NFL Draft grades: Cowboys, Buccaneers get high marks
Chicago Bears: D+
The Bears didn’t have a first round pick but they still managed to grab the draft’s top rated tight end. Unfortunately for fans in Chicago, Cole Kmet doesn’t have the athleticism to be anything more than an average starter.
Adding Jaylon Johnson in Round 2 was a really good bounce back pick for the franchise. His length and combative nature give him a chance to grow into a star. Trevis Gipson was a worthwhile gamble in Round 5. He’s got the athleticism to grow into an impact linebacker but he will need a lot of coaching to fulfill his potential.
Anytime a franchise only has one above average pick they’re going to suffer from an ugly final grade. Nothing outside of Johnson was a good value move for the Bears this year.
Detroit Lions: B+
The Lions were the subject of a myriad of trade rumors, but they stayed pat at No. 3 and took Jeff Okudah instead. He’ll give them a solid replacement for Darius Slay at cornerback.
The team’s choice to spend a second rounder on D’Andre Swift caught some NFL executives off guard, but he’ll really help the Lions right away in the passing game. Don’t be surprised if he takes carries away from Kerryon Johnson as a rookie too.
The franchise also deserves credit for adding Julian Okwarda in Round 3. It’s more than a good story to let him play with his brother. He has the potential to grow into a high-end starter a defensive end.
Detroit did the smart thing by doubling up on their options at guard by taking both Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg in the middle rounds. At least one of them should be able to contribute right away.
The Lions also get extra credit for plucking Quintez Cephus off the board in the fifth round. There are understandable concerns about his speed, but his tape at Wisconsin was excellent. Don’t be surprised if he finds a way to make plays at the next level.
Green Bay Packers: F
The Packers are getting a rare “F” in terms of our draft day grades. The issues started for Green Bay right away when they took Jordan Love in Round 1.
It’s not a bad choice in terms of value, they’re just the wrong franchise to draft a quarterback who won’t help them for several years. Aaron Rodgers needs immediate help. Passing on a wide receiver at that spot was an unforgivable sin for the front office.
Coming back and passing on wideout again in Round 2 only compounded the mistake. A.J. Dillon is a battering ram, but he’s not going to help the Packers in the passing game. Green Bay looks determined to lessen Rodgers’ influence on the offense. That’s a great way to lose a Hall of Fame signal caller.
The Packers made some decent offensive line selections late in the draft, but they missed out on too many wide receivers to earn a passing grade. This was close to a disaster for Green Bay’s front office.
Minnesota Vikings: A
The Vikings quietly went about the business of hitting above average value on almost every selection they made. Justin Jefferson is going to replace 80% of Stefon Diggs’ production for about 20% of the cost and headache.
Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler will both help Minnesota’s secondary right away. Each was an excellent value at the spot where they were drafted. The Vikings’ front office did a great job upgrading their cornerback options on the fly.
Ezra Cleveland may require a season of weight training before he’s ready to start at tackle, but he’s got All-Pro potential. At the very worst, he’ll be a quality swing option for Zimmer and his coaching staff early in his pro career.
James Lynch and Troy Dye are fourth round picks that can help Minnesota’s front seven right away. Add in several quality gambles in the latter rounds and it’s easy to give the Vikings a solid A.