2014 NFL Draft: Handing out Grades to every first round pick
By Matt Shetler
17. Baltimore Ravens: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; C.J. Mosley (Alabama) stands for photos with his jersey after being selected as the number seventeen overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Great pick here for the Ravens.
Mosley is the best interior linebacker in the draft, and the Baltimore Ravens had a need there.
He was a force in Alabama’s 3-4 defense and should be able to carve out a niche early at an inside LB spot within the Ravens’ scheme.
Mosley is an outstanding tackler and gets sideline-to-sideline very well with an exceptional ability to find and chase the football.
Grade: A
18. New York Jets: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Pryor can both play in the box but also can cover as well. He’s a hard hitter and has very good coverage skills as well.
While the Jets have needs at the cornerback position, they were smart and went instead with the best defensive back left on the board.
I like the pick.
Grade: A-
19. Miami Dolphins: Ja’Wuan James, OT, Tennessee
The Dolphins needed a tackle, but James at No. 19 is a reach.
James is an athletic guy who can play either tackle or guard, and he should be a better than average pass-protector.
He fits the part of an NFL tackle at 6’6″ and 311 pounds, but has a lot to prove before he is a legitimate NFL starter.
I like him, but not this high.
Grade: C+
20. New Orleans Saints (via Arizona): Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
The Saints trade up to get Drew Brees a weapon and come away with a pretty talented one in Cooks.
Cooks is a great fit for the Saints offense where his incredible speed will open up a lot of room for Brees to find him in the middle of the field.
He can make plays lined up anywhere and he is a tremendous after-catch runner who can break a play wide open with a small opening off a short pass.
Great fit and great value pick for the Saints.
Grade: A