Well, there you have it. After three days of of relentless stress and life changing decisions, the 2015 NFL draft has come to an end. While some teams have bettered themselves for the future, others have taken a step back into mediocrity.
While some teams selected the best players on the board, other teams reached for players who might have been sitting there, in a later round of the draft. I have covered the NFL draft over the past several months and if there's anything I have noticed, both reaches and steals happened last weekend. While this is just one person's opinion, heres a list of my grades for every team after all the draft rounds.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Notable Draft Picks: OL DJ Humphries, EDGE Markus Golden, RB David Johnson
The Cardinals did a nice job getting protection for Carson Palmer in what could be his final years in the NFL. DJ Humphries is a mean player who is an excellent run blocker. David Johnson is a nice pickup in the backfield to pair up with Andre Ellington for a 1-2 punch. The Markus Golden pick is a little schooling to me. While Golden fits a need a pass rush, The Cardinals probably would have gotten him in the 3rd round and gotten a guy like Duke Johnson in the 2nd round. Still, the Cardinals picked up players for each position, which met a dire need, so they finish with an average grade.
GRADE: B
ATLANTA FALCONS
Notable Draft Picks: EDGE Vic Beasley, CB Jalen Collins, RB Tevin Coleman, WR Justin Hardy
The Falcons possibly had the best draft class in 2015. Few teams were able to take care of their every need, as well as the Flacons were able to. Vic Beasley fits the need as the Leo linebacker and is a great pass rusher to pair up with head coach Dan Quinn. Jalen Collins is a solid 1st rounder cornerback who has power and speed, to pair up with Desmond Trufant. Tevin Coleman played ball at Indiana where he didn't have a line, and rushed for over 2000 yards. Now with a line, Coleman could possibly be a top 10 running back in the NFL. Justin Hardy replaces Harry Douglass at the slot receiver position. No matter how you look at it, the Falcons were the surprise team of the NFL draft and they filled every need with a solid player.
GRADE: A+
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Notable Draft Picks: WR Breshad Perriman, TE Maxx Williams, DT Carl Davis, RB Buck Allen
The Ravens lost Torrey Smith this offseason to the 49ers and got his replacement in Breshad Perriman. Perriman may drop a lot of balls, he also has blazing speed and he can run the deep post pattern for Joe Flacco to throw down the field. Maxx Williams was the top tight end in this draft, and the Ravens will be able to give Flacco another target for a pass to. Baltimore traded Haloti Ngata to the Lions and got his repclament in Carl Davis. Davis is a big body who can cut into the A gap, and stop running backs like Le'Veon Ball. Buck Allen is a solid pair up with Justin Forsett who could eventually become a number 1 running back like Ray Rice was several years ago. It was a solid day for the Ravens and every need was addressed.
GRADE: B
BUFFALO BILLS
Notable Draft Picks: CB Ronald Darby, OG John Miller, TE Nick O'Leary
Last season, The Bills were a huge surprise due to the fact that they really didn't have a true quarterback. Adding Ronald Darby is a nice pickup. Darby has quick feet and solid tackling ability. His speed will pair nicely with hard hatter Stephon Gilmore. John Miller fits the need that was left by Andy Levitre a year ago. Nick O'Leary is a solid tight end who will be a compliment to Charles Clay. The Bills, however, needed to get a quarterback in case Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel can't get the job done. Not only that, but getting another wide receiver to replace Stevie Johnson would have been another solid option. Without addressing those needs, the Bills will more then likely take a step back this year.
GRADE: D
CAROLINA PANTERS
Notable Draft Selections: OLB Shaq Thompson, WR Devin Funchess, OT Daryl Thompson
The Panthers selected the swiss army knife known as Shaq Thompson in the first round. Thompson brings great tackling ability as well as versatility to the Panthers defense. However, offensive line was a huge need and there were still three offensive linemen on the board. Thompson is a second round pick and could have been sitting there for the Panthers, 30 picks later. Devin Funchess is a big time wide receiver, but he wasn't worth trading up a 2nd and 4th round pick for, while Jaelen Strong was still available. Daryl Williams is a good right tackle who could possible be a steal of day 2. Overall, the Panthers reached for every top pick and because of that, they may not be a playoff team in 2015.
GRADE: D+
Chicago Bears
Notable Draft Picks: WR Kevin White, DT Eddie Goldman, C Hroniss Grassu, S Adrian Amos
The Bears made some nice additions in the offseason but possibly none bigger then Kevin White in the first round. White has an incredible yards after catch ability. He was able to turn a 6 yard hitch route into a 25 yard first down, which will be nice for Adam Gase's new offense. Eddie Goldman may not play many downs this year, but he'll be a great addition if Ray McDonald can't produce like he did in San Francisco. Will Montgomery is only a one year addition, so Hroniss Grassu is a nice choice for the long term offensive line. Adrian Amos will be great for special teams, while Antrel Rolle finishes his career. Overall, The Bears revamped their team this offseason, and may be the surprise team of the NFC next year.
GRADE: B+
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Notable Draft Picks: OL Cedric Ogbuehi, OL Jake Fisher, LB Paul Dawson, S Derron Smith
The Bengals finally drafted an offensive linemen in the first round in Cedric Ogbuehi. While a nice pickup due to the aging Andrew Whitworth, Obuehi just tore his ACL earlier this year. He may be a nice pickup in the long run, but with DJ Humpries still on the board, the Bengals took a risk in taking him. Jake Fisher is also nice, but they have Andre Smith locked in at right tackle. Paul Dawson makes sense due to the injuries of Ray Malauga and Vontaze Burfict. Derron Smith might be a steal, but he'll spend a year or two on the special teams before he starts. While the Bengals addressed needs, they should have gotten a wide recover before the 7th round, and they wasted a pick in Jake Fisher who'll do nothing but sit until at least next year.
GRADE: C-
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Notable Draft Picks: NT Danny Shelton, OL Cameron Erving, EDGE Nate Orchard, RB Duke Johnson
The Browns did a nice job building at needs that they really should've addressed. Danny Shelton will replace Phil Taylor and could become one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL within a few years. Nate Orchard could be a steal in the second round, and replace Paul Kruger who hasn't produced as the player he was supposed to be a few years ago. Duke Johnson is going to a great Brown, and will start on day 1. The only pick that really doesn't make sense is Cameron Erving. He's a great offensive linemen but he's a center and the Browns have Alex Mack locked at that position. While he could possibly play guard, the Browns once again forgot to address the need at wide receiver. Someone should tell their GM that receiver is a huge need, and once again, they acted like it wasn't.
GRADE: C+
DALLAS COWBOYS
Notable Draft Picks: CB Byron Jones, EDGE Randy Gregory, OL Chaz Green, LB Damien Wilson, OL La'el Collins, WR Antwan Goodley.
The Cowboys may have gotten the steal of the draft in edge rusher Randy Gregory. Gregory is a top 10 talent that fell due to his immaturity. He has the ability to run up the field and make huge plays in the backfield. Byron Jones is a freak of nature who impressed teams at the NFL combine. He could possibly be the player that Morris Claiborne was supposed to be back in 2012. Oh yeah, and add in a guy like La'el Collins who has first round talent written all over him, and the Cowboys just might have the best offensive line in all of football. The Cowboys signed players like Antwan Goodley in free agency but still didn't address the need of running back. While Darren McFadden and Joesph Randle are decent running backs, they aren't able to combine to even come close to what DeMarco Murray was able to do in the past.
GRADE: B
DENVER BRONCOS
Notable Draft Picks: EDGE Shane Ray, OL Ty Sambrailo, TE Jeff Heuerman, OL Max Garcia
The Broncos traded up to get Shane Ray, and this might be a steal or a huge bust. Ray is a top 10 talent and possibly could have gone in the top 15 if it wasn't in for a possession charge just days before the draft. Ray's speed makes him a monster at rushing, and he could be part of a great duo with Von Miller for the next several years. Ty Sambrailo fixes the need that Orlando Franklin left when he left for San Diego, and Jeff Huerman may be the answer to replace Julius Thomas. Max Garcia is a great pickup to replace Manny Ramirez. The Broncos met pretty much every need in the draft.
GRADE: B+
DETROIT LIONS
Notable Draft Picks: OG Laken Tomlinson, RB Ameer Abdullah, CB Alex Carter
The Lions picked up Haloti Ngata for several seasons, which allowed them to trade back for Laken Tomlinson. Tomlinson is not only a smart guard, but he's a huge pickup to an offensive line which is already strong. Ameer Abdullah can be the running back the Lions have needed for several seasons. A player with pure raw potential, Abdullah can be a three down back for the Lions in many years to come. Alex Carter is a nice pickup and could be a nickel corner for the next several years, as Robert Mathis finishes up his career. Overall it was a good draft for the Lions, who are already a threat to be reckoned with.
GRADE: B
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Notable Draft Picks: FS Damarious Randall, CB, Quinten Rollins, WR Ty Montgomery, QB Brett Hundley, LB Jake Ryan
While the Packers didn't draft every need, they did address a major need in cornerback. Quinten Rollins is a slam dunk at corner...literally. At 6' and a solid tackler, the former basketball player can come in immediately to replace Tramon Williams. The issue is they wasted a first round pick in Damarious Randall. While he may play corner in the NFL which is a need, the Packers needed inside linebacker help. While Jake Ryan will be moved to the inside, and the Packers didn't pick up a single inside linebacker though out the draft. That will cost them a grade and possibly even a playoff spot.
GRADE: C
HOUSTON TEXANS
Notable Draft Picks: CB Kevin Johnson, LB Benardrick McKinney, WR Jaelen Strong
The Texans addressed their three big needs with three possible first round picks. Kevin Johnson is a little undersized, but he's a great cover corner who could come in handy while running the nickel formation. Benardrick McKinney is a solid inside linebacker who will pair nicely with Brian Cushing. Possibly the biggest steal was Jaelen Strong in the third round. The former Sun Devil basically catches everything thrown to him and is a huge replacement for former Texan Andre Johnson. The Texans traded six of their picks for both McKinney and Strong but if everything works out, it was all worth it.
GRADE: B
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Notable Draft Picks: WR Phillip Dorestt, DE Henry Anderson, S Clayton Geathers
The Colts planned for life without Andre Johnson already by drafting Phillip Dorestt in the first round. Dorestt alone has blazing speed, which could come in handy for the Colts when looking for a deep threat. Henry Anderson adds pressure to a defensive line, and Clayton Geathers will possibly start by default. The issue with the Colts is the fact they did not have a single safety who was capable of starting last year, and Damarious Randall was still on the board. The Colts may have done a great job adding players like Frank Gore and Trent Cole. But In the long run, they will regret not getting a safety until day 3.
GRADE: D+
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Notable Draft Picks: EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., RB TJ Yeldon, OG AJ Cann, S James Sample
If there was a team that really addressed every need in every pick in this draft, the Falcons and Jaguars were the top two teams. Dante Fowler adds pressure to the edge and will be a huge asset when playing teams like the Texans and Colts twice a year. TJ Yeldon gives the Jags a true number one running back who is powerful, as well as quick to the outside. AJ Cann adds more depth and power to the offensive line, and James Sample brings power to a young defensive backfield. Rashad Greene is true slot recover, and will add another receiver to Blake Bortles. The Jaguars still need a year to develop, but things are looking up in Jacksonville.
GRADE: A-
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Notable Draft Picks: CB Marcus Peters, OG Mitch Morse, WR Chris Conley, LB Ramik Wilson
While the Chiefs didn't have a giant need at cornerback, they got a huge upgrade in Marcus Peters. Peters is possibly one of the best corner prospects in the last several season. If you take away the fact he has an attitude problem, he's a top 10 player and could possibly be a top five cornerback in the NFL, with the right coaching. Mitch Morse was a solid addition to the offensive line but he might have been a reach. Chris Conley is a great pickup at wide receiver and could be a solid number 2 to pair up with Jeremy Maclin. Ramik Wilson will be a solid pickup on special teams, and a great backup to go behind Derrick Johnson. While the Mitch Morse pick is a reach, the Chiefs did a solid job on draft day.
GRADE: B
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Notable Draft Picks: WR DeVante Parker, DT Jordan Phillips, CB Bobby McCain, RB Jay Ajayi
With the loss of Mike Wallace, The Dolphins got a top 15 player in DeVante Parker to replace him. Parker is a huge deep threat with spectacular hands that will be a nice addition for Ryan Tannehill. Jordan Phillips adds depth to a solid defensive line, and Bobby McCain will be a solid choice to play the nickel corner on third down. Jay Ajayi may have a knee issue, but he could be a solid number 1 running back within a couple of years. The Dolphins did a great job addressing the major needs and with a great offseason, the Dolphins have taken a huge step forward in the AFC.
GRADE: B
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Notable Draft Picks: CB Trae Waynes, LB Eric Kendricks, OL TJ Clemmings, WR Stefon Diggs
The Vikings might play in the toughest division in football this season, but they did upgrade and get a few steal picks. Trae Waynes is the top cover corner in this draft and could be an interception machine when playing against quarterbacks like Jay Cutler. He will be paired with Xaiver Rhodes and Harrison Smith, which makes the Vikings defensive backfield scary. Eric Kendricks could come in, and be an every down linebacker as a rookie, and be the future of the front seven. The two possible biggest steals on day 3 could be TJ Clemmings and Stefon Diggs. Clemmings is a day 1 starter with his huge frame ,while Diggs will be a solid slot receiver for Teddy Bridgewater, and huge in the return g. While running back should have been a need the Vikings addressed sometime in this draft, they did about as well as most would have projected.
GRADE: B+
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Notable Draft Picks: DT Malcolm Brown, DE Trey Flowers, OG Tre' Jackson, C Shaq Mason
Before anyone starts chewing me out, the Patriots drafted very well in players for the future. Malcolm Brown is a huge replacement for Vince Wilfolk. At pick 32, Brown falling to them is a match made in heavy. He's a day 1 starter and is possibly the only one the Pats drafted. While Trey Flowers is a steal in the fourth round, he wasn't a need since the Patriots have Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones. Tre' Jackson is solid for the offensive line, but he won't play for portably several seasons. The same could be said for Shaq Mason who was also drafted on day 3. While the Patriots drafted players for the future, cornerback and wide receiver were still needs that weren't even addressed. That could come back to haunt New England with great drafts by the Jets and Dolphins.
GRADE: C
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Notable Draft Picks: OT Andrus Peat, LB Stephone Anthony, CB PJ Willaims, OLB Hau'oli Kikaha, QB Garrett Grayson
The Saints may have gotten every need within the first five picks of their draft. Andrus Peat is a huge offensive line that could start on day 1 with Terron Armstead. He can be the future left tackle, as Drew Brees finishes up his career. Stephone Antony and Hau'oli Kikaha are two big time linebackers that could be influential to the pass rush next year. PJ Williams is a solid second round player who fell to the third round, and could start on day 1 as a nickel corner. Garrett Grayson is the future for the Saints, and by learning under Drew Brees, he might become a future championship quarterback. Overall, the Saints may have reached at several picks, but they addressed every need.
GRADE: B+
NEW YORK GIANTS
Notable Draft Picks: OT Ereck Flowers, S Landon Collins, DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa
The Giants did get three day one starters but they reached big time twice. Ereck Flowers is good tackle but with Andrus Peat still on the board, it seemed like the Giants reached in getting him. He's very unpolished and will need proper training as a pass rusher, if he wants to become an elite tackle in the NFL. While Landon Collins is a great pickup in the second round, they did trade several picks to get him, when he could have been sitting there eight picks later. Collins will start and he's a great pickup but trading all those picks may come back to bite the Giants in the butt later.
GRADE: C
NEW YORK JETS
Notable Draft Picks: DE Leonard Williams, OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, WR Devin Smith, QB Bryce Petty
The Jets got the best player on the board at pick number 6. Leonard Williams is a huge playmaker that comes off the line and will be able to destroy offensive linemen like he did in college. Devin Smith is a perfect slot receiver to go along with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Lorenzo Mauldin could be a solid pickup as a leo linebacker, to go along with Quinton Coples. Finally, if worse comes to worst, and Geno Smith can't get the job done, Bryce Petty could come in and be a steal on day three. The Jets fixed every need for new head coach in Todd Bowles and they will now compete with the New England Patriots for the AFC East title.
GRADE: A
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Notable Draft Picks: WR Amari Cooper, DE Mario Edwards, TE Clive Walford, LB Ben Heeney
When you draft a franchise quarterback, you have to get him a franchise wide receiver. Amari Cooper rarely drops a ball and has the amazing ability to turn up field and head off to the races. He also has tremendous speed down the field, to where Derek Carr can just throw the ball up. Mario Edwards adds a pass rush to a very week defensive line in Oakland, and will pair nicely with Kahlil Mack. Ben Heeney could be a starter at middle linebacker in several years, while Clive Walford can be another weapon for Carr, especially on third down. The Raiders did get two weapons for the future, as well as another big time pass rusher. While the Raiders forgot to address the need at cornerback, overall it was a solid day for GM Reggie Mackenzie.
GRADE: B
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Notable Draft Picks: WR Nelson Agholor, CB Eric Rowe, LB Jordan Hicks, CB JaCorey Shepherd
The Eagles finally found their replacement for DeSean Jackson in Nelson Agholor. Agholor has blazing speed and can be a true deep threat for new quarterback Sam Bradford. His route running is weak but his speed straight down the field could be huge on third down. Eric Rowe is a corner who could switch over to free safety, which is an underrated need. Jordan Hicks will need time to learn inside linebacker, but he could be a solid replacement for Casey Matthews within a year. JaCorey Shepherd is another great pickup in the backfield, especially if Walter Thurmond can't stay healthy. Overall, Jordan Hicks was a reach, but the Eagles had an average day and addressed every need.
GRADE: B-
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Notable Draft Picks: EDGE Bud Dupree, CB Senquez Golson, CB Doran Grant, S Gerod Holliman
The Steelers were able to get a top five pass rusher at pick 22 in Bud Dupree. An athletic freak from Kentucky, Dupree brings a major upside to an aging "Steel Curtain" defense. He, along with Ryan Shazier, will be big in the pass rush for the next several years. Senquez Golson is a smaller cornerback but can tackle and has speed that will come in handy if Cortez Allen can't get the job done. Doran Grant is another small corner, but will be solid in the nickel and dime formation. Gerod Holliman may be the steal of day three if he can get better at tackling. The Steelers may regret waiting till the 7th round to draft a safety to replace Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark, but overall: Steeler fans can thank the lord above that they finally addressed the defensive backfield.
GRADE: B
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Notable Draft Picks: RB Melvin Gordon, CB Craig Mager, LB Denzel Perryman
Congrats Chargers, you finally got an all-purpose running back in Melvin Gordon. Ryan Matthews was a great pass catching running back but whenever he ran he seemed to get hurt. With Gordon, he can cut to the outside and find his way into the end zone in both running the ball and catching it. Denzel Perryman adds depth and pressure to San Diego's front seven, while Craig Mager will be nice in nickel formation. Here's the thing, Jacoby Jones and Stevie Johnson are hardly replacements for Eddie Royal who left for Chicago this offseason. Not only that, but DJ Fluker will probably move from tackle to guard, and they didn't find another guy to fill that void. While Gordon was a good pickup, the Chargers really should have looked in the second round at guys like Jaelen Strong and TJ Clemmings, to fix other immediate needs.
GRADE: C
SAN FRANSISCO 49ER'S
Notable Draft Picks: DE Arik Armstead, OLB Eli Harold, S Jaquiski Tartt, WR DeAndre Smelter
The 49er's will more then likely be picking in the top 10 next year, so it really didn't matter who they drafted first round. Arik Armstead is a great selection at pick 17 and can be the face of a new revamped defense. His huge frame and long arms will be able to get him in the backfield to make quarterback rush throws for many years to come. While Eli Harold and Jaquski Tarrt are solid selections, the need that is as clear as day, was never addressed. With Chris Borland and Patrick Willis' retirement, the 49er's probably should have addressed that need in the second round. The 49er's had a terrible offseason, and the NFL draft might have made it worse.
GRADE: D
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Notable Draft Picks: DE Frank Clark, WR Tyler Lockett, OG Mark Glowinski
The Seahawks really didn't need to draft well in order to be a top team in the NFC but c'mon: they really screwed up big time. Frank Clark is a good defensive end, but the Seahawks didn't need to pick him up. Tyler Lockett is great in the return game, but Jaelen Strong was still on the board and he would have been a better selection. While Mark Glowinski will replace James Carpenter, he wasn't the top guard on the board. Seattle may have had a nice offseaon by adding Jimmy Graham, but in the draft...they imploded big time.
GRADE: D
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Notable Draft Picks: RB Todd Gurley, OT Rob Haverstien, OG Jamon Brown, QB Sean Mannion
The Rams went all in last week in drafting Todd Gurley. Gurley may have just come off an ACL injury, but he can be the future of the running back position, in a couple of years. The duo of Tre Mason and Gurley will take away pressure from Nick Foles, as he also comes back from an injury. Adding in Rob Haverstien and Jamon Brown replaces Joe Barskdle and Jake Long, who left this offseason. While maybe getting a wide receiver or cornerback would have been smarter then getting a running back, Gurley was way too hard to pass up.
GRADE: B-
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Notable Draft Picks: QB Jameis Winston, OT Donavan Smith, OG Ali Marpet, LB Kwon Alexander
The thing with the Buccaneers is they took a risk at the first overall pick. While Winston is a solid quarterback, he's extremely immature, and could be a giant risk if he can't stay out of trouble. The Bucs also added protection to Winston in Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. They are also risks, but could be huge but have a lot of potential to be big time players for the Bucs' offensive line. In the end, these are all risks, but the Bucs have a huge upside if everything pans out right.
GRADE: B-
TENNESSEE TITANS
Notable Draft Picks: QB Marcus Mariota, WR Dorial Green-Beckham, OG Jeremiah Poutasi, WR Tre McBride
If Jamies Winston is a giant risk, Marcus Mariota is a close second. Mariota was great in college, but he is the prototypical system quarterback that only fits in a few offenses. While he may have the ability to change Tennessee's offense, he may also be a major back fire in the long run. Dorial Green-Beckham and Tre McBride are two great receivers that could be steals in the second and seventh rounds. Jeremiah Poutasi adds depth to an offensive line and could be a nice pair up with Taylor Lewan. Overall, the Titans risked a lot this draft, but just like the Bucs, they could have a great future, if every player pans out right.
GRADE: B-
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Notable Draft Picks: OG Brandon Scherff, DE Preston Smith, OG Arie Kouandjio, WR Jamison Crowder
The Washington Redskins proved they are going all in next season with Robert Griffin III. Brandon Scherff was the best guard in the draft, and he could be a huge upgrade to protect RG3. Add in Arie Kouandjio to the weak Redskin line, and Washington has upgraded immensely. Even though Preston Smith is a strange pickup, he does replace the need that Brian Orakpo left, when he bolted to Nashville. While he's projected to play outside linebacker in the NFL, it make take him a season a or two to get his feet used to being in a stand up position. In the end, Washington did address some needs, but not every need.
GRADE: C
