Evan Silva has graded the NFC. Here's our breakdown of the AFC:
Baltimore Ravens
35. Courtney Upshaw, outside linebacker, Alabama
60. Kelechi Osemele, guard, Iowa State
84. Bernard Pierce, running back, Temple
98. Gino Gradkowski, center, Delaware
130. Christian Thompson, free safety, South Carolina State
169. Asa Jackson, cornerback, Cal Poly
198. Tommy Streeter, wide receiver, Miami (FL)
236. Deangelo Tyson, defensive end, Georgia
Overview: Viewed as a player without a position by many teams, Upshaw was a value pick atop the second round. The Ravens will find a home for him just as they did for Terrell Suggs. Osemele will get a chance to fill the hole left by Ben Grubbs’ exit. With Ricky Williams retired, Pierce will get a shot to be Ray Rice’s caddy. The concern is that he had quite a bit of wear and tear at Temple. Gradkowski has a shot to succeed Matt Birk down the line while Streeter is an intriguing flier at receiver.
Grade: B+
Buffalo Bills
10. Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, South Carolina
41. Cordy Glenn, tackle, Georgia
69. T.J. Graham, wide receiver, North Carolina State
105. Nigel Bradham, linebacker, Florida State
124. Ron Brooks, cornerback, LSU
144. Zebrie Sanders, tackle, Florida State
147. Tank Carder, linebacker, TCU
178. Mark Asper, guard, Oregon
251. John Potter, kicker, Western Michigan
Overview: With the Gilmore selection, the Bills are now loaded at cornerback in a pass-heavy league. GM Buddy Nix made good on his promise to pick up O-Line depth, but Glenn is the only likely starter in the group. The question is whether he can hack it on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blind side. Although Graham is an absolute blazer, his immediate impact will be felt on special teams more than offense. Brooks and Bradham should help in nickel packages.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
17. Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback, Alabama
27. Kevin Zeitler, guard, Wisconsin
53. Devon Still, defensive tackle, Penn State
83. Mohamed Sanu, wide receiver, Rutgers
93. Brandon Thompson, defensive tackle, Clemson
116. Orson Charles, tight end, Georgia
156. Shaun Prater, cornerback, Iowa
166. Marvin Jones, wide receiver, California
167. George Iloka, safety, Boise State
191. Dan Herron, running back, Ohio State
Overview: Cincinnati’s draft is chock full of contributors, with the top eight potentially seeing significant playing time. Although the Bengals missed out on true playmakers early on, they were able to go best player available at every spot while simultaneously filling their roster needs. Jay Gruden’s offense was in the market for a receiver, and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if Jones ends up with a more successful career than Sanu. Iloka is another project safety, which DC Mike Zimmer favors.
Grade: A
Cleveland Browns
3. Trent Richardson, running back, Alabama
22. Brandon Weeden, quarterback, Oklahoma State
37. Mitchell Schwartz, tackle, California
87. John Hughes, defensive tackle, Cincinnati
100. Travis Benjamin, wide receiver, Miami (FL)
120. James-Michael Johnson, linebacker, Nevada
160. Ryan Miller, guard, Colorado
205. Billy Winn, defensive tackle, Boise State
245. Trevin Wade, cornerback, Arizona
247. Brad Smelley, tight end, Alabama
Overview: The big-play starved offense landed three immediate starters, including the draft’s top tailback, a Day One quarterback, and a replacement for Tony Pashos at right tackle. The glaring vacancy remains go-to receiver, however. Johnson is potentially an immediate contributor at linebacker, which helps make up for the Hughes reach in the third round. GM Tom Heckert’s late-round picks were less than inspired.
Grade: B
Denver Broncos
36. Derek Wolfe, defensive tackle, Cincinnati
57. Brock Osweiler, quarterback, Arizona State
67. Ronnie Hillman, running back, San Diego State
101. Omar Bolden, cornerback, Arizona State
108. Philip Blake, guard, Baylor
137. Malik Jackson, defensive tackle, Tennessee
188. Danny Travathan, linebacker, Kentucky
Overview: John Elway’s club traded down, and it shows. The Broncos may not have landed a single starter in this draft. Wolfe fills a need up front, but he’s far from guaranteed to outproduce fifth-rounder Jackson. The second round is awfully early for a project quarterback of Osweiler’s caliber. The jump-cut happy Hillman is a change-of-pace back who can’t take over as Peyton Manning’s passing-down specialist because protection issues. The late-round picks are solid, especially potential starter Bolden.
Grade: C
Houston Texans
26. Whitney Mercilus, linebacker, Illinois
68. DeVier Posey, wide receiver, Ohio State
76. Brandon Brooks, guard, Miami (OH)
99. Ben Jones, center, Georgia
121. Keshawn Martin, wide receiver, Michigan State
126. Jared Crick, defensive tackle, Nebraska
161. Randy Bullock, kicker, Texas A&M
195. Nick Mondek, tackle, Purdue
Overview: Although Mercilus needs refinement, he should see plenty of playing time as Mario Williams’ replacement in a three-man edge-rushing rotation. Posey is smooth, but may not have a better career than fourth-rounder Martin. Jones and the freakishly athletic Brooks add much-needed depth up front to help offset Houston’s veteran losses in free agency. Crick is a great value for the middle rounds. Bullock will be the favorite to replace the departed Neil Rackers.
Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
1. Andrew Luck, quarterback, Stanford
34. Coby Fleener, tight end, Stanford
64. Dwayne Allen, tight end, Clemson
92. T.Y. Hilton, wide receiver, Florida International
136. Josh Chapman, nose tackle, Alabama
170. Vick Ballard, running back, Mississippi State
206. LaVon Brazil, wide receiver, Ohio
208. Justin Anderson, tackle, Georgia
214. Tim Fugger, defensive end, Vanderbilt
253. Chandler Harnish, quarterback, Northern Illinois
Overview: The Colts walked away with a franchise builder as the best player in the draft. They didn’t stop there, though. Luck will be reunited with college teammate Fleener while also taking on Allen as the top two tight ends in the draft. Hilton should contribute immediately as an explosive returner and has dangerous slot potential down the line. Nose tackle of the future Chapman played through an ACL injury as one of the NCAA’s premier run defenders in 2011. Mr. Irrelevant Harnish has a legit shot to nail down the long-term backup job to Luck.
Grade: A+
Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State
38. Andre Branch, defensive end, Clemson
70. Bryan Anger, punter, California
142. Brandon Marshall, linebacker, Nevada
176. Mike Harris, cornerback, Florida State
228. Jeris Pendleton, nose tackle, Ashland
Overview: Credit GM Gene Smith with following his strong convictions, but his seat is growing hotter by the year as he continues to step far out on a flimsy limb. Blackmon isn’t quite the elite talent of top-10 receivers in years past, but he does fill a need. Branch is more of a pure pass rusher than an all-around defensive end. This draft’s true failure is the reach for a punter in the third round. Even if Anger serves as a field-position weapon, that’s simply too early for a specialist. The late-round picks do little to inspire confidence.
Grade: D
Evan Silva has graded the NFC. Here's our breakdown of the AFC:
Baltimore Ravens
35. Courtney Upshaw, outside linebacker, Alabama
60. Kelechi Osemele, guard, Iowa State
84. Bernard Pierce, running back, Temple
98. Gino Gradkowski, center, Delaware
130. Christian Thompson, free safety, South Carolina State
169. Asa Jackson, cornerback, Cal Poly
198. Tommy Streeter, wide receiver, Miami (FL)
236. Deangelo Tyson, defensive end, Georgia
Overview: Viewed as a player without a position by many teams, Upshaw was a value pick atop the second round. The Ravens will find a home for him just as they did for Terrell Suggs. Osemele will get a chance to fill the hole left by Ben Grubbs’ exit. With Ricky Williams retired, Pierce will get a shot to be Ray Rice’s caddy. The concern is that he had quite a bit of wear and tear at Temple. Gradkowski has a shot to succeed Matt Birk down the line while Streeter is an intriguing flier at receiver.
Grade: B+
Buffalo Bills
10. Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, South Carolina
41. Cordy Glenn, tackle, Georgia
69. T.J. Graham, wide receiver, North Carolina State
105. Nigel Bradham, linebacker, Florida State
124. Ron Brooks, cornerback, LSU
144. Zebrie Sanders, tackle, Florida State
147. Tank Carder, linebacker, TCU
178. Mark Asper, guard, Oregon
251. John Potter, kicker, Western Michigan
Overview: With the Gilmore selection, the Bills are now loaded at cornerback in a pass-heavy league. GM Buddy Nix made good on his promise to pick up O-Line depth, but Glenn is the only likely starter in the group. The question is whether he can hack it on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blind side. Although Graham is an absolute blazer, his immediate impact will be felt on special teams more than offense. Brooks and Bradham should help in nickel packages.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
17. Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback, Alabama
27. Kevin Zeitler, guard, Wisconsin
53. Devon Still, defensive tackle, Penn State
83. Mohamed Sanu, wide receiver, Rutgers
93. Brandon Thompson, defensive tackle, Clemson
116. Orson Charles, tight end, Georgia
156. Shaun Prater, cornerback, Iowa
166. Marvin Jones, wide receiver, California
167. George Iloka, safety, Boise State
191. Dan Herron, running back, Ohio State
Overview: Cincinnati’s draft is chock full of contributors, with the top eight potentially seeing significant playing time. Although the Bengals missed out on true playmakers early on, they were able to go best player available at every spot while simultaneously filling their roster needs. Jay Gruden’s offense was in the market for a receiver, and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if Jones ends up with a more successful career than Sanu. Iloka is another project safety, which DC Mike Zimmer favors.
Grade: A
Cleveland Browns
3. Trent Richardson, running back, Alabama
22. Brandon Weeden, quarterback, Oklahoma State
37. Mitchell Schwartz, tackle, California
87. John Hughes, defensive tackle, Cincinnati
100. Travis Benjamin, wide receiver, Miami (FL)
120. James-Michael Johnson, linebacker, Nevada
160. Ryan Miller, guard, Colorado
205. Billy Winn, defensive tackle, Boise State
245. Trevin Wade, cornerback, Arizona
247. Brad Smelley, tight end, Alabama
Overview: The big-play starved offense landed three immediate starters, including the draft’s top tailback, a Day One quarterback, and a replacement for Tony Pashos at right tackle. The glaring vacancy remains go-to receiver, however. Johnson is potentially an immediate contributor at linebacker, which helps make up for the Hughes reach in the third round. GM Tom Heckert’s late-round picks were less than inspired.
Grade: B
Denver Broncos
36. Derek Wolfe, defensive tackle, Cincinnati
57. Brock Osweiler, quarterback, Arizona State
67. Ronnie Hillman, running back, San Diego State
101. Omar Bolden, cornerback, Arizona State
108. Philip Blake, guard, Baylor
137. Malik Jackson, defensive tackle, Tennessee
188. Danny Travathan, linebacker, Kentucky
Overview: John Elway’s club traded down, and it shows. The Broncos may not have landed a single starter in this draft. Wolfe fills a need up front, but he’s far from guaranteed to outproduce fifth-rounder Jackson. The second round is awfully early for a project quarterback of Osweiler’s caliber. The jump-cut happy Hillman is a change-of-pace back who can’t take over as Peyton Manning’s passing-down specialist because protection issues. The late-round picks are solid, especially potential starter Bolden.
Grade: C
Houston Texans
26. Whitney Mercilus, linebacker, Illinois
68. DeVier Posey, wide receiver, Ohio State
76. Brandon Brooks, guard, Miami (OH)
99. Ben Jones, center, Georgia
121. Keshawn Martin, wide receiver, Michigan State
126. Jared Crick, defensive tackle, Nebraska
161. Randy Bullock, kicker, Texas A&M
195. Nick Mondek, tackle, Purdue
Overview: Although Mercilus needs refinement, he should see plenty of playing time as Mario Williams’ replacement in a three-man edge-rushing rotation. Posey is smooth, but may not have a better career than fourth-rounder Martin. Jones and the freakishly athletic Brooks add much-needed depth up front to help offset Houston’s veteran losses in free agency. Crick is a great value for the middle rounds. Bullock will be the favorite to replace the departed Neil Rackers.
Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
1. Andrew Luck, quarterback, Stanford
34. Coby Fleener, tight end, Stanford
64. Dwayne Allen, tight end, Clemson
92. T.Y. Hilton, wide receiver, Florida International
136. Josh Chapman, nose tackle, Alabama
170. Vick Ballard, running back, Mississippi State
206. LaVon Brazil, wide receiver, Ohio
208. Justin Anderson, tackle, Georgia
214. Tim Fugger, defensive end, Vanderbilt
253. Chandler Harnish, quarterback, Northern Illinois
Overview: The Colts walked away with a franchise builder as the best player in the draft. They didn’t stop there, though. Luck will be reunited with college teammate Fleener while also taking on Allen as the top two tight ends in the draft. Hilton should contribute immediately as an explosive returner and has dangerous slot potential down the line. Nose tackle of the future Chapman played through an ACL injury as one of the NCAA’s premier run defenders in 2011. Mr. Irrelevant Harnish has a legit shot to nail down the long-term backup job to Luck.
Grade: A+
Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State
38. Andre Branch, defensive end, Clemson
70. Bryan Anger, punter, California
142. Brandon Marshall, linebacker, Nevada
176. Mike Harris, cornerback, Florida State
228. Jeris Pendleton, nose tackle, Ashland
Overview: Credit GM Gene Smith with following his strong convictions, but his seat is growing hotter by the year as he continues to step far out on a flimsy limb. Blackmon isn’t quite the elite talent of top-10 receivers in years past, but he does fill a need. Branch is more of a pure pass rusher than an all-around defensive end. This draft’s true failure is the reach for a punter in the third round. Even if Anger serves as a field-position weapon, that’s simply too early for a specialist. The late-round picks do little to inspire confidence.
Grade: D
Kansas City Chiefs
11. Dontari Poe, nose tackle, Memphis
44. Jeff Allen, guard, Illinois
74. Donald Stephenson, tackle, Oklahoma
107. Devon Wylie, wide receiver, Fresno State
146. DeQuan Menzie, cornerback, Alabama
182. Cyrus Gray, running back, Texas A&M
218. Jerome Long, defensive end, San Diego State
238. Junior Hemingway, wide receiver, Michigan
Overview: GM Scott Pioli grabbed loads of potential up front on both sides of the ball. Poe is the first-round’s quintessential boom-or-bust pick, but there’s Pro Bowl potential at a position of need if he hits. While Allen may have the most immediate impact on the offensive line, the more athletic Stephenson’s ceiling is higher at tackle. The Chiefs grabbed Wylie and Gray over skill-position players with better speed.
Grade: B-
Miami Dolphins
8. Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Texas A&M
42. Jonathan Martin, tackle, Stanford
72. Olivier Vernon, defensive end, Miami (FL)
78. Michael Egnew, tight end, Missouri
97. Lamar Miller, running back, Miami (FL)
155. Josh Kaddu, linebacker, Oregon
183. B.J. Cunningham, wide receiver, Michigan State
215. Kheeston Randall, defensive tackle, Texas
227. Rishard Matthews, wide receiver, Nevada
Overview: Tannehill was the right pick for a franchise desperately in need of a potential franchise signal-caller. Martin fills a need but will struggle on the right side due to his lack of strength. Miller doesn’t play on third downs or in the red zone, but he’s explosive between the 20s. Vernon is one the mid-round’s most intriguing pass rushers. New coach Joe Philbin believes he can get by with a committee approach at wide receiver. While Cunningham and Matthews have late-round steal potential, the Dolphins still lack a Jordy Nelson, much less a Greg Jennings. Egnew was overdrafted.
Grade: B
New England Patriots
21. Chandler Jones, defensive end, Syracuse
25. Dont’a Hightower, linebacker, Alabama
48. Tavon Wilson, safety, Illinois
90. Jake Bequette, defensive end, Arkansas
197. Nate Ebner, safety, Ohio State
224. Alfonzo Dennard, cornerback, Nebraska
235. Jeremy Ebert, wide receiver, Northwestern
Overview: The Patriots finally made an aggressive move to trade up for much-needed front-seven help, and it paid off with two instant contributors. Jones was a top-10 player on the draft board of NFL Network’s Mike Mayock; Hightower is already penciled in as an immediate starter on a Super Bowl contender. Those moves were counterbalanced by the head-scratching selections of a pair of virtual unknowns in the middle rounds. Who are we to doubt Bill Belichick's scouting?
Grade: B+
New York Jets
16. Quinton Coples, defensive end, North Carolina
43. Stephen Hill, wide receiver, Georgia Tech
77. Demario Davis, linebacker, Arkansas State
187. Josh Bush, safety, Wake Forest
202. Terrance Ganaway, running back, Baylor
203. Robert T. Griffin, guard, Baylor
242. Antonio Allen, safety, South Carolina
244. Jordan White, wide receiver, Western Michigan
Overview: There are more questions than answers with GM Mike Tanenbaum’s draft haul. A gifted pass rusher filling a position of need, Coples figures to thrive under coach Rex Ryan because he will be forced to engage on every snap. Hill and Davis offer intriguing tools as potential rookie starters, but they are both raw talents. The late-round picks are all slow relative to their positions.
Grade: B-
Oakland Raiders
95. Tony Bergstrom, guard, Utah
129. Miles Burris, linebacker, San Diego State
158. Jack Crawford, defensive end, Penn State
168. Juron Criner, wide receiver, Arizona
189. Christo Bilukidi, defensive end, Georgia State
230. Nathan Stupar, linebacker, Penn State
Overview: New GM Reggie McKenzie was handicapped by a lack of early picks, thanks to trades made by Al Davis and Hue Jackson last season. Bergstrom could eventually take over for Cooper Carlisle on the interior. Crawford and Criner are slow for their positions, but capable of contributing in limited roles. Bilukidi was a truck-stumper who had even the heartiest of draftniks googling all corners of the internet for scouting reports.
Grade: D
Pittsburgh Steelers
24: David DeCastro, guard, Stanford
56: Mike Adams, tackle, Ohio State
86. Sean Spence, linebacker, Miami (FL)
109. Alameda Ta’amu, defensive tackle, Washington
159. Chris Rainey, running back, Florida
231. Toney Clemons, wide receiver, Colorado
240. David Paulsen, tight end, Oregon
246. Terrence Frederick, cornerback, Texas A&M
248. Kelvin Beachum, guard, SMU
Overview: The Steelers master the first round every year, and this draft was no different. The draft’s premier guard fell right in GM Kevin Colbert’s lap, filling a position of desperate need. Adams was viewed as a first-round talent before testing positive for marijuana, but he will have to toughen up to nail down right tackle. Spence has a shot to paper over the weak inside linebacker spot. Ta’amu is massive penetrator while Rainey adds dangerous speed in a gadget-play capacity. Frederick is a potential late-round gem as a slot corner.
Grade: A
San Diego Chargers
18. Melvin Ingram, linebacker, South Carolina
49. Kendall Reyes, defensive tackle, Connecticut
73. Brandon Taylor, safety, LSU
110. Ladarius Green, tight end, Louisiana-Lafayette
149. Johnnie Troutman, guard, Penn State
226. David Molk, center, Michigan
250. Edwin Baker, running back, Michigan State
Overview: Ingram was viewed by man as a top-10 talent and perhaps the draft’s most dangerous pass rusher. GM A.J. Smith was on the lookout for an edge rusher, and a smart coordinator will use Ingram from all angles. Reyes is consistent five technique while Taylor is an in-the-box thumper to complement Eric Weddle. Green is an intriguing Joker as Antonio Gates enters the twilight of his career. The opinionated Molk will end up starting games in San Diego.
Grade: B+
Tennessee Titans
20. Kendall Wright, wide receiver, Baylor
52. Zach Brown, linebacker, North Carolina
82. Mike Martin, defensive tackle, Michigan
115. Coty Sensabaugh, cornerback, Clemson
145. Taylor Thompson, tight end, SMU
190. Markelle Martin, safety, Oklahoma State
211. Scott Solomon, defensive end, Rice
Overview: Wright adds a dangerous speed element to an up-and-coming offense now overflowing with playmakers. Brown is an elite natural talent, but it will be up to the coaching staff to instill in him a much-needed toughness. Martin is a stout three-technique with nose tackle experience and a wrestling background. Sensabaugh was one of the favorite sleepers of NFL Network’s Mike Mayock while Thompson is a converted defensive end with intriguing measurables. The Titans would have earned a higher grade had they addressed the major need on the interior of the offensive line.
Grade: C+