro) to aid whoever they start at quarterback. McDougle will get a chance to help immediately at cornerback, while Dozier could be an option at guard in time. Those were all needs. Dixon has potential, he's just raw.
OAKLAND RAIDERS: B
1 (5) Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo ...
2 (36) Derek Carr, QB. Fresno State ...
3 (81) Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State ...
4 (107) Justin Ellis, DT, Louisiana Tech ...
4 (116) Keith McGill, DB, Utah ...
7 (219) T.J. Carrie, DB, Ohio ...
7 (235) Shelby Harris, DE, Illinois ...
7 (247) Jonathan Dowling, DB, Western Kentucky ...
The Raiders got one of the draft's elite players in Mack -- though they already have a number of pass rushers -- and their franchise quarterback in Carr. Jackson figures to contribute immediately, while Ellis and McGill have some developmental value. They could have also used another receiver or tight end, but hey, you can't address everything.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: C+
1 (26) Marcus Smith, LB, Louisville ...
2 (42) Jordan Matthews, WR, Vandrbilt ...
3 (86) Josh Huff, WR, Oregon ...
4 (101) Jaylen Watkins, DB, Florida ...
5 (141) Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon ...
5 (162) Ed Reynolds, DB, Stanford ...
7 (224) Beau Allen, DT, Wisconsin ...
The Eagles may have reached on Smith, who was projected by some to go in the third round -- lower than Ford, who went to the Chiefs -- but he was one of the few legit pass rushers in this draft who could make an instant impact. After the release of DeSean Jackson, the Eagles also came back and did a nice job of adding some juice to the receiver position with Huff and Matthews, while Watkins and Reynolds fit needs. Urban is an interesting developmental lineman.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: A-
1 (15) Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State ...
2 (46) Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame ...
3 (97) Dri Archer, RB, Kent State ...
4 (118) Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson ...
5 (157) Shaquille Richardson, DB, Arizona ...
5 (173) Wesley Johnson, OT, Vanderbilt ...
6 (192) Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA ...
6 (215) Daniel McCullers, DE, Tennessee ...
7 (230) Rob Blanchflower, TE, Massachusetts ...
The Steelers got much better in their front seven with the addition of two stalwart defenders, Shazier and Tuitt. Both look like immediate starters. Archer and Bryant give them some badly needed explosiveness, while Richardson brings some sorely-needed youth to the cornerback position. Johnson, Zumwalt and McCullers were nice value picks who all have a chance to make it.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: A
1 (2) Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn ...
1 (13) Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh ...
2 (41) Lamarcus Joyner, DB, Florida State ...
3 (75) Tre Mason, RB, Auburn ...
4 (110) Maurice Alexander, DB, Utah State ...
6 (188) E.J. Gaines, DB, Missouri ...
6 (214) Garrett Gilbert, QB, SMU ...
7 (226) Michell Van Dyk, OT, Portland State ...
7 (241) Christian Bryant, DB, Ohio State ...
7 (249) Michael Sam, DE, Missouri ...
7 (250) Demetrius Rhaney, C, Tennessee State ...
The Rams got much better up front on both sides of the ball with their first two picks. Robinson will likely be a terrific guard -- where he fits a need -- before he takes over at left tackle for Jake Long in a few years. Donald was arguably the most disruptive defensive player in the entire draft, and he gives the Rams a killer front four. Joyner is tiny but a good football player who can complement safety T.J. McDonald. Mason can contribute early in a rotation with Zac Stacy, while Gaines and Gilbert have potential. Great draft.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: C+
1 (25) Jason Verrett, DB, TCU ...
2 (50) Jeremiah Attaochu, TE, Georgia Tech ...
3 (89) Chris Watt, G, Notre Dame ...
5 (165) Ryan Carrethers, DB, Arkansas State ...
6 (201) Marlon Grice, RB, Arizona State ...
7 (240) Tevin Reese, WR, Baylor ...
Verrett is small, but he's an immensely talented cover corner who is a good fit and will contribute immediately. Attaochu won't necessarily be forced into action early but there's no denying his knack for rushing the passer. Watt is a grinder who will challenge for playing time, while Carrethers' bulk could help up front. Decent crop by the Bolts.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: A
1 (30) Jimmie Ward, DB, Northern Illinois ...
2 (57) Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State ...
3 (70) Marcus Martin, C, Southern California ...
3 (77) Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin ...
3 (100) Brandon Thomas, G, Clemson ...
4 (106) Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina ...
4 (129) Dontae Johnson, DB, N.C. State ...
5 (150) Aaron Lynch, DE, South Florida ...
5 (170) Keith Reaser, DB, Florida Atlantic ...
6 (180) Kenneth Acker, DB, SMU ...
7 (243) Kaleb Ramsey, DE, Boston College ...
7 (245) Trey Millard, RB, Oklahoma ...
With their bounty of picks, the 49ers addressed every position of need and ended up with an absolute haul. Ward is a versatile playmaker who fills a need at nickel corner, while Hyde is an excellent value pick who has starter potential. Martin is arguably the top center in the draft, which is a position of need, and Borland is a try-hard player who can fill in if star NaVorro Bowman's recovery from a serious knee injury takes a while. Ellington is a great value pick and will likely contribute immediately. Thomas is a gifted guard who can redshirt this year and challenge for a starting job, while Lynch and Johnson have the tools to be good players.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: B
2 (45) Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado ...
2 (64) Justin Britt, OT, Missouri ...
4 (108) Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA ...
4 (123) Kevin Norwood, WR, Alabama ...
4 (132) Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB, Boston College ...
5 (172) Jimmy Staten, DT, Middle Tennessee ...
6 (199) Garrett Scott, OT, Marshall ...
6 (208) Eric Pinkins, DB, San Diego State ...
7 (227) Kiero Small, RB, Arkansas ...
The Seahawks traded out of the first round and ended up with a number of interesting players. Richardson has durability concerns but has the ability to take a top off a defense. He fills a need, and so does Britt, who was expected to be a mid-round pick but has enough versatility to play guard or tackle. Because of their proven track record as evaluators, the Seahawks deserve the benefit of the doubt. They also added a sure-handed receiver (Norwood) and two speedy defenders (Marsh and Pierre-Louis). The Seahawks passed on upgrading the talent at tight end, which was a bit of a surprise.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: B
1 (7) Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M ...
2 (38) Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington ...
3 (69) Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia ...
5 (143) Kadeem Edwards, G, Tennessee State ...
5 (149) Kevin Pamphile, OT, Purdue ...
6 (185) Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming ...
The Bucs landed one of the draft's elite receivers and one of its best tight ends, which both happened to be at positions of need. They also landed a developmental guard in Edwards and a third-down back with great hands in Sims. Herron offers plenty of upside at slot receiver, which is a position of need. It would have been nice to add another defensive end to the mix.
TENNESSEE TITANS: C+
1 (11) Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan ...
2 (54) Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington ...
4 (112) DaQuan Jones, DT, Penn State ...
4 (122) Marqueston Huff, DB, Wyoming ...
5 (151) Avery Williamson, LB, Kentucky ...
6 (178) Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU ...
Lewan is a solid value pick, though he might not play immediately because of the presence of veteran left tackle Michael Roos. The Titans also addressed needs at running back, tackle and cornerback with some interesting prospects, and Jones was a value pick as well. Mettenberger could be a pet project for new coach Ken Whisenhunt.
WASHINGTON: C
2 (47) Trent Murphy, LB, Stanford ...
3 (66) Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia ...
3 (78) Spencer Long, G, Nebraska ...
4 (102) Bashaud Breeland, DB, 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 ...
Not bad, considering it had no first-round pick. Murphy could be groomed to replace Brian Orakpo, while Moses and Long could also see early playing time at right tackle and right guard, respectively. Breeland is a good value pick at a position of need while Grant has excellent hands and projects as a possession receiver. Surprisingly, Washington decided not to beef up the depth at inside linebacker, safety or defensive line.