2014 NFL Draft: Handing out Grades to every first round pick
By Matt Shetler
29. New England Patriots: Dominique Easley, DT, Florida
Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) rushes against the Toledo Rockets during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Toledo Rockets 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pats needed to add some quality depth to the defensive line and came away with a potential stud in Easley.
He is a fantastic pass-rusher with NFL-caliber athleticism who has a non-stop motor. If it weren’t for coming off a couple of serious knee injuries, Easley likely could have been a Top 10 pick. He has that type of talent.
Tommy Kelly is 33. Vince Wilfork is 32 and nearly left the Patriots this offseason.
Easley may not be ready to go for Week 1, but eventually he’ll step into the lineup as a regular contributor.
Bill Belichick got himself another player he should love.
Grade: A-
30. San Francisco 49ers: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Good value pick here by the Niners as Ward is an almost perfect complement for Eric Reid.
Ward has great coverage skills and even better ball skills.
He has tremendous range and can cover a lot of ground in a big hurry. He can excel anywhere in the San Francisco defensive backfield.
Grade: A
31. Denver Broncos: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
The Broncos needed a corner and got a potentially good one in Roby, although I’m not as high on him as others.
Roby is a brutally bad tackler, but he is a big athletic corner with ball skills.
That’s something Denver needs badly so it is a great fit.
He is an extremely physical corner but lacks some skills in coverage at times.
He has the talent though if the Broncos can tap into it.
Grade: B+
32. Minnesota Vikings (via Seattle): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Absolutely love this pick as Bridgewater was still my top quarterback on the board and he goes No. 32 to a team that needs him badly.
Bridgewater goes into a great situation where he has weapons around him and he’s a guy that can run Norv Turner’s offense and excel in it.
The Vikings offense has struggled mightily at the position since Brett Favre’s retirement.
Now they got there guy and Bridgewater will be a good one.
Grade: A+