Now that the draft is over, it’s time for some instant analyization. And while we won’t go too in depth with grading and exactly how these players will be impacted, it is important to get an idea on how the early round values and team needs were filled, as well as a total outline of all the positions that were picked.
Also, keep in mind that Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) as well as myself (@SamskiNYC) will be tweeting each day that they are released, so feel free to start the debate there and in the comments section!
New York Jets
30. Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end, Temple
94. Kenrick Ellis, nose tackle, Hampton
126. Bilal Powell, running back, Louisville
153. Jeremy Kerley, wide receiver, TCU
208. Greg McElroy, quarterback, Alabama
227. Scotty McKnight, wide receiver, Colorado
Summary: The Jets certainly know how to get the most out of their defensive players, but they needed some players to help make their schemes even more effective. They landed a strong, versatile defender in Wilkerson and potentially the drafts best nose tackle to replace Jenkins in Ellis, but they really could have used a pass rusher. Instead, they made another questionable pick on a running back and took Powell, who will be no more than the fourth back on their team. However, the Jets closed their draft strong with Kerley, who could be a great slot receiver and McElroy, who could be a long-term quality back-up behind Sanchez.
Grade: B+ 
Buffalo Bills
3. Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, Alabama
34. Aaron Williams, cornerback, Texas
68. Kelvin Sheppard, inside linebacker, LSU
100. Da’Norris Searcy, safety, North Carolina
122. Chris Hairston, offensive tackle, Clemson
133. Johnny White, running back, North Carolina
169. Chris White, inside linebacker, Mississippi State
206. Justin Rogers, cornerback, Richmond
245. Michael Jasper, nose tackle, Bethel (TN)
Summary: You certainly can’t come out of this draft and say that the Bills didn’t know they needed to fix their defense. After having the worst defense in the league, the Bills spent seven of their nine picks on defense, lead by Dareus, who many thought was the top player in the draft and will have an immediate impact. The Bills also hit on both of their inside linebacker picks, with Sheppard and White both filling massive needs and getting selected at times when their value was high. With the exception of Rogers the rest of the Bills draft was filled with solid players who wound up being questionable picks. Williams was good value and fills a need with McGee aging and hurt, but they would have been better off with a pass-rusher like Brooks Reed. Ditto for Searcy and White who are solid players that will upgrade the special teams, but could have been another offensive tackle or guard.
Grade: B+
New England Patriots
17. Nate Solder, offensive tackle, Colorado
33. Ras-I Dowling, cornerback, Virginia
56. Shane Vereen, runningback, California
73. Stevan Ridley, runningback, LSU
74. Ryan Mallett, quarterback, Arkansas
138. Marcus Cannon, offensive guard, TCU
159. Lee Smith, tight end, Marshall
194. Markell Carter, outside linebacker, Marshall
219. Malcolm Williams, cornerback, TCU
Summary: The Patriots draft was a tale of reaches and steals. They made three great mid-to-late round selections when Mallett fell to them as Brady’s successor, Cannon dropped, but can play most position on the line, and then they were able to snatch up the drafts best blocking tight end in Smith. However, some of the Patriots other choices were baffling. They seem so committed to using a committee at runningback that they passed on Mark Ingram to draft a combination of Vereen and Ridley, who they took at least a round too early, in my opinion. They also selected Solder, instead of more NFL-ready tackles like Castanzo and Sherrod. Sure, they picked up extra draft picks, as usual, but they didn’t help their current team as much as they could have by drafting a pass rusher or defensive line help.
Grade: B
Miami Dolphins
15. Mike Pouncey, center, Florida
62. Daniel Thomas, running back, Kansas State
111. Edmond Gates, wide receiver, Abilene Christian
174. Charles Clay, fullback, Tulsa
231. Frank Kearse, defensive tackle, Alabama A&M
235. Jimmy Wilson, cornerback, Montana
Summary: Not a lot of picks, means not a lot of action for the Dolphins on draft day. However, they did come out of the weekend having filled their two biggest needs, landing Pouncey to help with the interior of the line and Thomas to be part of a likely RB duo with a free agent signee. I’m also a fan of Gates, who has incredible athleticism and could emerge as an ideal #2 next to Marshall. But the rest of the Dolphins picks lack any real upside and could easily fail to make the team.
Grade: B-
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