2014 NFL Draft – First Round Grades

Picks 20-17

Brandin Cooks (Oregon State). Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

20.  New Orleans Saints – Brandin Cooks, WR – Oregon State:  The Saints needed to upgrade at wide receiver, and they get the fastest receiver in the draft in Cooks.  However, they traded a third round pick to move up to get him, so that lowers the grade in a deep wide receiver draft.  Grade: B

19.  Miami Dolphins –  JaWuan James, OT – Tennessee:  The Dolphins needed help on the offensive line, but they could have gotten James at a lower pick.  He wasn’t rated as a first rounder, but he’s still a good player and he fills a need.  Grade: C+

18.  New York Jets – Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville:  The Jets needed some help at safety, and the get one of the best safeties in the draft.  They could have taken a receiver here, but there a better receivers later in the draft than there are safeties.  Grade: B+

17.  Baltimore Ravens –  C.J. Mosley, ILB – Alabama:  The Ravens got arguably the best inside linebacker in the draft.  Mosley isn’t Ray Lewis but he’s not far behind.  Grade:  A