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Post by Juggs on Feb 2, 2015 18:52:14 GMT -5
Last May I graded every team's draft haul. Some did great, some I found to be idiots. Now that a full NFL season has passed, I have my re-grades and recaps of each class. I tried to mention every relevant pick, but since many players didn't get to play or barely played, I left a lot of guys out entirely. This time I have all 8 divisions done ahead of time. I'll post the AFC tonight and the NFC tomorrow. I did it in MS Word to make sure I didn't lose any progress, so I apologize if it's formatted weird at all, copy/paste isn't what it used to be.
Grades revisited: AFC East: New England Patriots: After the draft C+. Now: C I gave them a C+ after the draft and that was pretty generous. Dominique Easley, a player I was very high on, couldn’t stay healthy and wound up on IR. He was the biggest injury risk, potential bust of any first round player, but the ceiling was very high. He looked good when he got on the field, but he wasn’t phenomenal. I would retract that to a B- at this point. I hold my Garoppolo grade at a D- since he didn’t play a meaningful snap and the pick was wasted as far as this season went. The Patriots could have been significantly better with an extra rookie especially in a class with so many great late round gems. I correctly graded Bryan Stork as an A-, the third round center came in and started right away, exactly as I said he would. Stork even started in a super bowl, pretty impressive for a third round lineman. Overall, the grade went down because of Easley’s injury and Jemea Thomas not even making the roster despite being a very talented CB/S hybrid. New England may have won the super bowl, but they did so almost entirely without the help of their 2014 rookie class.
edit: Malcolm Butler went undrafted and does not count. How ironic that I wrote before the SB that their rookies didn't do enough and that a rookie sealed the game with a great play. However, I didn't count UDFAs for any other team, so I can't count Butler either.
New York Jets: After the draft A-. Now: B- I gave Calvin Pryor one of my lowest grades of any player taken in round 1 and was proven right. He was handed the job and was promptly benched due to poor coverage ability. The Jets had huge needs at CB, QB, and WR and didn’t address them with this pick that looks like an early bust. Jace Amaro in round 2 was a great choice. He’s proved to be a reliable, athletic receiver and a good blocker, similar to Miami’s Charles Clay. I gave the pick an A-. A few of the Jets late round picks excited me, but overall they didn’t really work out. Ikemefuna Enemkpali was a great contributor for the Jets this year on a rotational basis, but guys like McDougle, Dixon, Dozier, and Reilly didn’t work out like I thought they would. The grade drops significantly since Amaro is the only real great pick.
Miami Dolphins: After the draft A. Now: A. Miami gets a great grade because of consistently hitting with their picks at positions they needed. JuWuan James wasn’t even being considered by most teams in round 1, but as I said in May, Miami wouldn't have gotten him halfway through round 2, most likely. James was an effective starter and was one of the best tackles taken in the draft. Jarvis Landry was a steal in round 2 and contributed as a rookie. I graded that as an A then and it still is. Billy Turner was a largely unheard of guy who I also gave an A. That might have been a stretch, but he did see time at guard towards the end of the season and he played quite well. Walt Aikens saw brief time at corner and safety, while Jordan Tripp played special teams. The Dolphins filled all their needs, got good value and made use of the players they took. Amazing job.
Buffalo Bills: After the draft: C. Now: C I think I got this one right. Sammy Watkins was an atrocious reach, I graded him a C-, the second worst first round selection even though he was the 4th pick. He was probably the worst performer of all first round rookie wide receivers and showed little ability to learn an entire route tree and improve as anything but a deep threat and a behind-the-lines playmaker. He’s a decent receiver, but giving up multiple picks and bankrupting the future when virtually every WR choice was better just ruined this draft for the Bills. Or it would have, if they hadn’t found some great young players later on. In particular, the three selections of Ross Cockrell, Cyril Richardson and Seantrell Henderson were fantastic. Henderson was a top 5 lineman from the whole draft that the Bills grabbed in round 7. I gave the pick an A-, called him potentially elite and drafted him myself in the community offseason in round 4. If Buffalo doesn't do the Watkins trade, then this is a B+ draft.
Best pick of the division: Seantrell Henderson, OT, Buffalo Bills Worst pick of the division: Calvin Pryor, S, New York Jets
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Post by Juggs on Feb 2, 2015 18:56:39 GMT -5
AFC NORTH:
Cincinnati Bengals: After the draft: B+. Now: B+ We didn’t get to see a lot of Darqueze Dennard his rookie year because of the Bengals incredible logjam at cornerback. I graded him as a B+ for being a great athlete in May and that still hasn’t changed of course, so his grade hasn’t changed. Jeremy Hill on the other hand, pretty much took over the #1 RB job by the end of the season, and that’s very impressive considering that Gio Bernard was already entrenched as the true #1. For all the ground that Hill brings up the grade, a few other players didn’t pan out later on and didn’t show much in their rookie season, which keeps this class from being in the A range. Still think McCarron will start one day.
Baltimore Ravens: After the draft: A-. Now: A. The Ravens draft was a key reason that they made the playoffs and beat their division rival Steelers. CJ Mosley played incredibly well and showed no sign of the injuries that dropped his stock on draft day. The Ravens also found significant contributors in Lorenzo Talioferro (who I graded as an A+ bona-fied steal), John Urschel, Mike Campanaro, and Crockett Gilmore. It's really impressive to land steal after steal when doing so requires a team to gamble on injury risks and boom-or-bust guys, but Baltimore nailed 2014.
Pittsburgh Steelers: After the draft: A-. Now B. This draft is an A- quality in terms of talent, but the grade falls because the Steelers didn’t really utilize their talented class. This is partly a product of Dick LeBeau usually not giving rookies significant reps. While Ryan Shazier played well, Stephon Tuitt, Wesley Johnson, Jordan Zumwalt and Daniel McCullers all rode the pine in year 1. However, Martavis Bryant and Ryan Shazier showed they’re ready to be the future of the Steelers, as long as Bryant keeps his head on his shoulders. Consider this grade a B that has the potential to be an A+.
Cleveland Browns: After the draft: A. Now: D The Browns draft was my biggest mistake. Justin Gilbert was terrible and lost his job to an UDFA. Pierre Desir was also benched. Insiders are saying that Johnny Manziel may already be done in Cleveland and Terrence West was one of the worst ranked runningbacks in the league. The one saving grace was superstar offensive guard Joel Bitonio, who was a crazy steal. Isiah Crowell was an UDFA who I don’t count for this evaluation, but he was another great find. Overall, this class will be defined by two probably first round busts and a few other failed picks. Cleveland had so many selections and just whiffed overall.
Best pick of the division: CJ Mosley, LB, Baltimore Ravens Worst pick of the division: CB Justin Gilbert, CB, Baltimore Ravens
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Post by Juggs on Feb 2, 2015 19:03:40 GMT -5
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts: After the draft: D+. Now: C. The Colts did not add substantially to the talent on their roster. I was too hard on them then, mostly because I hate them and I hadn’t seen DE Johnathon Newsome play. He turned out to make the roster and make an impact, and I would revise that grade to an A. However, I was correct that Moncrief was just okay and didn’t make a big impact while picks like Jack Mewhort and Andrew Jackson didn’t really work out in year 1.
Tennessee Titans: After the draft: A-. Now: A- I got my own team pretty much nailed overall, but not on the right players. I didn’t like the Taylor Lewan and Avery Williamson, and both ended up on PFF’s all rookie teams and were perhaps the best at their positions as rookies, despite being taken after others at the position. Taylor Lewan, Bishop Sankey, Avery Williamson and Zach Mettenberger made huge impacts on the team in 2014, and all figure to be even more important in 2015, despite two of them being taken in rounds 5 and 6. Marqueston Huff even impressed fans and came in relief of Coty Sensabaugh and played okay. This is another example of a team that just got pick after pick correct and didn't make any big mistakes.
Jacksonville Jaguars: After the draft: A. Now: A- Jacksonville’s draft grade doesn’t just ride on the quarterback they took with the #3 pick. Blake Bortles was mostly a disappointment this year, although he still has plenty of time to develop, so hold off on the Blaine Gabbert comparisons (for now). His grade is INC for now. The rest of the Jags draft was great. Unfortunately, Marqise Lee got hurt, but Brandon Linder, Aaron Colvin, and Telvin Smith were all steals. Storm Johnson also contributed. Linder was one of the best centers not just in the draft, but in the entire league, while Telvin Smith didn't look one bit like a rookie.
Houston Texans: After the draft: A. Now: A- I still think Jadaveon Clowney is going to be a superstar, and the Texans would have been making a mistake taking anyone else other than Odell Beckham. I graded the pick an A+ at the time, and I won’t change the grade until we see Clowney play at least 8 regular season games. The Texans grade went down because CJ Fiedorowicz, Xavier Su’a Filo, Louis Nix and Tom Savage either didn’t contribute or already look like busts. The one great steal Houston got was Alfred Blue, who I correctly said would be a tough-as-nails receiving spell back who could help keep Arian Foster healthy, and he did just that.
Best pick of the division: Taylor Lewan, LT, Tennessee Titans Worst pick of the division: Xavier Su'a-Filo, LG, Houston Texans
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Post by Juggs on Feb 2, 2015 19:10:10 GMT -5
AFC West:
Denver Broncos: After the draft: C+. Now: C+ Nothing has changed here. Cody Latimer still looks like a good selection, but the draft class was underwhelming and did not contribute in 2015. If Peyton retires or regresses down the road, this franchise isn’t prepared. The draft did not add a significant influx in talent at the positions they selected, and they didn't find a long term replacement for Peyton. First round CB Bradley Roby is still developing and wasn't ready for the NFL his rookie year, but his, and latimer's, athletic talent leave a lot of growing room for this class that could easily prove my grade wrong down the line.
Kansas City Chiefs: After the draft: B. Now: C After further review: B My worst fears about the Chiefs draft came true. Dee Ford was totally ineffective in limited play. He was bad against the run and failed to rush the passer as well. That was a reach at the time for a position KC didn’t need while great receivers were available that could have helped them to the playoffs. Phillip Gaines was one of my big sleepers coming in, I graded the pick an A and have been proven right on that one. Gaines was great in year one, and rookie D’anthony Thomas outplayed the B grade I gave that pick, surprisingly contributing as a RB as well as an electrifying returner. KC found 1.5 good players (one good player, one specialist). The first round pick not working out is the biggest problem.
edit: I got this one wrong for two reasons. First, I hadn't heard of Zach Fulton, a major steal for the chiefs who was drafted in round 6 and earned a positive grade from PFF while playing an amazing 99% of offensive snaps, as well as 15% on special teams. Also, since I gave Ford an awful grade in May, it's not fair to dock KC again. So back up to a B.
San Diego Chargers: After the draft: A-. Now: B. Jason Verrett was one of my other favorite prospects who was being overlooked. San Diego wisely selected him in round 1 and he was great before getting hurt and missing time. San Diego appears to have fixed their once-broken secondary with Verrett and Flowers. However, Jeremiah Attoachu also missed time with injury and failed to contribute when healthy, while Chris Watt moved to center and still failed to crack the starting 22. The back end of the draft didn’t find any hidden gems, so Verrett is pretty much carrying this class by himself at this point.
Oakland Raiders: After the draft: B+. Now: A+ This is not just the best draft of 2014, it’s one of the best classes I have ever seen. Khalil Mack is my personal DROY and Derek Carr was probably the best quarterback in 2014 despite an abysmal supporting cast on offense. 3rd round pick Gabe Jackson was a huge steal and played at a high level and just missed recognition because of how good Zach Martin and Joel Bitonio were. Justin Ellis also won a starting job at nose tackle and contributed year 1. Travis Carrie and Keith McGill both impressed and got some reps when the Raiders starting defenders went down with injury. Oakland found a potential franchise QB in round 2, a top player in the draft in Mack, a top guard, and two potential starting cornerbacks. This is amazing. I loved this class but I seriously underrated Derek Carr and a few of the Raiders late round snags. Oakland might be ready for a playoff run in 2015 in a division without a clear front runner if Peyton retires.
Best pick of the division: Khalil Mack, OLB, Oakland Raiders Worst pick of the division: Dee Ford, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs
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Post by Juggs on Feb 2, 2015 19:23:38 GMT -5
Rankings the AFC Draft Grades, here's what we get: 1. Oakland Raiders, A+. (Mack, Carr, Jackson, Carrie, Ellis, McGill) 2. Miami Dolphins, A. (James, Landry, Turner, Aikens, Tripp) 3. Baltimore Ravens, A. (Mosley, Talioferro, Urschel, Campanaro, Gillmore) 4. Tennessee Titans, A-. (Lewan, Sankey, Williamson, Mettenberger) 5. Jacksonville Jaguars, A-. (Bortles, Robinson, Lee, Linder, Smith) 6. Houston Texans, A-. (Clowney, Fiedorowicz, Blue) 7. Cincinatti Bengals, B+. (Dennard, Hill, Clarke, McCarron) 8. Pittsburgh Steelers, B. (Shazier, Tuitt, Bryant, McCullers) 9. Kansas City Chiefs, C. (Ford, Gaines, Fulton) 10. San Diego Chargers, B. (Verrett, Attoachu, Watt) 11. New York Jets, B-. (Pryor, Amaro, Enemkpali) 12. Denver Broncos, C+. (Roby, Latimer) 13. New England Patriots, C. (Stork, Easley, Garroppolo, Butler as an UDFA) 14. Buffalo Bills, C. (Watkins, Henderson, Richardson, Cockrell) 15. Indianapolis Colts, C. (Moncrief, Newsome) 16. Cleveland Browns, D. (Gilbert, Manziel, Bitonio, West, Crowell as an UDFA.)
Best pick of the AFC: Khalil Mack, OLB, Oakland Raiders Worst pick of the AFC: Justin Gilbert, CB, Cleveland Browns
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Post by Morkim on Feb 2, 2015 19:27:35 GMT -5
AFC West: Denver Broncos: After the draft: C+. Now: C+ Nothing has changed here. Cody Latimer still looks like a good selection, but the draft class was underwhelming and did not contribute in 2015. If Peyton retires or regresses down the road, this franchise isn’t prepared. The draft did not add a significant influx in talent at the positions they selected, and they didn't find a long term replacement for Peyton. First round CB Bradley Roby is still developing and wasn't ready for the NFL his rookie year, but his, and latimer's, athletic talent leave a lot of growing room for this class that could easily prove my grade wrong down the line. Kansas City Chiefs: After the draft: B. Now: C My worst fears about the Chiefs draft came true. Dee Ford was totally ineffective in limited play. He was bad against the run and failed to rush the passer as well. That was a reach at the time for a position KC didn’t need while great receivers were available that could have helped them to the playoffs. Phillip Gaines was one of my big sleepers coming in, I graded the pick an A and have been proven right on that one. Gaines was great in year one, and rookie D’anthony Thomas outplayed the B grade I gave that pick, surprisingly contributing as a RB as well as an electrifying returner. KC found 1.5 good players (one good player, one specialist). The first round pick not working out is the biggest problem. San Diego Chargers: After the draft: A-. Now: B. Jason Verrett was one of my other favorite prospects who was being overlooked. San Diego wisely selected him in round 1 and he was great before getting hurt and missing time. San Diego appears to have fixed their once-broken secondary with Verrett and Flowers. However, Jeremiah Attoachu also missed time with injury and failed to contribute when healthy, while Chris Watt moved to center and still failed to crack the starting 22. The back end of the draft didn’t find any hidden gems, so Verrett is pretty much carrying this class by himself at this point. Oakland Raiders: After the draft: B+. Now: A+ This is not just the best draft of 2014, it’s one of the best classes I have ever seen. Khalil Mack is my personal DPOY and Derek Carr was probably the best quarterback in 2014 despite an abysmal supporting cast on offense. 3rd round pick Gabe Jackson was a huge steal and played at a high level and just missed recognition because of how good Zach Martin and Joel Bitonio were. Justin Ellis also won a starting job at nose tackle and contributed year 1. Travis Carrie and Keith McGill both impressed and got some reps when the Raiders starting defenders went down with injury. Oakland found a potential franchise QB in round 2, a top player in the draft in Mack, a top guard, and two potential starting cornerbacks. This is amazing. I loved this class but I seriously underrated Derek Carr and a few of the Raiders late round snags. Oakland might be ready for a playoff run in 2015 in a division without a clear front runner if Peyton retires. Best pick of the division: Khalil Mack, OLB, Oakland Raiders Worst pick of the division: Dee Ford, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs We found a starting offensive lineman (Fulton) in the 6th round. Feels worth mentioning.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 19:30:38 GMT -5
Very good. I think Verrett may end up being a bust. He was hurt when we drafted him and he was hurt later. He's kind of small. Watt did good, I don't understand the didn't crack the starting 22? Attoachu has great up side and did perform when healthy. He could be a beast if he works hard. Our Grice pick was cut and UDFA Oliver is a solid find. I like that kid. I would probably give our draft a B-.
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Post by mitch9234 on Feb 2, 2015 19:33:52 GMT -5
Jack Mewhort didn't work out? Are you serious? He was their second best offensive lineman.
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Post by Juggs on Feb 2, 2015 19:45:34 GMT -5
I had no idea about Fulton, I'll check that out. For Chris Watt, he started 4 games because of an injury, but he is the backup again at season's end. I didn't count undrafted free agents, but if I did, Brandon Oliver would have helped the Colts grade a lot. He was their best rookie no doubt. Jancey sorry if that came across wrong. It's too early to judge, he's not a bust by any means, but was a reach. He had an overall negative grade from PFF, and I can't evaluate further than that since the Colts line as a whole was bad and injured.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 20:11:59 GMT -5
Brandon Oliver is a Charger not colt. haha I know typo.
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