Fanspeak: Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade:   Round 1, #31 – C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin – Grade: C- -I love that the Cowboys traded back picking up an extra third round pick (though they should have gotten more trade value), and that they addressed the offensive line. I just don’t like how they reached here. Fredrick was … More »

Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Grade:   Round 1, #23 – DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida – Grade: A+ -This is a tremendous pick by the Vikings. Floyd should have been a top 10 pick and the Vikings land him here at 23. Defensive tackle is also a major need for the Vikings so adding him, puts the final … More »

Oakland Raiders NFL Draft Grade:   Round 1, #12 – CB D.J. Hayden, Houston – Grade: C+ -The Raiders did well to trade back in the first round and add a 2nd round pick, but they took a huge risk with this pick. Hayden is a great story and has a ton of potential, but … More »

San Francisco 49ers Draft Grade:   Round 1, #18 – S Eric Reid, LSU – Grade: A -The 49ers used their extra pick to move up to grab a safety to fill their needs. Reid is a nice pick-up for them and he should look to start immediately. Round 2, #40 – DE Tank Carradine, … More »

Arizona Cardinals Draft Grade:   Round 1, #7 – Guard Jonathan Cooper, UNC – Grade: A+ -Fantastic pick for the Cardinals, yes tackle was a bigger need, but with the top three guys off the board they still add an impact offensive lineman. Cooper is a plug and play starter and represents a major boost … More »

Atlanta Falcons Draft Grade:   Round 1, #22 – CB Desmond Trufant, Washington – Grade: A -The Falcons made a smart trade up here to land Trufant here. He was the second best corner in the draft and fills a major need for the Falcons as they look to rebuild their secondary. Round 2, #60 … More »

Carolina Panthers Draft Grade:   Round 1, #14 – DT Star Lotulelei, Utah – Grade: A+ -This is one of the best picks of the draft. The Panthers were desperate for even average defensive tackle play last year and they land perhaps the best defensive tackle in the draft. Lotulelei represents a huge upgrade for … More »

Cincinnati Bengals Draft Grade:   Round 1, #21 – TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame – Grade: A -This was a really smart pick by the Bengals. Gresham has been solid, but unspectacular. Eifert gives them a real receiving threat at TE, and a guy who can block as well. The Bengals should be able to run a … More »

Indianapolis Colts Draft Grade:   Round 1, #24 – DE Bjoern Werner, Florida State – Grade: A+ -I love this pick for the Colts, they had to get more pass rushing help and Werner does just that. Some may have concerns about his ability to stand up, but that isn’t a worry for me. I think … More »

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Grade:   Round 1, #17 – DE Jarvis Jones, Georgia – Grade: A+ -Jones is one of the singular best picks of this entire draft. He is a perfect fit in Pittsburgh, and is tremendous value at this pick. He should be an immediate starter and impact pass rusher. Round 2, #48 … More »