2014 NFL Draft: Handing out Grades to every first round pick
By Matt Shetler
9. Minnesota Vikings (via Cleveland): Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Anthony Barr (11) walks off the field after winning the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Another surprise here, but I like Barr’s upside more than most do.
Barr is raw, but he is very athletic and can turn into one of the better players in this draft class when it is all said and done.
Mike Zimmer is a defensive coach and getting a potential big time playmaker makes sense. He is insanely quick off the edge and should help the Vikings defense out a great deal when it is all said and done.
I just don’t know about getting him at No. 9, but he’s not too overvalued there.
Grade: B+
10. Detroit Lions: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Many expected the Lions to look on the defensive side of the ball but they instead got quarterback Matthew Stafford another weapon.
What Ebron lacks as a blocker, he makes up for as a guy who can dominate between the hashes.
He is a Vernon Davis clone who can have a big career catching the rock.
Secondaries in the NFC North should be afraid as the Lions have a ton of weapons.
Grade: B+
11. Tennessee Titans: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Lewan may be the better value picks of the draft here at No. 11.
He wasn’t an immediate need pick for the Titans but they likely just went with the best player on the board.
Lewan may not step in right away, but has the chance to be very good within time.
Grade: B
12. New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
The Giants could have targeted either line as both are weaknesses, but they get Eli Manning another target, one he desperately needs.
Beckham can excel either outside or in the slot, and his primary attribute is his pure game-breaking speed.
He is polished and has great hands and will be a good fit in New York.
Grade: B+