2013 NFL Draft Grades: Scoring Every GM in the First Round

The first round of the 2013 NFL draft was a zinger.

As was expected, Day 1 of this year's draft ended up being quite unpredictable. It wasn't just the trades, either; some teams made moves nobody saw coming.

It started out at No. 1 overall, starting an avalanche that left a lot of draft experts and fans stunned.

That's not to say there weren't some very smart picks, though. Some teams were rather logical when it came time for them to make their selections.

Here's a look at the first round of the 2013 NFL draft, complete with grades for each pick.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Grade: B+

I'm sorry, but I don't see how you can justify picking Eric Fisher over Luke Joeckel. Yes, Fisher is more athletic, but Joeckel has the complete package. Against Alex Okafor and Datone Jones during Senior Bowl week, Fisher didn't fare particularly well. 

Don't get me wrong, Fisher should still be a solid starter for years in the NFL, but I don't think he will be a better player than Joeckel. Joeckel is a future Pro Bowler in my mind.

I can't give the Chiefs a bad grade, but I can't give them an outstanding one, either.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Grade: A

The Jaguars drafted who the Chiefs should have. The Jaguars had a number of needs coming into the draft, so it was just a matter of finding the best player on the board and the right fit.

Luke Joeckel would fit just about anywhere. He possesses the athleticism, technique and lateral agility to be a Pro Bowler in the NFL and he will considerably help young quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

3. Miami Dolphins (via Raiders): Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

Grade: A-

This was a surprise. Not the trade, but the pick. It's very possible at this point that the Dolphins trade for Chiefs tackle Branden Albert now, given they still have a big need at the position.

I personally love the selection. Pairing Dion Jordan up with Cameron Wake will form a dynamic pass rush for the Dolphins. Miami posted 42 sacks last season, but 15 of them came from Wake. Jordan will give them another dynamic pass-rusher, as well as someone to develop until Wake starts to slow down.

The Dolphins did give up a bit to land Jordan, though, losing No. 12 overall and No. 42 overall in this year's draft (via ESPN.com).

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

Grade: A

Wow. Three of the top four picks end up being offensive linemen. The last time that happened was in 1968.

It makes sense for the Eagles, too. Everyone knows they've had protection problems throughout the years. Philadelphia can start Lane Johnson at left tackle until Jason Peters returns from injury, then flip the youngster to right tackle.

Whoever is under center for the Eagles, this pick makes a lot of sense. And don't forget about Johnson's lateral agility. That is perfect in a Chip Kelly scheme that asks its tackles to swing out on screen passes.

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

Grade: A

This was a logical selection for the Lions. After the top three offensive tackles came off the board, it was only natural that Detroit would address its pass rush.

Ezekiel Ansah may be raw in terms of technique and pass-rushing moves, but his combination of explosiveness and athleticism has many comparing him to Jason Pierre-Paul.

Great pick for Detroit. With some seasoning, Ansah could be a star.

6. Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

Grade: B

The Browns did need some help with the pass rush, but it wasn't a primary need.

I'm guessing that the red flags surrounding Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner scared the Browns off. That being said, I thought it was a poor decision to pass on Milliner, who many consider to be the best all-around corner in the class. He would have looked great opposite Joe Haden in Cleveland.

Mingo will certainly help with the pass rush, but I doubt he'll ever be a complete player, even if he adds size. He hasn't shown the ability to be a legitimate run-stopper in the pros.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina

Grade: A-

With the top three offensive tackles selected, it would make sense that the Cardinals would go after another position on the offensive line to protect new quarterback Carson Palmer.

Fortunately for the Cardinals, Jonathan Cooper can play two positions—guard and center—which gives them the option to mix and match and find the best combination.

The only reason I wouldn't give Arizona a straight "A" here is because picking a guard this early is a bit of a reach. It's possible the Cardinals could have found a better overall prospect on defense at No. 7 overall and grabbed an offensive lineman in the second round.

8. St. Louis Rams (via Bills): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Grade: A

The Rams gave up pick Nos. 16, 46, 78 and 222 (per Albert Breer of NFL Network) to grab Tavon Austin, but it was still worth it.

Sam Bradford desperately needed a dynamic playmaker in the receiving corps after losing Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. Austin is an electric receiver with the speed to blow past the defense. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds at the combine.

9. New York Jets: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Grade: A

The big concern with Dee Milliner is that he has already undergone five surgeries at a young age, but I'm guessing the Jets had to feel comfortable with his status if they decided to take him in the top 10. 

I love the selection if Milliner stays healthy. I'm going to assume he will stay on the field after coming off the PUP list, thus giving the Jets an "A" here. He's the one corner who could potentially make Darrelle Revis' departure a little easier for the Jets to bear in 2013, with the coverage skills and tackling ability to potentially be a star in the pros.

10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

Grade: A

There weren't a lot of options here for the Titans after the first nine picks, but Chance Warmack was one that made sense.

Yes, the Titans signed former Buffalo Bills guard Andy Levitre, but doubling up with Warmack potentially gives Tennessee a dynamic offensive line for running back Chris Johnson and young quarterback Jake Locker.

No excuses now, CJ2K.

11. San Diego Chargers: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Grade: B-

While the Chargers did need an offensive tackle, I think D.J. Fluker was a bit of reach here. I could have seen someone like Lane Johnson if he landed here, but more often than not reaching for a need ends up badly.

Considering the Chargers could have grabbed a defensive player with much more upside, I think they missed out on an opportunity to add some significant talent here.

12. Oakland Raiders (via Dolphins): D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

Grade: C

I know—in terms of game tape—a few draft experts had D.J. Hayden as their No. 1 cornerback (including Mike Mayock of NFL Network), but this is a huge gamble in my mind.

It has less to do with Hayden's talent level and more to do with the fact that he almost died on the practice field last season at Houston. Some—including myself—question whether Hayden will be the same player he was after such a catastrophic injury. I love his story, though, and I'm pulling for the kid.

I would have instead taken Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant—who comes with no red flags—Sharrif Floyd, or Star Lotulelei.

13. New York Jets: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

Grade: B

I was thinking the Jets would draft someone like Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, but this pick actually makes sense if you move Quinton Coples to outside linebacker.

Coples blossomed in December last season, but he possesses the versatility to move to linebacker and switch back to defensive end on nickel situations.

In that regard, Sheldon Richardson gives Rex Ryan a lot of options on defense, interchanging parts to fit the package. 

14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Grade: A

You have to believe health concerns dropped Star Lotulelei's stock because he was an absolute beast at Utah. I think this will end up being a steal for the Panthers, who badly needed a disruptive presence in the middle.

The Panthers allowed 4.2 yards per carry last season, 18th in the NFL. Lotulelei can plug up the middle as well as pressure the quarterback.

15. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas

Grade: A

How can you argue with this pick? Kenny Vaccaro was the best safety in the class, and the Saints need help on the back end after struggling against the pass last season.

Vaccaro is an all-around safety, with the run-stuffing ability and range to be an asset all over the field.

16. Buffalo Bills (via Rams): E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State

Grade: D+

E.J. Manuel is not only raw, but he's also a worse prospect than Geno Smith and Matt Barkley and he's a worse fit for the Bills than Ryan Nassib. Mobility is great, but you need more than that to excel in the pros.

This was the biggest surprise up until this point, in my mind. You figured the Bills trading down would mean they would get someone like Barkley or Nassib, not Manuel—especially this early. 

I will say that Manuel has potential, but it's a reach when the Bills frankly didn't need to reach. It's a very puzzling pick to me.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Grade: B+

I like this pick for the Steelers. Jarvis Jones is a polarizing prospect, given his lack of elite athleticism, but his use of leverage and football IQ was on full display in the SEC at Georgia. He gives the Steelers a pass-rusher they sorely needed on the outside.

18. San Francisco 49ers (via Cowboys): Eric Reid, S, LSU

Grade: C-

On the surface, the 49ers landing Eric Reid may seem like a decent pick. But I don't like it, and it has nothing to do with Eric Reid the prospect.

First of all, San Francisco didn't have to trade up to land a safety of Reid's caliber. They could have stayed back and selected someone like Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International or Matt Elam of Florida. 

Second of all, you have to draft Sharrif Floyd at this spot if you're the Niners. He's an outstanding prospect and the fact that he slid this far was stunning. The 49ers obviously went with their guy in Reid, but I question taking him over Floyd, and trading up to do so.

19. New York Giants: Justin Pugh, OT/G, Syracuse

Grade: B-

As an offensive tackle, Justin Pugh doesn't have the arm length to excel in the pros. As a guard, he fits a need for the Giants.

I do believe Pugh can be a decent guard in the NFL, given his footwork, range and mobility. He also fits well in New York's blocking scheme. It's not as bad a pick as some may think, but it's not an electric pick, either.

20. Chicago Bears: Kyle Long, OT, Oregon

Grade: C-

Kyle Long has the pedigree, but that doesn't mean he will excel in the pros. I feel like the Bears just reached to fill a position of need here, and that's generally a recipe for disaster.

Yes, Jay Cutler needed help on the line, but will Long really be an instant upgrade? I'm not so sure.

To give you a frame of reference, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report ranked Kyle Long as the No. 45 overall prospect. Most draft experts had Long as a second-round pick. 

I would have gone with an inside linebacker or a cornerback here. There were still some very talented options available at those positions.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Grade: A

This was a surprising move to some (given the Bengals had needs at safety and linebacker), but those who watched Jermaine Gresham play last season know why Cincinnati made this move.

In short, Gresham was terrible in 2012. Tyler Eifert is the best tight end in the 2013 class and he's an instant upgrade at the position to help out young quarterback Andy Dalton.

22. Atlanta Falcons (via Rams): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Grade: A

After losing cornerback Brent Grimes to free agency, the Falcons struck gold by drafting Washington's Desmond Trufant, who was the No. 2 cornerback on my draft board.

Trufant has the speed, agility, coverage ability, toughness and pedigree to be an instant starter in the NFL. This is what the Falcons dearly needed. The fact that they spent some extra draft picks on Trufant is irrelevant. 

23. Minnesota Vikings: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Grade: A

I didn't see the Vikings' war room after this pick, but I imagine them dancing on tables and swinging on chandeliers.

The Vikings had a clear need at defensive tackle and they just drafted a guy who should have gone in the top 10. Unbelievable. 

Floyd possesses the combination of quickness and power to be a disruptive force in the NFL, against the run and the pass.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Grade: C

I actually like the polarizing Bjoern Werner as a prospect. I just don't understand him in the Colts' new defensive scheme.

Werner displayed excellent technique, leverage and drive at Florida State, but does he have the athleticism to stand up in the Colts' versatile scheme? I'm not so sure.

I would have gone with Datone Jones here, who makes more sense in a 3-4 defense than Werner.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

Grade: A-

I'm not a huge fan of Rhodes, but landing him at No. 25 overall is a job well done. 

After Antoine Winfield departed in free agency, the Vikings needed a corner capable of starting soon. Rhodes has the size and height to stack up against the bigger receivers in the pros.

26. Green Bay Packers: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

Grade: A

With a lot of prospects in the secondary off the board at this point, the Packers did what the Colts should have: drafted Datone Jones.

Jones, alongside Clay Matthews, could form a dynamic tandem in Green Bay. Jones has the versatility, pass-rushing skills and ability against the run to strengthen Green Bay's defense considerably in the front seven.

27. Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

Grade: A

The Texans made this one easy for me. 

Fills a need? Yes.

Lands a considerable talent? Yes.

Case closed.

DeAndre Hopkins may not have electric speed, but that doesn't mean he's not a deep threat. In fact, with his route-running and hands, he could be an all-around receiver opposite Andre Johnson.

This is a fantastic pick by Houston that only makes an offense that averaged 26.0 points per game last season even more dangerous. 

28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

Grade: A

Can't argue with this pick, either. Some believed Sylvester Williams would go to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 18 overall. He ends up plopping in Denver's lap at No. 28 overall.

Williams is a a great fit at defensive tackle for Denver. His combination of size, power and quickness could see him become a solid starter in the NFL.

29. Minnesota Vikings (via Patriots): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

Grade: A

If you would have told me that Cordarrelle Patterson would fall all the way to No. 29 overall before the draft, I would have wondered if you were having a very confusing day.

But that's exactly what happened, and the Vikings (via a trade with the Patriots) swooped in to grab the deep threat they coveted. 

Patterson needs some work on his route-running, but learning beside veteran Greg Jennings is a good place to start. His explosiveness and athleticism is off the charts.

30. St. Louis Rams (via Falcons): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Grade: B

The Rams fell in love with Alec Ogletree's explosiveness and athleticism, and it's hard to blame them. Plug him in at outside linebacker and hope he stays out of trouble.

31. Dallas Cowboys (via 49ers): Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin

Grade: D-

Not only did the Cowboys reach at an astronomical level for Travis Frederick, but I actually like Alabama center Barrett Jones better. So does Matt Miller, who ranked Frederick No. 100 overall in the class.

I know a team has to get its guy, but this is a little too much for me.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Elam, S, Florida

Grade: B+

This was a good spot to grab Matt Elam, who displayed the leadership, range, ball-hawking ability and tackling at Florida to transition nicely to the pros.

The Ravens needed a heady player to succeed Ed Reed in Baltimore, and Elam is a very smart, instinctual player.