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NFL Draft grades: Bears, Browns get full marks

By Rucker Haringey

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: A fan holds a jersey after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Justin Fields being selected 11th by the Chicago Bears during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears: A

The Bears entered the draft desperate to find an upgrade at quarterback and they emphatically filled that need by trading up for Justin Fields in Round 1. It’s a bold move for Chicago but the price they paid will look minuscule if Fields turns into anything approximating a star.

Ryan Pace and the front office deserve additional credit for their fine work in Round 2. Teven Jenkens had Round 1 grades from several teams and was a bona fide steal at No. 39. He should start right away at tackle for Chicago.

There wasn’t anything noteworthy about the rest of the Bears’ draft but that really doesn’t matter. They nailed their selections at both quarterback and left tackle. It was a great effort by Chicago’s front office.

Detroit Lions: B

The new regime in Detroit wants to brand the Lions as one of the toughest teams in the NFL. Landing Penei Sewell in Round 1 will certainly help the team be more competitive up front on offense.

Circling back in Round 2 for Levi Onwuzurike is an even better stylistic fit. He’s a defensive tackle that can occupy double-teams and make plays in the middle of the defensive line. Interestingly, the Lions drafted another defensive tackle when they nabbed Alim McNeill in Round 3. That represents a bit of overkill by the team’s front office.

Fourth rounder Amon-Ra St. Brown might start right away given the talent Detroit lost at wide receiver in free agency. That isn’t a great statement for the team’s talent level at the skill positions.

This class looks like a decent step in a significant rebuild for the Lions.

Green Bay Packers: D+

Cornerback was a reasonable need for Green Bay heading into the draft, but selecting Eric Stokes at No. 29 was a major reach. Botching that pick makes it difficult for the Packers to grade out on the whole.

Josh Myers will be expected to fill Corey Linsley’s gigantic shoes at center for Green Bay in 2021. That could turn into a nice piece of business. Landing Amari Rodgers in Round 3 won’t suddenly make Aaron Rodgers decide to fall back in love with his offensive personnel, but don’t be surprised if he starts opposite Devante Adams when Week 1 rolls around.

Packers fans should keep a close eye on fifth round pick Shemar Jean-Charles. He’s got the speed to develop into a solid starter in the slot if he gets enough reps in the preseason.

Minnesota Vikings: B+

The Vikings’ front office did a magnificent job of letting the board come to them in Round 1. Trading down and still coming away with Christian Darrisaw at No. 23 was excellent business. He should start at one tackle spot for Minnesota as a rookie.

The selection of Kellen Mond in Round 2 raised some eyebrows, but the Vikings are smart to start planning for life after Kirk Cousins. Don’t be surprised if he starts for Minnesota as soon as 2022.

The team gets extra credit for landing two probable starters in Round 3. Chaz Surratt will be a great fit for Mike Zimmer’s defense at linebacker. Wyatt Davis can come in and help the team’s interior run blocking.

The wild card of the class is Cal defensive back Camryn Bynum. He lacks the speed to hold up as a starting cornerback, but he could be a nice, cerebral safety for the Vikings. Add it all up and this is a clearly above average effort by Minnesota’s front office.

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