2012 NFL Draft Grades: Chicago Bears and Teams That Made Honor Roll

With the first two days of the draft in the books and the third day set to begin, a few teams have already done enough to make the process a success.

A successful draft is about grabbing impact players and value.

The following teams accomplished that in Rounds 1-3.

Chicago Bears: Grade: A+

Phil Emery has made an immediate impact as the Bears GM. The 2012 draft is already a huge success and a welcomed departure from what this process used to mean for Bears fans.

The Bears were able to keep their first-round crush a secret—which is also a welcomed change.

Many fans were probably asking, "Who is Shea McClellin?" But they must realize—unless you have access to the same level of game tape as NFL scouts—there are going to be players you haven't heard of, or seen.

It comes down to trusting the decision making of the GM of your team.

Emery did a lot to increase that trust when he aggressively traded up for the player who I believe may be the draft's best WR, Alshon Jeffery.

Jeffery could start opposite Brandon Marshall from Day One. He is 6'3" with great hands and leaping ability. He slipped a bit because of concerns about conditioning and speed.

I thought he answered those questions at his pro day and at the combine.

This is a first-round talent the Bears plucked at No. 45.

Their last pick in the first two days was Brandon Hardin out of Oregon State. He is a fast, big-hitting SS, but he does have some injury concerns.

If he stays healthy, he could be a major addition to a secondary that was in need of depth.

What the Bears have done in the first three rounds is added players that can all contribute early. They have addressed almost every need they had—except CB and OLB.

They still have the remainder of the draft to do that.

But this was a great start for Phil Emery.

St. Louis Rams: Grade: A

The Rams stockpiled picks throughout this draft process. The value gained screams Jeff Fisher's influence.

They traded down in the first round, but still nabbed one of the draft's best DT prospects in Michael Brockers.

The Rams were ranked 31st in the NFL against the run, and they needed an impact player on the defensive line.

In the second round, the Rams got fat.

They drafted WR Brian Quick from Appalachian State. He was quickly rising on most teams boards, and this pick addresses the need to add weapons for Sam Bradford.

The Rams took Janoris Jenkins in the second round as well. He is clearly a first-round talent, but he has some character concerns. If he is on the straight and narrow, it could be a major steal.

The Rams also took Cincinnati RB Isaiah Pead. With Steven Jackson aging (29 years old), this was a smart pick.

Pead can add depth for now. But he could also end up as Jackson's replacement.

Finally, the Rams took Trumaine Johnson, a CB from Montana.

The Rams addressed almost every area of need. They will have the remainder of the draft to grab the OLB they need, but so far, the draft has been a success.

Baltimore Ravens: Grade: A

I love what the Ravens did. Courtney Upshaw could potentially have the same type of impact as a pass-rusher as Terrell Suggs.

He has Baltimore Ravens written all over him, as a tough and potentially nasty force on the defensive side of the ball. It's a pick that ensures the team's identity will remain the same for the next generation.

It was a little of a deviation from addressing their most pressing needs. But, it was a smart move to grab a potential impact player.

The Ravens needed to address the O-line, and they did. Kelechi Osemele from Iowa State could start at guard. They selected him with the 60th overall pick.

Then the Ravens protected themselves by taking RB Bernard Pierce from Temple.

Ray Rice was franchise tagged this offseason, and he doesn't have a solid backup option. Pierce is similar in stature and versatility.

He can spell Rice and ultimately prevent the Ravens from falling flat on their face, if their franchise RB departs after this season.

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