NFL Draft Grades: Giants, Packers get full marks
Arizona Cardinals: A
The Cardinals came ever so close to earning an A+. Their top two picks in the draft were certainly deserving of such high accolades.
Josh Rosen didn’t want to drop to the tenth pick but the Cardinals hit the jackpot by taking him there. Arizona followed their selection of a franchise quarterback by giving him a big-time wide receiver to learn with. Christian Kirk could become one of the best playmakers in the NFL in time.
The Cardinals didn’t do quite so well in the later rounds, but no one should focus too much on that. Coming away with both Rosen and Kirk in the positions they is cause for serious celebration for Cardinals fans.
Los Angeles Rams: D:
The Rams didn’t enter the draft with a ton of capital, but they failed to make anything of note happen. Instead of consolidating their assets to move up in the draft, the Rams chose to throw numbers at some of their problem positions.
For example, the team drafted three offensive linemen and three edge rushers in the later rounds. Individually none of those picks are particularly interesting. Los Angeles clearly hopes that they’ll get one hit out of each position group.
The most interesting pick of the entire draft is sixth round running back John Kelly. He isn’t a home run hitter by he can grind out yards with his tough running style. His intrigue isn’t nearly enough to elevate this grade into a higher echelon.
San Francisco 49ers: C-
The 49ers started their draft off by reaching to take offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey with the No. 9 pick. They’d better hope he works out in a big way. If he doesn’t, it’s hard to see this draft class doing much to advance the 49ers future.
The decision to reach for Dante Pettis in the second round was one of the most confusing decisions of the draft. It’s very possible they could have waited another round or two to attain his services.
The 49ers did draft a couple of intriguing defenders late, but Tarvarius Moore and D.J. Reed aren’t going to help San Francisco’s secondary as soon as the team might like.
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Seattle Seahawks: C-
The Seahawks got their draft off to a horrible start by surprising everyone with the selection of running back Rashaad Penny in the first round. Fortunately, the Seahawks improved things after that.
In particular, taking both Tre Flowers and Jamarco Jones in the fifth round could really pay dividends for the Seahawks in the long run. Getting those high value picks late wasn’t enough to push the Seattle grade above average, but it went a long way towards correcting the Penny selection.