Live 2014 NFL Draft Grades

These Live 2014 NFL Draft Grades will be posted minutes after each pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Follow @walterfootball for updates.

2014 NFL Draft Grades - Round: Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Team Grades

Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina: B+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: B+ Grade

Jadeveon Clowney was obviously a great pick for the Texans, but there was some debate as to whether or not they should select Khalil Mack. As it turns out, Mack probably would have been the correct choice. Both have been great players, but Mack has been a bit better. That’s certainly up for debate, but something that can’t be challenged is that Mack has been far healthier. Mack has missed just two games in his career, while Clowney has been out for 18 games in five years. Still, this re-grade should still be high, and I’d say my original B+ was correct.

Original Write-up:

I’m going to mark this pick in. Some believe Khalil Mack will be the choice, but that doesn’t make much sense, and it goes against what we reported in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill today. The Texans are unwilling to move down from No. 1 unless they receive a Robert Griffin-type package. That’s why the Falcons stopped trying to obtain the top choice. General manager Rick Smith is throwing a ton of crap out there to generate interest for this selection, but only because he wants multiple future first-rounders. He knows how great Jadeveon Clowney can be, so he’s only willing to part with him if he can get a ridiculous deal. But that’s just not going to happen for a non-quarterback. Besides, Mack over Clowney? The Texans can’t be that incompetent. A trusted source of ours actually laughed off speculation that Houston prefers Mack.

As for this actual grade, I’m not in love with this selection, but I don’t know what else Houston could do. There’s no sure-fire quarterback prospect, so that’s not really an option. The Texans can’t allow the greatest pass-rushing prospect in a very long time to slip through their fingers, so they shouldn’t take minimal compensation for this pick. Clowney is not ideal for the 3-4, but then again, neither was Mario Williams, and he still played great in that scheme. If motivated, Clowney will be dominant.

Clowney’s motivation is the big issue though. I don’t trust him to stay clean. There are major questions about his work ethic and his entourage. Perhaps J.J. Watt can help him with the former, but Clowney could still get into trouble because of the people he hangs out with – especially in a city like Houston. Still though, it’s a chance the Texans have to take because they don’t have any other realistic options.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.
St. Louis Rams: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn: C Grade
Five-Year Grade: F Grade

Greg Robinson was an absolute bust for the Rams, lasting only three seasons. He finally showed flashes of playing well late in 2018 for the Browns, but that’s no consolation for the Rams, who absolutely wasted this pick. The Rams could have selected Khalil Mack, Jake Matthews or Mike Evans instead of Robinson, who deserves an obvious “F” re-grade.

Original Write-up:

I’m really not a big fan of this pick. I don’t hate it, but I feel like the Rams should have gone with Sammy Watkins instead. St. Louis has Jake Long and Joseph Barksdale, who played well last year. Greg Robinson is obviously an upgrade over the latter – or the former if he can’t return from injury – but Jeff Fisher has a great track record of getting the most out of his linemen. I get that Robinson is very talented, but why not take another great prospect at a different position instead?
Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida: B- Grade
Five-Year Grade: F Grade

“Blake Bortles is trash.” The first-overall pick from this draft class said that about the third-overall pick from this draft class, and he was right. Bortles always had the talent. That was never the issue. The problem was that he never put forth any effort into his craft. Rather than studying film and trying to fix his flaws, Bortles opted to party hard instead. Bortles has ended up paying the price, as he’ll be out of the league quite soon.

Original Write-up:

Wow! No one saw this coming. No one. ESPN’s Britt McHenry said that the Jaguars were considering a quarterback, but everyone assumed it was going to be Johnny Manziel. This is nuts.

I can’t hate this pick because the Jaguars absolutely had to find a franchise quarterback. But this choice is questionable. There were much better prospects available, including Khalil Mack and Sammy Watkins. Some could even argue that Johnny Manziel is the superior talent.
Buffalo Bills: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson: C+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: D- Grade

Sammy Watkins had some nice moments in Buffalo, but he’s no longer with the team. The Bills didn’t get much out of this draft selection, failing to make the playoffs with Watkins. This re-grade in a vacuum would probably be worth something in the “C” range, but the Bills traded away their 2015 first-round pick to get Watkins. That ended up being a huge mistake, and losing that valuable asset ended up costing Buffalo.

Original Write-up:

The Bills get an A for Sammy Watkins. He’s a stud, and he’s going to be a great receiver in the NFL. Having said that, they get a “D” for moving up. They surrendered a first-round pick in 2015, and given that the quarterback is still E.J. Manuel, it’s likely that Cleveland will have an additional top-12 selection in 2015 NFL Draft.

I really hate it when teams trade up like this. It’s only a good idea if they’re one player away. The Bills are most definitely not one player away.
Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Buffalo: A+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

The Raiders ended up trading Khalil Mack because they couldn’t afford him, but he was a stellar draft choice. As mentioned earlier, Mack would’ve been a better first-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft than Jadeveon Clowney. Mack helped the Raiders reach the playoffs in 2016, and he turned the Bears’ defense into the league’s best stop unit last year. He’s one of the best players in the NFL, so this re-grade must be an A+.

Original Write-up:

Absolutely love this pick. Khalil Mack was the No. 2 prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft, so the Raiders are getting great value with the fifth pick, thanks to Jacksonville’s incompetence. Reggie McKenzie signed a bunch of aging pass-rushers this offseason, but they need young blood at the position. Mack might even have a bit of a chip on his shoulder after falling to No. 5, so that makes this selection even sweeter.
Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M: A Grade
Five-Year Grade: B+ Grade

Jake Matthews hasn’t been a great player, but he’s been a rock solid left tackle for the Falcons over the past five years. This grade should be downgraded because Taylor Lewan would’ve been a better pick, but the Falcons certainly have not been disappointed with Matthews.

Original Write-up:

Would anyone be surprised if Jake Matthews ends up being the best tackle in this draft? No one should be. Jake Matthews doesn’t have Greg Robinson’s athleticism, but he’s still a stud, and he’s the best the Falcons could have hoped for without trading up (Khalil Mack was not getting by Oakland). Protecting Matt Ryan is paramount, especially after this past season, and Atlanta has just added a major piece to keep its quarterback off the ground.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M: A- Grade
Five-Year Grade: A- Grade

I went back and forth between an “A” and an A- for this re-grade. Mike Evans is extremely talented, but he’s had motivational issues and hasn’t tried his hardest all of the time. Perhaps that stems from a lack of leadership from the quarterback and coaching staff. Still, it’d be great if Evans put forth 100-percent effort all of the time.

Original Write-up:

This makes a ton of sense. The Buccaneers jettisoned the lethargic Mike Williams this offseason, which opened up an even bigger need for a No. 2 receiver. Mike Evans was the top player available – I wasn’t really sure he’d be here – so Tampa Bay is getting great value with a receiver projected to be the next Vincent Jackson. How will the NFC South teams deal with two Vincent Jacksons?
Cleveland Browns: Justin Gibert, CB, Oklahoma State: C+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: F Grade

Justin Gilbert hasn’t played a snap in the NFL since 2016. He was a huge bust. Instead of Gilbert, the Browns could’ve taken Odell Beckham Jr., Taylor Lewan, Aaron Donald, Kyle Fuller, Zack Martin, C.J. Mosley, Ryan Shazier, Brandin Cooks or Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Whoops!

Original Write-up:

This is such a Cleveland Browns pick. Really. They had a chance to potentially turn their entire franchise around with Johnny Manziel. Instead, they take a cornerback? It doesn’t make much sense. But then again, this is a franchise that hasn’t been in the playoffs in more than 10 years for a reason.

I don’t hate Justin Gilbert. He was the No. 1 corner in this class, and he’ll be great across from Joe Haden. I also like how the Browns obtained Buffalo’s No. 1 pick in 2015. That’s what keeps this from being a C- or a D. I just don’t get the logic of passing on a franchise signal-caller and also moving up one spot to secure Gilbert. It just shows that the Browns only liked one player at this spot, so they didn’t have any sort of Plan B.
Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA: B Grade
Five-Year Grade: B Grade

Anthony Barr has been a solid player for the Vikings. He’s struggled in coverage, but he plays the run very well. He also got Aaron Rodgers injured in 2017, which helped jump start Minnesota’s run to the NFC Championship. Minnesota could’ve taken a better player, but Barr was a fine choice.

Original Write-up:

This is a pretty decent pick. The Vikings needed someone to replace Jared Allen, and Anthony Barr is the top pass-rusher available. Some even considered Barr to be superior to Khalil Mack. If you’re wondering about Barr’s fit in a 4-3 defense, Mike Zimmer’s scheme calls for a pass-rushing linebacker. Minnesota will use Barr like Von Miller. I don’t have as big of a problem for Minnesota passing on Johnny Manziel because he doesn’t really fit Norv Turner’s offense. The Vikings can get Derek Carr later.
Detroit Lions: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina: C+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: C- Grade

Eric Ebron blossomed into a stellar tight end in Indianapolis, but he struggled in Detroit. He flashed at times for the Lions, but made far too many mistakes, frustrating the fans and coaching staff with some killer drops. Given Ebron’s sudden success with the Colts, you have to wonder if Matthew Stafford is at least partly to blame for this disappointing draft choice.

Original Write-up:

I can’t say I’m crazy about this pick. There’s a reason tight ends have fallen in recent years, and Eric Ebron is viewed as a slightly overrated prospect. Talented tight ends can be acquired later, especially with Jace Amaro, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Troy Niklas available in Round 2. I don’t hate this selection though because Matthew Stafford needs more weapons, and Ebron is definitely an upgrade over the disappointing Brandon Pettigrew.
Tennessee Titans: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: A- Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

Taylor Lewan has been one of the top prospects from this draft class. He’s a stellar left tackle, and Tennessee rightfully rewarded him with a 5-year, $80 million extension last summer. This is an obvious A+ re-grade.

Original Write-up:

Taylor Lewan, or one of Michael Oher or Michael Roos will have to play guard in 2014. Lewan, of course, will be the left tackle of the future once Roos moves on, so this pick makes a ton of sense. Lewan was also arguably the prospect available, as Mel Kiper promised that he would not escape the top six. There are some character issues with him, but there’s no doubt that Jake Locker’s protection has improved tremendously. There are no now excuses for Locker.
New York Giants: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU: B+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

Here’s yet another obvious A+ re-grade. Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the top receivers in the NFL. He’s been guilty of some drama, which I’m sure the Giants wish wasn’t the case, but it’s not like they would’ve selected anyone else other than Aaron Donald or maybe Zack Martin.

Original Write-up:

I was pleading for Zack Martin in my live blog, but Odell Beckham works for New York. Hakeem Nicks is gone, so the Giants needed to find a new receiver to help Eli Manning. Beckham was the best receiver available by a wide margin, and some even considered him to be a better prospect than Mike Evans. I wouldn’t agree with that, but Beckham gives Manning a great downfield threat and a dynamic weapon in the return game.
St. Louis Rams: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh: A Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

While Khalil Mack has been better than Jadeveon Clowney, if we were to redo the 2014 NFL Draft, Aaron Donald would be the first pick. Donald is the best player in the NFL. He was so dominant that a legitimate case could’ve been made for him to be MVP, which is unheard of for a defensive player. If I gave out A++ re-grades, Donald would deserve it.

Original Write-up:

Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald. Holy crap. The Rams already had a ridiculous defensive line, and now it’s somehow even better.

I love this pick. Donald should have been a top 10 selection, and he would have gone in that range had the earlier teams not been so incompetent. He was arguably the top player available, and he will be a full-time starter once Kendall Langford moves on. Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson and Carson Palmer are not happy campers right now.
Chicago Bears: Kyle Fuller, CB/S, Virginia Tech: B+ Grade
Five-Year Grade: A Grade

If you’re wondering what the Bears think of their young cornerback, they gave Kyle Fuller a 4-year, $56 million contract last offseason. Fuller is a stellar cornerback who has been highly responsible in making the Bears into the best defense in the NFL.

Original Write-up:

Everyone on ESPN is saying that the Bears landed a talented cornerback, but I’m not so sure Kyle Fuller plays corner. I’ve heard they like him as a safety. He does fit what Phil Emery looks for in defenders, and that’s why I had him selecting Fuller in my mock. There’s no doubt that he fills a big need, and he was undoubtedly one of the better players on the board.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Shazier, ILB, Ohio State: B Grade
Five-Year Grade: A Grade

Oh man. You have to feel for Ryan Shazier, whose career was derailed when he took a nasty hit against the Bengals toward the end of the 2017 season. Shazier was one of the top linebackers in the NFL prior to getting hurt, but it’s now unclear if Shazier will ever play again. Still, it’s not Pittsburgh’s fault that this freak injury happened, so this selection should still be graded favorably.

Original Write-up:

Talented prospects tend to fall to the Steelers – David DeCastro and then Jarvis Jones – but that wasn’t the case this year. That’s fine because the Steelers are still making a decent selection. Ryan Shazier is a speedy linebacker who will upgrade the middle of the defense. Pittsburgh’s defense was very slow last year, so Shazier was taken to compensate for that.
Dallas Cowboys: Zack Martin, G/OT, Notre Dame: B Grade
Five-Year Grade: A+ Grade

There have been plenty of A+ re-grades, but they are well deserved. Zack Martin is arguably the best guard in the NFL. The Cowboys got a steal with him at No. 16 overall.

Original Write-up:

So much for Johnny Manziel being the pick. He was never a realistic option, though this is a bit of an upset in that the Cowboys aren’t upgrading the third-worst defense of all time (according to yardage allowed). However, this pick still makes sense. The Cowboys needed a guard upgrade for 2014 and a future right tackle if they can’t retain Doug Free. Zack Martin was expected to go around the 12th pick, so there’s a decent amount of value here. Having said that, Jones may regret not upgrading his stop unit when the Eagles, Redskins and Giants all put up 30 on his team.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

2014 NFL Draft Grades - Round: Picks 1-16 | Picks 17-32 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Team Grades