2014 NFL Draft: Handing out Grades to every first round pick
By Matt Shetler
5. Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Khalil Mack (Buffalo) holds up a jersey after being selected as the number five overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Oakland Raiders at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Great value here for the Raiders.
Mack is the top flight pass rusher and a great young talent with upside that the Raiders simply don’t have.
They likely didn’t think he was going to be available for them going in but Oakland likely gets a steal at No. 5
Grade: A
6. Atlanta Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Falcons need to protect Matt Ryan badly and they get the top tackle left on the board and a guy who can likely step in and start from Week 1.
Matthews is the most technically sound and polished offensive lineman in this draft class and a great pick here at No. 6.
He has the chance to be great.
Grade: A
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
The Bucs get one of the top playmakers in the draft and a very tall red zone target in Evans that should flourish against second-tier corners playing opposite Vincent Jackson.
The NFL is a passing league and the Bucs now have serious weapons on the outside.
I’m a little higher on Evans than some people but I love this pick for the Bucs.
Grade: A
8. Cleveland Browns (via Minnesota): Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Everyone thought the Browns would go quarterback here when they moved back up one spot to No. 8, but it wasn’t to be.
Instead Cleveland not only got a playmaking corner in Gilbert who has a chance to be very good, but added another first-round pick for next season.
Gilbert’s raw speed allows him to cover a ton of ground, plus helps him recover from any mistakes he may make. And the guy can go and get the ball when it is in the air.
He was a surprise here, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good pick.
Grade: B+