2014 NFL Draft: Handing out Grades to every first round pick
By Matt Shetler
21. Green Bay Packers: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama) poses for a photo with commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number twenty-one overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Green Bay Packers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
I was absolutely shocked that Clinton-Dix fell this far and the Green Bay Packers came away with another steal late in a draft.
The Packers needed help in the secondary this offseason and they get the most natural cover safety in the draft.
Clinton-Dix has everything you want from a safety- great feet and outstanding quickness. He will be a star in Green Bay.
Outstanding value pick.
Grade: A
22. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia): Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
The city of Cleveland is going nuts over “Johnny Football” and they should as they got the guy they wanted and didn’t have to reach for him at the top of the draft.
Manziel brings game-changing ability at a position the Browns haven’t had in a very long time.
He has all the tools to succeed at any level and still is growing as a quarterback. He’s not simply a run around and make plays type of guy as he will make plays throwing the football out of the pocket as well.
Cleveland played the draft board perfectly and came away with not only the two guys they wanted but added another first-round pick next season.
No team had a better night.
Grade: A+
23. Kansas City Chiefs: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn
Some felt the Chiefs needed to take a wide receiver here but it is hard to pass on a natural pass rusher with Ford’s upside.
Ford has elite pass-rushing speed and can get to quarterbacks, however he has a lot of work to do before he’s a complete player.
Andy Reid is a coach who should be able to get the most out of Ford’s abilities although it could take some time for him to mature.
I like the pick and the value.
Grade: B
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Great value here for a Bengals team that badly needed to upgrade at cornerback.
Dennard gives the Bengals an aggressive and physical presence in the secondary, who is capable of making big plays.
I wasn’t as high on him as most early on in the draft, but I love him this late and he fills a huge need for the defending AFC North champs.
Grade: A-