2014 NFL Draft – Complete Draft Grades

A’s

Cleveland Browns:

Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) and Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) are introduced to the media with head coach Mike Pettine (left) and general Manager Ray Farmer (left) at the Cleveland Browns Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

 I didn’t like how the Browns traded down from pick 4 to 9, and traded back up for pick 8 to take CB Justin Gilbert.  That just seemed a little high for Gilbert, but not a bad pick.  Then the Browns got tremendous value and filled a need by taking QB Johnny Manziel at pick 22.   The Browns also got great value and filled needs with the rest of the draft picks, especially with OG Joel Bitonio in the second and RB Terrence West in the third.  Fourth round CB Pierre Desir might end up being just as good as first round pick Gilbert.  But the Browns hit on nearly all of their picks.

Grade:  A

Jacksonville Jaguars: 

UCF quarterback Blake Bortles was projected as a top 10 pick, so the Jaguars got good value, and filled a need with the pick.  The also got great value by taking USC WR Marqise Lee in the second round, and the same with Penn State WR Allen Robinson later in the second.  They reached on Miami OG Brian Linder in the third, but got their value back and then some by taking CB Aaron Colvin in the fourth and OLB Telvin Smith in the fifth round.  Great draft by Jags.

Grade:  A

Pittsburgh Steelers:

This was a very good draft for the Steelers, and it should help bring much-needed youth to an aging team.  I thought the first round pick of Ryan Shazier was a little high, but he’s a great talent.  Then the Steelers just hit it out of the park on their next four picks.  DE Stephin Tuitt in the second, RB/WR Dri Archer in the third (fastest man in the draft), and WR Martavis Bryant in the fourth round.  They filled needs and got good value with the rest of their picks.  A great draft for the Steelers.

Grade:  A