ESPN analyst Mel Kiper goes back over his grades for the 2014 draft
Mel Kiper, who works as a draft analyst for ESPN, always gives his grades on the teams in the NFL based on the rookies picked in the NFL Draft. When Kiper releases his grades, he is making his predictions based it on the strengths of each player and how they will fit in to the their new team.
However, sometimes he’s wrong, because after all ‘predictions’ are just a fancy way of saying ‘guessing’. Kiper is man enough to admit when his predictions are wrong, and he has re-graded the draft today.
"“Heck yes, this is total hindsight, but that’s what an early re-grade is.”- Mel Kiper"
After the draft took place in early May of last yer, Kiper gave the New York Jets a grade of B for their dealings. Today, the Jets’ grade dropped to a C+. Kiper was quick to say that their rookies weren’t all bad, by referring to Jace Amaro who caught 38 passes — which was tied for second on the team.
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"“If he can ever find chemistry with whomever is at QB, can be a good one” – Kiper on Jace Amaro"
Kiper went on to give his reasons for the drop in grade by referring to the fact they failed to sign a star in the wide receiver position.
"“They took Pryor when Brandin Cooks was available (excusable), McDougle instead of John Browne or Done Moncrief, then both Jalen Saunders and Shaq Evans in front or Martavis Bryant”"
Kiper talks in depth about the Jets on his post, saying that not all their activity was bad and some was just bad luck. For example, it’s not the Jets’ fault that Dexter McDougle got hurt, it was just bad luck. He also had positive things to say about rookie Calvin Pryor.
"“Calvin Pryor was just fine as a rookie. He was better than a league-average safety, and in a league where safeties and corners look bad all the time as they adjust to the speed and technical ability of receivers”"
I’m not sure if the drop in grade will please most Jets’ fans, but to be fair to Kiper, he gives detailed reasons for the drop and you can’t argue with that.
If you want an in-depth look at the grade he gave your favorite NFL team then go to his post at ESPN (Insider required).
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