2014 NFL Draft: Handing out Grades to every first round pick
By Matt Shetler
13. St. Louis Rams: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Dec 26, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) waves to fans exiting the field after defeating Bowling Green Falcons 30-27 to win the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Steal of the draft.
That’s the only way I can describe getting Donald at No. 13.
Donald will slot right into three-tech in a defensive line that suddenly looks like one of the best in the league. Playing next to Chris Long, Michael Brockers and Robert Quinn, the St. Louis front four may be simply unblockable.
The Pitt product will be productive and a disruptive force for a long time for the Rams.
Grade: A+
14. Chicago Bears: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Bears needed a corner and they got a good one in Fuller.
Fuller is very physical and has good feet and great ball skills.
He’s not a sexy pick, but a very good one for the Bears
Grade: A-
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State
I like Shazier for the Steelers, but not here at No. 15 with C.J. Mosley still on the board if inside linebacker was the true intention all along.
I love Shazier’s speed but still feel he is a better fit on the outside in the 3-4 compared to the inside.
He is a playmaker but also a guy who has trouble in space and isn’t the best tackler in the draft. He is a pass rusher and should be a good one but I have doubts about his ability to excel playing the run, especially given the case that the Steelers’ front three isn’t very good.
Shazier’s size shows up as a negative when he gets blocked out pretty consistently in power situations, especially when offensive linemen are plastering him inside or outside on run plays.
Long-term I see him moving outside as a replacement for Jason Worilds, who the Steelers haven’t committed to long term.
Linebacker is a need for the Steelers, I just don’t know about at No. 15 with more pressing needs on the board.
Grade: C
16. Dallas Cowboys: Zack Martin, G/T, Notre Dame
Martin is an outstanding lineman with a high ceiling and probably a good pick here for the Cowboys.
But given their needs on defense, was targeting an offensive lineman the right move here?
The Cowboys have had issues with their protection as of late and Martin should help as he is a guy with excellent upper-body strength and is also an outstanding drive blocker.
Grade: B