Draft Grades for 2014

By Phillip Marquis

Phillip Marquis

>> Wombats - Jadevon Clowney
>> Wombats - Kyle Fuller CB, Virginia Tech
>> Wombats - Dezmen Southward Wisconsin (FS)

Wombats trade up for Clowney.  and why not?  pretty much a guaranteed 6/12 for life.  I like him less as an OLB who needs to be moved to the line of scrimmage out of a flat zone.  Fuller and Southward look to fill out the backfield.  Lack of picks compared to other non-playoff teams could hurt but not if Clowney and Fuller really deliver.  (B+)

>> Old School - Sammy Watkins
>> Old School -Marqise Lee
>> Old School - Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
>> Old School - Donte Moncrief-WR

Old School apparently does not like their WR situation.  at first glance i thought this might be the Domination's draft.  Im not sure if WR required this much of an investment but then again I'm not sure how a Tom Brady/AP duo missed the playoffs.  I might have gone with Clinton-Dix instead of Lee in the second as they need some safety help too.  Lee very well could have slipped back to them in the 3rd since he slipped in the draft as well.  but who knows?  (C+)

>> Johnsons - Greg Robinson
>> Johnsons - Eric Ebron
>> Johnsons - Haha Clinton Dix, S.
>> Johnsons - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State.
>> Johnsons - Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
>> Johnsons. OG Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State.

Johnsons did a great job accumulating picks.  6 guys who wont take up a roster spot will be carried into 2015.  They addressed needs all over the board.  Loved the Nix pick with the sleeper.  Only pick I'm not big on is Cooks (and thats probly just personal preference opposed to evaluation).  If the draft is really just a lottery the more times you play the better chances you have of hitting it big right?  (A)

>> St Mirren - Khalil Mack
>> Saints - Anthony Barr
>> Saints - Taylor Lewan OT Michigan
>> Saints - Andre Williams RB

Nothing not to like about this draft.  Based on the Qb situation I may have taken a shot on a QB late.  but nothing wrong with the Lewan or Williams picks.  they fill needs too.  Could be looking to address QB with the Named draft.  (B+)

>> Headbangers - Jake Matthews
>> Headbangers - Johnny Manziel
>> Headbangers - Ward, Jimmie (SS)
>> Headbangers - Zack Martin (OT)

LT and Safety are need positions but wont help them immediately.  This draft grade really comes down to how you think Johnny football will do as a pro.  Thought it was a good pick initially to groom as Romo's replacement (longevity in question coming of multiple back surgerys) but then realized they had Cam Newton anyway.  Consider me in the Manziel=Tebow camp.  Therefore; (C+)

>> Deadbeats - Aaron Donald
>> Deadbeats  Morgan Moses T Dallas (Redskins)
>> Deadbeats. Aaron Murray QB chiefs

Deadbeats always seem like a 'hodgepodge' team to me when i look at their roster.  Somehow the owner is able to get the most out of few stars and role players who end up with exceptional cards or this one year wonder or that,  who carries them to the playoffs and championships over and over again.  This draft seems no different.  Donald is a good pick but not really exciting.  Moses' ceiling may be a 4/6 or 5/6 as a mauler who lacks the athleticism to be a great pass protector against speed rushers.  (also he's a redskin, not a cowboy, so i hope that doesn't affect coach's evaluation of him).  And then there's 5th round QB that's going to compete for a #3 spot.  Big Ben's heir apparent?  With the Deadbeats luck he'll have a killer FP card in 3 yrs and win an app cup.  still; (C-)

>> Domination - Mike Evans
>> Domination - Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants

Domination traded most of their picks into next year.  Still they addressed the biggest need with my favorite WR in the draft.  at 6'5" Evans is a monster.  Tack on Beckham for good measure and we're looking forward to 2015.  (B-)

>> Ambassadors - Justin Gilbert
>> Ambassador - Deone Bucannon, SS, Arizona
>> Ambassadors. Scott Crighton, DE, Vikings

Ambassadors had to do something to slow down division rival Aaron Rodgers.  So they loaded up the secondary.  Not sure why they passed on a runningback late for a DE (which doesnt seem to be a need position).  Guess they have more faith in a bounce back year from Chris Johnson or Trent Richardson than I do.  (B-)

>> Miracles- Calvin Pryor, FS, Jets
>> Miracles - Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington
>> Miracles.  Tre Mason, RB, Auburn

What does it matter who the Miracles selected?  They still have to roll the dice.  still;  They have a good roster and addressed the most glaring needs at RB and FS with the best guys available.  Doubling down on RBs is never a bad thing.  (B)

>> Rebels - Darqueze Dennard
>> Rebels: Terrance West RB CLe

Rebels pick a DB in the first round for the 5th year straight.  RB isnt a need position but with age and issues creeping up on backups R.Rice and D.Williams thought they would address some depth here.  Still have lots of glaring holes on the roster as multiple years of reduced pics take their toll.   As always: (No Grade)

Final Thoughts:  Really surprised that there were NO eagles or steelers players selected.   especially by Deadbeats when Martavius Bryant (6'4", 4.4 40)  was on the board in the sleeper round.  things you cant coach are size and speed.  also Dri Archer got passed over who i thought has the chops to have a percy harvin style of card.  In any case.  was a really good draft class and I feel like everyone got good value this year.  (Go Rebs)