Now that the NFL draft has come and gone, the only thing left to do is look at who came out looking the best. Division by division, who had the best and worst drafts? Next up is the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens:
Best Pick: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Worst Pick: Timmy Jernigan, DT, FSU
Analysis: The Ravens couldn’t pass up the possibility of having the best ILB on the board when their first pick came up and it will likely pay dividends immediately. The other picks the Ravens made could pay dividends as well, but the concern is with the second pick in Jernigan. Jernigan was supposed to take a hit from his positive drug test and he did and he doesn't fit the Ravens' defensive scheme.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals:
Best Pick: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Worst Pick: AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
Analysis: The Bengals needed secondary help and they got it with Dennard and he should fit in just fine with the Bengals' veterans. The Bengals got a lot of value of the likes of Jeremy Hill and William Clarke, but McCarron starts the talk of a quarterback controversy. Andy Dalton had himself another miserable playoffs and the drafting of McCarron won’t do anything positive for his confidence.
Grade: C+
Cleveland Browns:
Best Pick: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Worst Pick: Passing on Sammy Watkins
Analysis: The Browns had a franchise-changing draft if they hit the right buttons with their picks. Justin Gilbert and Manziel could be the players that change this team’s identity for years to come. Passing on Watkins was a move the Browns might live to regret as Josh Gordon might be suspended or the entire 2014. If the rumors of the Browns knowing Gordon’s fate is true, they should have snagged Watkins.
Grade: A-
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Best Pick: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
Worst Pick: Lack of OL
Analysis: The Steelers do what great franchises do, they let their board talk to them and they drafted based on value. Some would say Ryan Shazier is a reach, but when they knew the Dolphins would take him at No. 19 so they scooped him up. I would have liked the Steelers to come away with a better value pick for the offensive line and secondary.
Grade: B
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