Post by Danchat on May 7, 2018 23:01:59 GMT -6
They say one should wait 3 to 4 years before grading a draft class. The time has come for the 2014 draft class to be graded, and we'll also look at a couple of opinions from those in the media. I will also examine a few other teams' classes for the sake of comparison.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com
- NFC North notables
Walter Cherepinsky of Walterfootball.com
-My Grades of the Vikings Picks-
Pick 1-9: OLB Anthony Barr
Barr is a bit tricky to grade as his 2016 season hurt his stock. I would give him an 'A' if it weren't for that season. Barr was "coasting" and possibly playing through a hand injury. Putting the negatives aside, though, Barr has been a big factor in the run stopping department that has improved with every year Zimmer has coached. He's an effective pass rusher, but he doesn't get enough chances to do so. His coverage has mostly been good outside of the 2016 season. While he might be a better fit on a 3-4 defense, there's still no question he's been one of the reasons the Vikings defense has been so good.
Grade: A-
Pick 1-32: QB Teddy Bridgewater
This is a very difficult pick to go back and grade. The Vikings only got a season and a half of play from Teddy due to a freakish knee injury that nearly separated his leg at the knee, and even the Jets don't know if he's at 100% yet. When he was on the field, his play garnered mixed reviews with many labeling him as a terrible QB and others saying he was limited by Norv Turner. However, unlike many other QB busts, Teddy did have a winning record and helped bring the Vikings to the playoffs in 2015 and was one chip-shot FG from getting the Vikings' first playoff win since Brett Favre's days. Unfortunately, for all of the positives, the negatives simply outweigh the positives. He only played 29 games and could not overcome the offensive shortcomings of the Vikings offense. Prior to his injury, he only looked like a game manager, but that's not the type of QB you draft with a 1st round pick.
Grade: D+
Pick 3-72: DE Scott Crichton
Many thought of Crichton as a 2nd round prospect who probably should have played in college one more year. Crichton played a little bit in the rotation, but once Danielle Hunter was drafted in 2015, Crichton was totally overshadowed and was eventually cut after failing to notch a single sack in the NFL. He failed to resurface due to injury. He simply wasn't an NFL-caliber player.
Grade: F
Pick 3-96: HB Jerick McKinnon
The Vikings spent a high draft pick to back up Peterson, but unlike the Toby Gerhart selection, they got a surprising amount of value out of him. After 4 seasons, McKinnon racked up 1,918 yards rushing (4.0 YPC) and 984 yards receiving with just 2 lost fumbles. McKinnon struggled behind the 2016 offensive line, and while his 2017 stats weren't great on paper, on tape you can see the incredible acceleration and burst he has whenever the line gives him room to run. He's not a bellcow and suited for 10-15 touches a game, but he's a dangerous weapon when used correctly.
Grade: A-
Grade: 5-145: G David Yankey
Yankey looked like a steal in the 5th round after many draftniks had him as a 2nd-3rd round prospect. Yankey spent one season on the roster after being cut and being stashed on the practice squad. It turns out NFL teams were right to pass on him.
Grade: D
Pick 6-182: CB/S Antone Exum
Exum hung around on the roster from 2014 to 2015 season as a backup safety. He did a passable job when he was forced into action. He spent the 2016 season on the IR and won a roster spot in 2017 for a single week before getting cut. He's with the 49ers now and he's still hanging around.
Grade: C+
Pick 6-184: CB Kendall James
James failed to make the team and lasted on the practice squad for 2 days. Yup, that's it. He never ended up doing anything else.
Grade: F
Pick 7-220: DT Shamar Stephen
Stephen has been able to be a mainstay on the roster for four seasons and broke into the rotation in 2016 but he wasn't very good. 2017 was different as he stepped up his game and was a capable run stuffer. He'll have the same role for the Seahawks in this upcoming season. Most of the other 7th rounders are out of the NFL at this point, so this was a great pick.
Grade: A-
Pick 7-223: OLB Brandon Watts
Watts was a reserve linebacker for a couple seasons and saw only a handful of snaps. There's not much else to say.
Grade: C-
Pick 7-225: CB Jabari Price
Price outlasted his peer Kendall James, lasting two seasons on the roster and spending 2016 on the IR. He made 10 tackles in 2015.
Grade: C-
Summary: From the 2014 draft class, the Vikings have received 3 good seasons of LB play from Barr, 1.5 seasons of adequate QB play from Bridgewater, 4 years of solid football from McKinnon, about one season's worth of decent play from Shamar Stephen, and the rest added a little value as backups.
OVERALL GRADE: B-
If Teddy would have become a franchise QB, then this draft class would have been an "A". Crichton flunking was a disappointment, but whiffing on a 3rd round pick happens frequently to NFL teams. Missing on the franchise QB hurts, especially since this draft class had Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo drafted in the 2nd round.
But let's not stop there. Let's look at some of the other draft classes and examine how they did compared to the Vikings' class. Let's see how Bill Belichick's draft class turned out:
Patriots 2014 Draft Class
Pick 1-29: DT Dominique Easley
Easley was a surprising draft pick due to previously torn ACLs. When on the field, he played decently enough, but they cut him after just 2 seasons because of chronic knee issues. This past season with the Rams, he tore an ACL for the third time. He managed only 3 sacks for the Patriots and was a clear bust.
Grade: D-
Pick 2-62: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
This is a very tough pick to grade. Garoppolo appears to be on track to be a franchise QB for the 49ers, so he was absolutely worth the selection. Here's what the Patriots got from him: 4 years of a good backup QB, 2 wins in 2 starts as a backup (he was injured in that second game and couldn't start through the rest of Brady's ban), and a 2nd round pick from the 49ers for him. They didn't get a starter, and I think they could have taken a player who could have helped them contribute more, but they did get value from this selection.
Grade: B+
Pick 4-105: C Bryan Stork
Stork was the Patriots starting center in his rookie season, but his career was plagued by injuries. He only started 6 more games in 2015 before they attempted to trade him in 2016, but he couldn't pass a physical. He then retired. If it weren't for the injuries, this would have been a very good pick.
Grade: C-
Pick 4-130: HB James White
After barely hanging on to a roster spot as a rookie, White developed into a receiving-only running back, as he's caught 161 passes for 1,413 yards compared to just 431 rushing yards. He had an unbelievable Super Bowl against the Falcons where he caught 14 passes for 110 yards and 3 total TDs. He may be a part time player, but he's left a positive impact on the team.
Grade: A-
Pick 4-140: T Cameron Fleming
Fleming has been one of the better swing tackles in the NFL, starting 20 games the past four seasons, mostly at right tackle. He helped the 2017 Patriots when RT Marcus Cannon went down and he held up against Jacksonville's and Philly's pass rushes. Oddly enough, the Patriots let him walk and sign with Dallas for just $2.375M on a one year deal. They'd be wise to make him their starting RT.
Grade: A-
Pick 6-179: G Jon Halapio
Halapio failed to make the Patriots roster and has become a reserve guard for the Giants.
Grade: F
Pick 6-198: DE Zach Moore
Moore lasted just one season with the Patriots. He notched a half a sack.
Grade: D-
Pick 6-206: DB Jemea Thomas
Thomas failed to make the team.
Grade: F
Pick 7-244: WR Jeremy Gallon
Belichick has been famous for not being good at drafting WRs. Gallon couldn't make an NFL roster and is now a CFL receiver.
Grade: F
OVERALL GRADE: C-
Blowing the 1st round pick is rough, and while Garoppolo was worth the pick, they got only 2 starts out of him and a 2nd round pick 4 years in the future. White and Fleming were great 4th rounders, so that helps the draft class, but neither ended up being full-time starters.
The Seahawks were roaring at this time in 2014, so let's see how they drafted coming off of a Super Bowl victory:
Seahawks 2014 Draft Class
Pick 2-45: WR Paul Richardson
It took Richardson 3 seasons of sitting on the bench and dealing with injuries to finally break out in 2017 with a 44/703/6 (catches/yards/TDs) line. Now he's gone, taking a $40M deal over 5 years in Washington. The Hawks didn't get much value from this pick as they could have.
Grade: C-
Pick 2-64: T/G/C Justin Britt
Britt was a trainwreck at right tackle his first season in the league, but oddly enough, he found his home at center. The past two seasons he's become an above average center, so what once looked like a bust turned into a success story.
Grade: B+
Pick 4-108: DE Cassius Marsh
The Seahawks got 3 solid years of rotational pass rush from Marsh before trading him for 5th and 7th round selections. Not bad, but not great.
Grade: B
Pick 4-123: WR Kevin Norwood
Norwood caught 9 passes and was traded after one season for a conditional draft pick.
Grade: D-
Pick 4-132: LB Kevin Pierre-Louis
Pierre-Louis has been one of the best special teams (coverage) players in the NFL and provided some depth at LB for the Hawks for 3 seasons before being traded.
Grade: B
Pick 5-172: DT Jimmy Staten
Staten failed to make the team. Most 5th rounders at least hang around for a little while before getting released...
Grade: F
Pick 6-199: T Garrett Scott
The Seahawks cut Scott literally one day after he signed his rookie contract. He had a heart condition that they didn't discover before drafting him. Whoops!
Grade: F-
Pick 6-208: S Eric Pinkins
Pinkins bounced between the PS and the roster for 2 seasons and notched 3 tackles.
Grade: D-
Pick 7-227: FB Kiero Small
Small failed to make the team.
Grade: F
OVERALL GRADE: C-
The Seahawks ended up with one good starting season at WR, at least two at center, and a rotational DE and an elite special teamer. Britt is the last starting O-lineman the Seahawks developed (yes, it's been 4 years!) who is any good, so that saves the draft class from being a total disappointment. Unlike the Patriots, they failed to capitalize on having 3 fourth rounders and didn't find a starter.
Let's take a look at a team that had higher picks compared to the Seahawks and Patriots... let's try the Browns. Take cover!! Here comes the tire fire!
Browns 2014 Draft Class
Pick 1-8: CB Justin Gilbert
The Browns thought they were drafting the best CB in the draft class. Not only did he totally fail to learn how to play CB, he clashed with the coaches and later ended up being suspended for the entire 2017 season. The Browns shipped him off for a 6th round pick after just two years with him. What a disaster!
Grade: F-
Pick 1-22: QB Johnny Manziel
I don't know how, but after having two first round picks, the Browns got just 2 seasons out of these players apiece. Manziel started on the bench, and when he was named the starting QB, he looked lost and displayed awful accuracy and pocket presence. It turns out he didn't watch any tape and partied all the time and showed up to practice drunk and/or high. No NFL team has tried to resurrect his career, and for good reason.
Grade: F-
Pick 2-35: G Joel Bitonio
I guess the blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while, right? Bitonio has been a phenomenal guard for the Browns. I have nothing negative to say here.
Grade: A
Pick 3-71: ILB Christian Kirksey
Kirksey has been a very good run stopper for the Browns for the past four years. He does have some struggles in coverage, but for a 3rd round pick, he's been one of the few positives on a Browns defense that has been really bad over the years.
Grade: A-
Pick 3-94: HB Terrance West
The Browns are great at taking talented players and bungling their development. West had a decent year one with the Browns and then he became overweight and the Browns quickly gave up on him, trading him for a conditional pick they never received. The Ravens later got him to be a decent 2 down back, but he's a free agent now. This regime was unbelievably incompetent.
Grade: D
Pick 4-127: CB Pierre Desir
Desir was a small school prospect of whom the Browns gave up on after two years of barely playing him. The Colts used him as a starter last season and he hasn't gotten very good grades, but he's a fine backup player.
Grade: D+
That was the last pick the Browns had. Weird.
OVERALL GRADE: D
1st round busts happen, but Gilbert and Manziel were spectacular disasters. Only the Bitonio and Kirksey picks saved this class and added two starters who are still going strong for the Browns, but it's still a total waste of draft capital.
Alright, it's time for one more team. Let's see how our rivals, the Packers, did in 2014!
Packers 2014 Draft Class
Pick 1-21: S Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
The absolutely ridiculous name aside, Clinton-Dix has been a very good safety for the Packers. While their CB position has imploded recently, the combo of Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett has kept their defense from being truly awful.
Grade: A
Pick 2-53: WR Davante Adams
After an OK rookie season, Adams' sophomore season was nightmare-ish, filled with drops and poor play. Suddenly in 2016, Adams turned into a respectable starting receiver, clicking with Rodgers with 997 receiving yards and 12 TDs. He looked even better last year (even with Brett Hundley!!), though he did suffer 2 concussions. They didn't get a lot from him for the first two seasons, but the past two have been fantastic.
Grade: A-
Pick 3-85: DT Khyri Thornton
The Packers 2014 draft class was not perfect, as Thornton was a massive bust. He spent his rookie season on the IR and then got cut, so he never even played a game for them. He played a little for the Lions and wasn't terrible in 2016.
Grade: F
Pick 3-98: TE Richard Rodgers
Rodgers had a big 2015 season, but he fell out of favor after that and is simply a backup at this point in his career. Rodgers doesn't have the speed to separate and he's a poor blocker to boot.
Grade: C
Pick 4-121: LB Carl Bradford
Bradford was thought to be a steal at this point, but he bounced between the PS and the roster and was rarely active on the roster. He ended up being nothing more than a backup.
Grade: D
Pick 5-161: C Corey Linsley
Linsley became a starting center and quickly became a stalwart on the Packers' O-line. His 2017 season graded out poorly, however. Finding him in the 5th round is an absolute steal.
Grade: A
Grade: 5-176: WR Jared Abbrederis
Abbrederis received some hype, but he only ended up catching 10 passes as a Packer. He was a backup at best.
Grade: D
Pick 6-197: CB Demetri Goodson
Goodson has been a backup for three seasons and spent 2017 on the IR. When he did play, he didn't grade out well.
Grade: C
Pick 7-236: WR Jeff Janis
Janis made a few heroic catches in a playoff game against the Cardinals, but the Packers never gave him many opportunities. He is a very good special teamer who is playing for the Browns now.
Grade: B-
OVERALL GRADE: A-
Let me tell you, I don't like complementing the Packers. I can't stand this team, but I can't let that cloud my judgement. Finding Clinton-Dix, Adams, and Linsley makes this draft class better than all the others I've analyzed. The only things keeping it down is the Thornton whiff.
Whew... that's more than enough text from me. What do you guys think? It was interesting to see the Seahawks and Patriots have subpar drafts while the Vikings and Packers had two of the better classes, though Green Bay's far outclassed the Vikings. Many of the media's opinions have aged like raw meat left rotting in the sun, and perhaps I'll search for some more bad draft takes if you guys would like to see any more.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com
- NFC North notables
BEST PICK (in the NFC North): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Minnesota Vikings, Round 1, No. 32 overall
Bridgewater experienced a major slide down the charts during the pre-draft process, but he is arguably the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2014 class. He thrived directing an advanced version of the West Coast offense at Louisville while displaying a polished game from the pocket. Although his widely discussed pro-day workout exposed concerns about his arm strength and accuracy, Bridgewater would seem to be an ideal fit for Vikings coordinator Norv Turner's scheme, based on the offensive wizard's work with Philip Rivers in San Diego and a host of other signal-callers in the past. With a dominant runner (Adrian Peterson) and a capable set of pass catchers (headlined by Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Rudolph) in place to support him, Bridgewater could outplay his draft slot early in his career.
Minnesota Vikings, Round 1, No. 32 overall
Bridgewater experienced a major slide down the charts during the pre-draft process, but he is arguably the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2014 class. He thrived directing an advanced version of the West Coast offense at Louisville while displaying a polished game from the pocket. Although his widely discussed pro-day workout exposed concerns about his arm strength and accuracy, Bridgewater would seem to be an ideal fit for Vikings coordinator Norv Turner's scheme, based on the offensive wizard's work with Philip Rivers in San Diego and a host of other signal-callers in the past. With a dominant runner (Adrian Peterson) and a capable set of pass catchers (headlined by Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Rudolph) in place to support him, Bridgewater could outplay his draft slot early in his career.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: It's always challenging getting a new head coach on the same page with an established general manager, but based on Minnesota's draft success, it appears that the marriage between Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman is off to a fine start. The Vikings walked away with a talent-rich haul, securing a number of blue-chip prospects at bargain rates. No. 9 overall pick Anthony Barr is a disruptive force with the athleticism and length to become a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher early in his career. Despite limited experience on the defensive side of the ball, the former UCLA running back has all of the traits defensive coordinators covet in edge players. Bridgewater slid down the charts due to concerns about his arm strength and size, but his college tape is spectacular and his game ideally suits Turner's system. If he plays to his potential, Bridgewater could make this draft class a special one for the Vikes' faithful. Add in a number of value picks in defensive end Scott Crichton, cornerback Antone Exum and offensive guard David Yankey, and it's clear Minnesota is poised to bounce back in a major way in 2014. GRADE: B+
Walter Cherepinsky of Walterfootball.com
Vikings: B+ Grade
2014 NFL Draft Accomplishments: I don't understand how Anthony Barr can be perceived as a reach for Minnesota. He was linked to them this entire time, and if Jake Matthews hadn't been on the board at No. 6, the Falcons probably would have chosen him at that juncture. Barr fit the range and filled one of Minnesota's top needs - and the team was able to obtain an extra pick in a trade with Cleveland before snagging him.
Barr is one of many solid selections the Vikings made throughout the weekend. In fact, excluding the seventh round, I gave just one of their selections lower than a B, which was the "C" I posted for Jerick McKinnon (there were better running backs available). Minnesota may have found its franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32. I'm not as crazy about Bridgewater as DraftTwitter is, but he should at least be a decent starter. Scott Crichton, meanwhile, was a steal in the third frame. He and Barr will help compensate for the loss of Jared Allen.
I liked the Vikings' draft overall. I would've done a couple of things differently, but there's no doubt that Rick Spielman improved his roster.
2014 NFL Draft Accomplishments: I don't understand how Anthony Barr can be perceived as a reach for Minnesota. He was linked to them this entire time, and if Jake Matthews hadn't been on the board at No. 6, the Falcons probably would have chosen him at that juncture. Barr fit the range and filled one of Minnesota's top needs - and the team was able to obtain an extra pick in a trade with Cleveland before snagging him.
Barr is one of many solid selections the Vikings made throughout the weekend. In fact, excluding the seventh round, I gave just one of their selections lower than a B, which was the "C" I posted for Jerick McKinnon (there were better running backs available). Minnesota may have found its franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32. I'm not as crazy about Bridgewater as DraftTwitter is, but he should at least be a decent starter. Scott Crichton, meanwhile, was a steal in the third frame. He and Barr will help compensate for the loss of Jared Allen.
I liked the Vikings' draft overall. I would've done a couple of things differently, but there's no doubt that Rick Spielman improved his roster.
-My Grades of the Vikings Picks-
Pick 1-9: OLB Anthony Barr
Barr is a bit tricky to grade as his 2016 season hurt his stock. I would give him an 'A' if it weren't for that season. Barr was "coasting" and possibly playing through a hand injury. Putting the negatives aside, though, Barr has been a big factor in the run stopping department that has improved with every year Zimmer has coached. He's an effective pass rusher, but he doesn't get enough chances to do so. His coverage has mostly been good outside of the 2016 season. While he might be a better fit on a 3-4 defense, there's still no question he's been one of the reasons the Vikings defense has been so good.
Grade: A-
Pick 1-32: QB Teddy Bridgewater
This is a very difficult pick to go back and grade. The Vikings only got a season and a half of play from Teddy due to a freakish knee injury that nearly separated his leg at the knee, and even the Jets don't know if he's at 100% yet. When he was on the field, his play garnered mixed reviews with many labeling him as a terrible QB and others saying he was limited by Norv Turner. However, unlike many other QB busts, Teddy did have a winning record and helped bring the Vikings to the playoffs in 2015 and was one chip-shot FG from getting the Vikings' first playoff win since Brett Favre's days. Unfortunately, for all of the positives, the negatives simply outweigh the positives. He only played 29 games and could not overcome the offensive shortcomings of the Vikings offense. Prior to his injury, he only looked like a game manager, but that's not the type of QB you draft with a 1st round pick.
Grade: D+
Pick 3-72: DE Scott Crichton
Many thought of Crichton as a 2nd round prospect who probably should have played in college one more year. Crichton played a little bit in the rotation, but once Danielle Hunter was drafted in 2015, Crichton was totally overshadowed and was eventually cut after failing to notch a single sack in the NFL. He failed to resurface due to injury. He simply wasn't an NFL-caliber player.
Grade: F
Pick 3-96: HB Jerick McKinnon
The Vikings spent a high draft pick to back up Peterson, but unlike the Toby Gerhart selection, they got a surprising amount of value out of him. After 4 seasons, McKinnon racked up 1,918 yards rushing (4.0 YPC) and 984 yards receiving with just 2 lost fumbles. McKinnon struggled behind the 2016 offensive line, and while his 2017 stats weren't great on paper, on tape you can see the incredible acceleration and burst he has whenever the line gives him room to run. He's not a bellcow and suited for 10-15 touches a game, but he's a dangerous weapon when used correctly.
Grade: A-
Grade: 5-145: G David Yankey
Yankey looked like a steal in the 5th round after many draftniks had him as a 2nd-3rd round prospect. Yankey spent one season on the roster after being cut and being stashed on the practice squad. It turns out NFL teams were right to pass on him.
Grade: D
Pick 6-182: CB/S Antone Exum
Exum hung around on the roster from 2014 to 2015 season as a backup safety. He did a passable job when he was forced into action. He spent the 2016 season on the IR and won a roster spot in 2017 for a single week before getting cut. He's with the 49ers now and he's still hanging around.
Grade: C+
Pick 6-184: CB Kendall James
James failed to make the team and lasted on the practice squad for 2 days. Yup, that's it. He never ended up doing anything else.
Grade: F
Pick 7-220: DT Shamar Stephen
Stephen has been able to be a mainstay on the roster for four seasons and broke into the rotation in 2016 but he wasn't very good. 2017 was different as he stepped up his game and was a capable run stuffer. He'll have the same role for the Seahawks in this upcoming season. Most of the other 7th rounders are out of the NFL at this point, so this was a great pick.
Grade: A-
Pick 7-223: OLB Brandon Watts
Watts was a reserve linebacker for a couple seasons and saw only a handful of snaps. There's not much else to say.
Grade: C-
Pick 7-225: CB Jabari Price
Price outlasted his peer Kendall James, lasting two seasons on the roster and spending 2016 on the IR. He made 10 tackles in 2015.
Grade: C-
Summary: From the 2014 draft class, the Vikings have received 3 good seasons of LB play from Barr, 1.5 seasons of adequate QB play from Bridgewater, 4 years of solid football from McKinnon, about one season's worth of decent play from Shamar Stephen, and the rest added a little value as backups.
OVERALL GRADE: B-
If Teddy would have become a franchise QB, then this draft class would have been an "A". Crichton flunking was a disappointment, but whiffing on a 3rd round pick happens frequently to NFL teams. Missing on the franchise QB hurts, especially since this draft class had Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo drafted in the 2nd round.
But let's not stop there. Let's look at some of the other draft classes and examine how they did compared to the Vikings' class. Let's see how Bill Belichick's draft class turned out:
Patriots 2014 Draft Class
Pick 1-29: DT Dominique Easley
Easley was a surprising draft pick due to previously torn ACLs. When on the field, he played decently enough, but they cut him after just 2 seasons because of chronic knee issues. This past season with the Rams, he tore an ACL for the third time. He managed only 3 sacks for the Patriots and was a clear bust.
Grade: D-
Pick 2-62: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
This is a very tough pick to grade. Garoppolo appears to be on track to be a franchise QB for the 49ers, so he was absolutely worth the selection. Here's what the Patriots got from him: 4 years of a good backup QB, 2 wins in 2 starts as a backup (he was injured in that second game and couldn't start through the rest of Brady's ban), and a 2nd round pick from the 49ers for him. They didn't get a starter, and I think they could have taken a player who could have helped them contribute more, but they did get value from this selection.
Grade: B+
Pick 4-105: C Bryan Stork
Stork was the Patriots starting center in his rookie season, but his career was plagued by injuries. He only started 6 more games in 2015 before they attempted to trade him in 2016, but he couldn't pass a physical. He then retired. If it weren't for the injuries, this would have been a very good pick.
Grade: C-
Pick 4-130: HB James White
After barely hanging on to a roster spot as a rookie, White developed into a receiving-only running back, as he's caught 161 passes for 1,413 yards compared to just 431 rushing yards. He had an unbelievable Super Bowl against the Falcons where he caught 14 passes for 110 yards and 3 total TDs. He may be a part time player, but he's left a positive impact on the team.
Grade: A-
Pick 4-140: T Cameron Fleming
Fleming has been one of the better swing tackles in the NFL, starting 20 games the past four seasons, mostly at right tackle. He helped the 2017 Patriots when RT Marcus Cannon went down and he held up against Jacksonville's and Philly's pass rushes. Oddly enough, the Patriots let him walk and sign with Dallas for just $2.375M on a one year deal. They'd be wise to make him their starting RT.
Grade: A-
Pick 6-179: G Jon Halapio
Halapio failed to make the Patriots roster and has become a reserve guard for the Giants.
Grade: F
Pick 6-198: DE Zach Moore
Moore lasted just one season with the Patriots. He notched a half a sack.
Grade: D-
Pick 6-206: DB Jemea Thomas
Thomas failed to make the team.
Grade: F
Pick 7-244: WR Jeremy Gallon
Belichick has been famous for not being good at drafting WRs. Gallon couldn't make an NFL roster and is now a CFL receiver.
Grade: F
OVERALL GRADE: C-
Blowing the 1st round pick is rough, and while Garoppolo was worth the pick, they got only 2 starts out of him and a 2nd round pick 4 years in the future. White and Fleming were great 4th rounders, so that helps the draft class, but neither ended up being full-time starters.
The Seahawks were roaring at this time in 2014, so let's see how they drafted coming off of a Super Bowl victory:
Seahawks 2014 Draft Class
Pick 2-45: WR Paul Richardson
It took Richardson 3 seasons of sitting on the bench and dealing with injuries to finally break out in 2017 with a 44/703/6 (catches/yards/TDs) line. Now he's gone, taking a $40M deal over 5 years in Washington. The Hawks didn't get much value from this pick as they could have.
Grade: C-
Pick 2-64: T/G/C Justin Britt
Britt was a trainwreck at right tackle his first season in the league, but oddly enough, he found his home at center. The past two seasons he's become an above average center, so what once looked like a bust turned into a success story.
Grade: B+
Pick 4-108: DE Cassius Marsh
The Seahawks got 3 solid years of rotational pass rush from Marsh before trading him for 5th and 7th round selections. Not bad, but not great.
Grade: B
Pick 4-123: WR Kevin Norwood
Norwood caught 9 passes and was traded after one season for a conditional draft pick.
Grade: D-
Pick 4-132: LB Kevin Pierre-Louis
Pierre-Louis has been one of the best special teams (coverage) players in the NFL and provided some depth at LB for the Hawks for 3 seasons before being traded.
Grade: B
Pick 5-172: DT Jimmy Staten
Staten failed to make the team. Most 5th rounders at least hang around for a little while before getting released...
Grade: F
Pick 6-199: T Garrett Scott
The Seahawks cut Scott literally one day after he signed his rookie contract. He had a heart condition that they didn't discover before drafting him. Whoops!
Grade: F-
Pick 6-208: S Eric Pinkins
Pinkins bounced between the PS and the roster for 2 seasons and notched 3 tackles.
Grade: D-
Pick 7-227: FB Kiero Small
Small failed to make the team.
Grade: F
OVERALL GRADE: C-
The Seahawks ended up with one good starting season at WR, at least two at center, and a rotational DE and an elite special teamer. Britt is the last starting O-lineman the Seahawks developed (yes, it's been 4 years!) who is any good, so that saves the draft class from being a total disappointment. Unlike the Patriots, they failed to capitalize on having 3 fourth rounders and didn't find a starter.
Let's take a look at a team that had higher picks compared to the Seahawks and Patriots... let's try the Browns. Take cover!! Here comes the tire fire!
Browns 2014 Draft Class
Pick 1-8: CB Justin Gilbert
The Browns thought they were drafting the best CB in the draft class. Not only did he totally fail to learn how to play CB, he clashed with the coaches and later ended up being suspended for the entire 2017 season. The Browns shipped him off for a 6th round pick after just two years with him. What a disaster!
Grade: F-
Pick 1-22: QB Johnny Manziel
I don't know how, but after having two first round picks, the Browns got just 2 seasons out of these players apiece. Manziel started on the bench, and when he was named the starting QB, he looked lost and displayed awful accuracy and pocket presence. It turns out he didn't watch any tape and partied all the time and showed up to practice drunk and/or high. No NFL team has tried to resurrect his career, and for good reason.
Grade: F-
Pick 2-35: G Joel Bitonio
I guess the blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while, right? Bitonio has been a phenomenal guard for the Browns. I have nothing negative to say here.
Grade: A
Pick 3-71: ILB Christian Kirksey
Kirksey has been a very good run stopper for the Browns for the past four years. He does have some struggles in coverage, but for a 3rd round pick, he's been one of the few positives on a Browns defense that has been really bad over the years.
Grade: A-
Pick 3-94: HB Terrance West
The Browns are great at taking talented players and bungling their development. West had a decent year one with the Browns and then he became overweight and the Browns quickly gave up on him, trading him for a conditional pick they never received. The Ravens later got him to be a decent 2 down back, but he's a free agent now. This regime was unbelievably incompetent.
Grade: D
Pick 4-127: CB Pierre Desir
Desir was a small school prospect of whom the Browns gave up on after two years of barely playing him. The Colts used him as a starter last season and he hasn't gotten very good grades, but he's a fine backup player.
Grade: D+
That was the last pick the Browns had. Weird.
OVERALL GRADE: D
1st round busts happen, but Gilbert and Manziel were spectacular disasters. Only the Bitonio and Kirksey picks saved this class and added two starters who are still going strong for the Browns, but it's still a total waste of draft capital.
Alright, it's time for one more team. Let's see how our rivals, the Packers, did in 2014!
Packers 2014 Draft Class
Pick 1-21: S Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
The absolutely ridiculous name aside, Clinton-Dix has been a very good safety for the Packers. While their CB position has imploded recently, the combo of Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett has kept their defense from being truly awful.
Grade: A
Pick 2-53: WR Davante Adams
After an OK rookie season, Adams' sophomore season was nightmare-ish, filled with drops and poor play. Suddenly in 2016, Adams turned into a respectable starting receiver, clicking with Rodgers with 997 receiving yards and 12 TDs. He looked even better last year (even with Brett Hundley!!), though he did suffer 2 concussions. They didn't get a lot from him for the first two seasons, but the past two have been fantastic.
Grade: A-
Pick 3-85: DT Khyri Thornton
The Packers 2014 draft class was not perfect, as Thornton was a massive bust. He spent his rookie season on the IR and then got cut, so he never even played a game for them. He played a little for the Lions and wasn't terrible in 2016.
Grade: F
Pick 3-98: TE Richard Rodgers
Rodgers had a big 2015 season, but he fell out of favor after that and is simply a backup at this point in his career. Rodgers doesn't have the speed to separate and he's a poor blocker to boot.
Grade: C
Pick 4-121: LB Carl Bradford
Bradford was thought to be a steal at this point, but he bounced between the PS and the roster and was rarely active on the roster. He ended up being nothing more than a backup.
Grade: D
Pick 5-161: C Corey Linsley
Linsley became a starting center and quickly became a stalwart on the Packers' O-line. His 2017 season graded out poorly, however. Finding him in the 5th round is an absolute steal.
Grade: A
Grade: 5-176: WR Jared Abbrederis
Abbrederis received some hype, but he only ended up catching 10 passes as a Packer. He was a backup at best.
Grade: D
Pick 6-197: CB Demetri Goodson
Goodson has been a backup for three seasons and spent 2017 on the IR. When he did play, he didn't grade out well.
Grade: C
Pick 7-236: WR Jeff Janis
Janis made a few heroic catches in a playoff game against the Cardinals, but the Packers never gave him many opportunities. He is a very good special teamer who is playing for the Browns now.
Grade: B-
OVERALL GRADE: A-
Let me tell you, I don't like complementing the Packers. I can't stand this team, but I can't let that cloud my judgement. Finding Clinton-Dix, Adams, and Linsley makes this draft class better than all the others I've analyzed. The only things keeping it down is the Thornton whiff.
Whew... that's more than enough text from me. What do you guys think? It was interesting to see the Seahawks and Patriots have subpar drafts while the Vikings and Packers had two of the better classes, though Green Bay's far outclassed the Vikings. Many of the media's opinions have aged like raw meat left rotting in the sun, and perhaps I'll search for some more bad draft takes if you guys would like to see any more.
Uh-uh! Back it up, boys!
*z-fense*
... and neither is this Chris guy.