2013 NFL Draft Results: Team-by-Team Selections and Grades
The 2013 NFL draft has come to a close, and the action at Radio City Music Hall has shaken up a lot of pro football franchises.
Some fared better than others, though. The defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens were consistently at the bottom of every round, yet GM Ozzie Newsome and Co. addressed nearly every need from what looked like a depleted roster. There were some struggling teams that did improve themselves.
Here is a breakdown of every team's selections, including overall letter grades and reactions from B/R experts throughout.
Draft Selections
1 of 33Full Draft Results
Round 1
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
1. | Chiefs | Eric Fisher | OT | Cent. Michigan |
2. | Jaguars | Luke Joeckel | OT | Texas A&M |
3. | Dolphins* | Dion Jordan | DE | Oregon |
4. | Eagles | Lane Johnson | OT | Oklahoma |
5. | Lions | Ezekiel Ansah | DE | BYU |
6. | Browns | Barkevious Mingo | DE | LSU |
7. | Cardinals | Jonathan Cooper | OG | UNC |
8. | Rams* | Tavon Austin | WR | West Virginia |
9. | Jets | Dee Milliner | CB | Alabama |
10. | Titans | Chance Warmack | OG | Alabama |
11. | Chargers | D.J. Fluker | OT | Alabama |
12. | Raiders* | D.J. Hayden | CB | Houston |
13. | Jets* | Sheldon Richardson | DT | Missouri |
14. | Panthers | Star Lotulelei | DT | Utah |
15. | Saints | Kenny Vaccaro | S | Texas |
16. | Bills* | E.J. Manuel | QB | Florida State |
17. | Steelers | Jarvis Jones | OLB | Georgia |
18. | 49ers* | Eric Reid | S | LSU |
19. | Giants | Justin Pugh | OG | Syracuse |
20. | Bears | Kyle Long | OG | Oregon |
21. | Bengals | Tyler Eifert | TE | Notre Dame |
22. | Falcons* | Desmond Trufant | CB | Washington |
23. | Vikings | Sharrif Floyd | DT | Florida |
24. | Colts | Bjoern Werner | DE | Florida State |
25. | Vikings* | Xavier Rhodes | CB | Florida State |
26. | Packers | Datone Jones | DE | UCLA |
27. | Texans | DeAndre Hopkins | WR | Clemson |
28. | Broncos | Sylvester Williams | DT | UNC |
29. | Vikings* | Cordarrelle Patterson | WR | Tennessee |
30. | Rams* | Alec Ogletree | OLB | Georgia |
31. | Cowboys* | Travis Frederick | C | Wisconsin |
32. | Ravens | Matt Elam | S | Florida |
Round 2
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
33. | Jaguars | Johnathan Cyprien | S | FIU |
34. | Titans* | Justin Hunter | WR | Tennessee |
35. | Eagles | Zach Ertz | TE | Stanford |
36. | Lions | Darius Slay | CB | Mississippi St. |
37. | Bengals* | Giovani Bernard | RB | North Carolina |
38. | Chargers* | ILB | Notre Dame | |
39. | Jets | Geno Smith | QB | West Virginia |
40. | 49ers* | Cornellius Carradine | DE | Florida State |
41. | Bills | Robert Woods | WR | USC |
42. | Raiders* | Menelik Watson | OT | Florida State |
43. | Buccaneers | Johnthan Banks | CB | Mississippi St. |
44. | Panthers | Kawann Short | DT | Purdue |
45. | Cardinals* | Kevin Minter | ILB | LSU |
46. | Bills* | Kiko Alonso | ILB | Oregon |
47. | Cowboys | Gavin Escobar | TE | San Diego St. |
48. | Steelers | Le'Veon Bell | RB | Michigan St. |
49. | Giants | Johnathan Hankins | DT | Ohio State |
50. | Bears | Jon Bostic | ILB | Florida |
51. | Redskins | David Amerson | CB | NC State |
52. | Patriots* | Jamie Collins | OLB | Southern Miss |
53. | Bengals | Margus Hunt | DE | SMU |
54. | Dolphins* | Jamar Taylor | CB | Boise State |
55. | 49ers* | Vance McDonald | TE | Rice |
56. | Ravens* | Arthur Brown | OLB | Kansas State |
57. | Texans | D.J. Swearinger | S | South Carolina |
58. | Broncos | Montee Ball | RB | Wisconsin |
59. | Patriots | Aaron Dobson | WR | Marshall |
60. | Falcons | Robert Alford | CB | SE Louisiana |
61. | Packers* | Eddie Lacy | RB | Alabama |
62. | Seahawks* | Christine Michael | RB | Texas A&M |
Round 3
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
63. | Chiefs | Travis Kelce | TE | Cincinnati |
64. | Jaguars | Dwayne Gratz | CB | Connecticut |
65. | Lions | Larry Worford | OG | Kentucky |
66. | Raiders | Sio Moore | OLB | Connecticut |
67. | Eagles | Bennie Logan | DT | LSU |
68. | Browns | Leon McFadden | CB | San Diego St. |
69. | Cardinals | Tyrann Mathieu | CB | LSU |
70. | Titans | Blidi Wreh-Wilson | CB | Connecticut |
71. | Rams* | T.J. McDonald | S | USC |
72. | Jets | Brian Winters | OG | Kent State |
73. | Buccaneers | Mike Glennon | QB | NC State |
74. | Cowboys* | Terrance Williams | WR | Baylor |
75. | Saints | Terron Armstead | OT | Arkansas-Pine Bluff |
76. | Chargers | Keenan Allen | WR | California |
77. | Dolphins | Dallas Thomas | OG | Tennessee |
78. | Bills* | Marquise Goodwin | WR | Texas |
79. | Steelers | Markus Wheaton | WR | Oregon State |
80. | Cowboys | J.J. Wilcox | S | Georgia Southern |
81. | Giants | Damontre Moore | DE | Texas A&M |
82. | Saints* | John Jenkins | DT | Georiga |
83. | Patriots* | Logan Ryan | CB | Rutgers |
84. | Bengals | Shawn Williams | S | Georgia |
85. | Redskins | Jordan Reed | TE | Florida |
86. | Colts | Hugh Thornton | OG | Illinois |
87. | Seahawks | Jordan Hill | DT | Penn State |
88. | 49ers* | Corey Lemonier | DE | Auburn |
89. | Texans | Brennan Williams | OT | North Carolina |
90. | Broncos | Kayvon Webster | CB | South Florida |
91. | Patriots | Duron Harmon | S | Rutgers |
92. | Rams* | Stedman Bailey | WR | West Virginia |
93. | Dolphins* | Will Davis | CB | Utah State |
94. | Ravens | Brandon Williams | DT | Missouri Southern St. |
95. | Texans | Sam Montgomery | DE | LSU |
96. | Chiefs | Knile Davis | RB | Arkansas |
97. | Titans | Zaviar Gooden | OLB | Missouri |
Round 4
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
98. | Eagles* | Matt Barkley | QB | USC |
99. | Chiefs | Nico Johnson | ILB | Alabama |
100. | Buccaneers* | Akeem Spence | DT | Illinois |
101. | Jaguars* | Ace Sanders | WR | South Carolina |
102. | Patriots* | Josh Boyce | WR | TCU |
103. | Cardinals | Alex Okafor | DE | Texas |
104. | Dolphins* | Jelani Jenkins | OLB | Florida |
105. | Bills | Duke Williams | S | Nevada |
106. | Dolphins* | Dion Sims | TE | Michigan State |
107. | Titans | Brian Schwenke | C | California |
108. | Panthers | Edmund Kugbila | OG | Valdosta State |
109. | Packers* | David Bakhtiari | OT | Colorado |
110. | Giants* | Ryan Nassib | QB | Syracuse |
111. | Steelers* | Shamarko Thomas | S | Syracuse |
112. | Raiders* | Tyler Wilson | QB | Arkansas |
113. | Rams | Barrett Jones | C | Alabama |
114. | Cowboys | B.W. Webb | CB | William & Mary |
115. | Steelers | Landry Jones | QB | Oklahoma |
116. | Cardinals* | Earl Watford | OG | James Madison |
117. | Bears | Khaseem Greene | OLB | Rutgers |
118. | Bengals | Sean Porter | OLB | Texas A&M |
119. | Redskins | Phillip Thomas | S | Fresno State |
120. | Vikings | Gerald Hodges | OLB | Penn State |
121. | Colts | Khaled Holmes | C | USC |
122. | Packers | J.C. Tretter | OG | Cornell |
123. | Seahawks | Chris Harper | WR | Kansas State |
124. | Texans | Trevardo Williams | DE | Connecticut |
125. | Packers* | Johnathan Franklin | RB | UCLA |
126. | Buccaneers* | William Gholston | DE | Michigan State |
127. | Falcons | Malliciah Goodman | DE | Clemson |
128. | 49ers | Quinton Patton | WR | Louisiana Tech |
129. | Ravens | John Simon | DE | Ohio State |
130. | Ravens | Kyle Juszczyk | FB | Harvard |
131. | 49ers | Marcus Lattimore | RB | South Carolina |
132. | Lions | Devin Taylor | DE | South Carolina |
133. | Falcons | Levine Toilolo | TE | Stanford |
Round 5
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
134. | Chiefs | Sanders Commings | CB | Georgia |
135. | Jaguars | Denard Robinson | WR | Michigan |
136, | Eagles | Earl Wolff | S | NC State |
137. | Seahawks* | Jesse Williams | DT | Alabama |
138. | Seahawks* | Tharold Simon | CB | LSU |
139. | Colts* | Montori Hughes | DT | Tenn-Martin |
140. | Cardinals | Stepfan Taylor | RB | Stanford |
141. | Jets | Oday Aboushi | OG | Virginia |
142. | Titans | Lavar Edwards | DE | LSU |
143. | Bills | Jonathan Meeks | S | Clemson |
144. | Saints | Kenny Stills | WR | Oklahoma |
145. | Chargers | Steve Williams | CB | California |
146. | Broncos* | Quanterus Smith | DE | Western Kentucky |
147. | Buccaneers | Steven Means | OLB | Buffalo |
148. | Panthers | A.J. Klein | ILB | Iowa State |
149. | Rams | Brandon McGee | CB | Miami (FL) |
150. | Steelers | Terry Hawthorne | CB | Illinois |
151. | Cowboys | Joseph Randle | RB | Oklahoma State |
152. | Giants | Cooper Taylor | S | Richmond |
153. | Falcons* | Stansly Maponga | DE | TCU |
154. | Redskins | Chris Thompson | RB | Florida State |
155. | Vikings | Jeff Locke | P | UCLA |
156. | Bengals | Tanner Hawkinson | OT | Kansas |
157. | 49ers* | Quinton Dial | DE | Alabama |
158. | Seahawks | Luke Wilson | TE | Rice |
159. | Packers | Micah Hyde | CB | Iowa |
160. | Rams* | Zac Stacy | RB | Vanderbilt |
161. | Broncos | Tavarres King | WR | Georgia |
162. | Redskins* | Brandon Jenkins | OLB | Florida State |
163. | Bears* | Jordan Mills | OT | Louisiana Tech |
164. | Dolphins* | Mike Gillislee | RB | Florida |
165. | Lions* | Sam Martin | P | Appalachian St. |
166. | Dolphins | Caleb Sturgis | K | Florida |
167. | Packers | Josh Boyd | DT | Mississippi St. |
168. | Ravens | Ricky Wagner | OT | Wisconsin |
Round 6
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
169, | Jaguars | Josh Evans | S | Florida |
170. | Chiefs | Eric Kush | C | California (PA) |
171. | Lions | Corey Fuller | WR | Virginia Tech |
172. | Raiders | Nick Kasa | TE | Colorado |
173. | Broncos* | Vinston Painter | OT | Virginia Tech |
174. | Cardinals | Ryan Swope | WR | Texas A&M |
175. | Browns | Jamoris Slaughter | S | Notre Dame |
176. | Texans* | David Quessenberry | OT | San Jose State |
177. | Bills | Dustin Hopkins | K | Florida State |
178. | Jets | William Campbell | DT | Michigan |
179. | Chargers | Tourek Williams | DE | FIU |
180. | 49ers* | Nick Moody | OLB | Florida State |
181. | Raiders* | Latavius Murray | RB | Central Florida |
182. | Panthers | Kenjon Barner | RB | Oregon |
183. | Saints | Rufus Johnson | DE | Tarleton State |
184. | Raiders* | Mychal Rivera | TE | Tennessee |
185. | Cowboys | DeVonte Holloman | OLB | South Carolina |
186. | Steelers | Justin Brown | WR | Oklahoma |
187. | Cardinals* | Andre Ellington | RB | Clemson |
188. | Bears | Cornelius Washington | DE | Georgia |
189. | Buccaneers* | Mike James | RB | Miami (FL) |
190. | Bengals | Rex Burkhead | RB | Nebraska |
191. | Redskins | Bacarri Rambo | S | Georgia |
192. | Colts | John Boyett | S | Oregon |
193. | Packers | Nate Palmer | OLB | Illinois State |
194. | Seahawks | Spencer Ware | RB | LSU |
195. | Texans | Alan Bonner | WR | Jacksonville St. |
196. | Vikings* | Jeff Baca | OG | UCLA |
197. | Bengals* | Cobi Hamilton | WR | Arkansas |
198. | Texans* | Chris Jones | DT | Bowling Green |
199. | Lions* | Theo Riddick | RB | Notre Dame |
200. | Ravens | Kapron Lewis-Moore | DE | Notre Dame |
201. | Texans | Ryan Griffin | TE | Connecticut |
202. | Titans | Khalid Wooten | CB | Nevada |
203. | Ravens | Ryan Jensen | OG | Colorado St.-Pueblo |
204. | Chiefs | Braden Wilson | FB | Kansas State |
205. | Raiders | Stacy McGee | DT | Oklahoma |
206. | Steelers | Vince Williams | ILB | Florida State |
Round 7
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
207. | Chiefs | Mike Catapano | DE | Princeton |
208. | Jaguars | Jeremy Harris | CB | New Mexico St. |
209. | Raiders | Brice Butler | WR | San Diego State |
210. | Jaguars* | Demetrius McCray | CB | Appalachian St. |
211. | Lions | Michael Williams | TE | Alabama |
212. | Eagles* | Joe Kruger | DE | Utah |
213. | Vikings* | Michael Mauti | ILB | Penn State |
214. | Vikings* | Travis Bond | OG | North Carolina |
215. | Jets | Tommy Bohanon | FB | Wake Forest |
216. | Packers* | Charles Johnson | WR | Grand Valley St. |
217. | Browns* | Armonty Bryant | DE | E. Central Oklahoma |
218. | Eagles* | Jodran Poyer | CB | Oregon State |
219. | Cardinals* | D.C. Jefferson | TE | Rutgers |
220. | Seahawks* | Ryan Seymour | OG | Vanderbilt |
221. | Chargers | Brad Sorensen | QB | Southern Utah |
222. | Bills* | Chris Gragg | TE | Arkansas |
223. | Steelers | Nick Williams | DT | Samford |
224. | Packers* | Kevin Dorsey | WR | Maryland |
225. | Giants | Eric Herman | OG | Ohio |
226. | Patriots* | Michael Buchanan | DE | Illinois |
227. | Browns* | Garrett Gilkey | OG | Chadron State |
228. | Redskins | Jawan Jamison | RB | Rutgers |
229. | Vikings* | Everett Dawkins | DT | Florida State |
230. | Colts | Kerwynn Williams | RB | Utah State |
231. | Seahawks | Ty Powell | OLB | Harding |
232. | Packers | Sam Barrington | OLB | South Florida |
233. | Raiders* | David Bass | DE | Missouri Western |
234. | Broncos | Zac Dysert | QB | Miami (Ohio) |
235. | Patriots | Steve Beauharnais | ILB | Rutgers |
236. | Bears* | Marquess Wilson | WR | Washington State |
237. | 49ers | B.J. Daniels | QB | South Florida |
238. | Ravens | Aaron Mellette | WR | Elon |
239. | Eagles | David King | DE | Oklahoma |
240. | Bengals | Reid Fragel | OT | Ohio State |
241. | Seahawks | Jared Smith | DT | New Hampshire |
242. | Seahawks | Michael Bowie | OT | NE Oklahoma State |
243. | Falcons | Kemal Ishmael | CB | Central Florida |
244. | Falcons | Zeke Motta | S | Notre Dame |
245. | Lions | Brandon Hepburn | ILB | Florida A&M |
246. | 49ers | Carter Bykowski | OT | Iowa State |
247. | Ravens | Marc Anthony | CB | California |
248. | Titans | Daimion Stafford | S | Nebraska |
249. | Falcons | Sean Renfree | QB | Duke |
250. | Dolphins | Don Jones | S | Arkansas State |
251. | Bengals | T.J. Johnson | C | South Carolina |
252. | 49ers | Marcus Cooper | CB | Rutgers |
253. | Giants | Michael Cox | RB | Massachusetts |
254. | Colts | Justice Cunningham | TE | South Carolina |
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that a trade was made for the pick
Buffalo Bills
2 of 33Overall Grade: C+
The selection of Florida State QB EJ Manuel in the first round was the big shocker. After trading back from the No. 8 pick, there were plenty of other needs GM Buddy Nix could have addressed.
However, Buffalo felt like it got its man for the future, and Manuel figures to push Kevin Kolb significantly for the starting job. There are aspects to like about Manuel, given his size, arm strength and athleticism.
Manuel is the centerpiece of a revamped Bills' offense, as the team used a second-rounder on polished USC WR Robert Woods and took a flier on speedy Texas product Marquise Goodwin.
The St. Louis Rams used the No. 8 pick acquired from Buffalo to take Tavon Austin, but the Bills got better value on a similarly explosive—albeit far rawer—slot prospect.
Former Oregon LB Kiko Alonso should push for playing time on the inside, and Duke Williams and Jonathan Meeks provide safety depth.
Dustin Hopkins is a great, strong-legged kicker and athletic ex-Arkansas TE Chris Gragg rounds out the Bills' 2013 draft. Not bad overall, but the success of this class hinges on Manuel's development and Woods being extremely productive as a No. 2 option.
Miami Dolphins
3 of 33Grade: B+
It's difficult to criticize any of the moves the Dolphins made with respect to their needs. GM Jeff Ireland made the first big splash by trading up from No. 12 to the third overall slot to select Dion Jordan—who was destined to go in the top five of many mocks as it was.
The Dolphins had that flexibility thanks to an additional second-round pick, which they used on CB Jamar Taylor to add valuable depth to the secondary. Will Davis was another corner added in Round 3, and physically gifted S Don Jones was a solid seventh-round choice.
Miami's first pick of the third round was Tennessee Volunteers OL Dallas Thomas, who can play guard or tackle and could fill in as the starter to protect QB Ryan Tannehill's blindside right away.
Michigan State's Dion Sims is a nice complement at tight end to Dustin Keller and Charles Clay, and Florida Gators RB Mike Gillislee should contribute, too. Caleb Sturgis solves the team's kicking situation after Dan Carpenter's struggles.
Not to be forgotten is another ex-Gator, LB Jelani Jenkins, who is exceptional in coverage and is prepared to face NFL competition having played in the SEC.
New England Patriots
4 of 33Grade: C+
Bill Belichick and his committee of decision-makers love to maximize value, and they did just that once again by trading out of the first round.
Jamie Collins was a bit of a perplexing choice at No. 52 overall, but he could plug in as a situational pass-rusher or, more likely, an outside linebacker in the Pats' hybrid front 4-3 defensive scheme.
More receiving weapons were a need for Tom Brady, and the Pats got him two new wideouts in second-rounder Aaron Dobson out of Marshall and Josh Boyce in Round 4 out of TCU. Dobson is underrated and could start immediately, but New England could have gotten Brady some more athletically dynamic players.
There simply weren't many impact players added, and the Patriots should have taken more of a top-flight receiver rather than two riskier mid-round picks from smaller schools. The defense could still use some improvement, and New England added no immediate starters.
New York Jets
5 of 33Grade: B
The Jets look to be on the uptick after a solid draft. The choice of Sheldon Richardson at No. 13 overall was booed by fans in Radio City Music Hall, and it remains to be seen how precisely he fits into Rex Ryan's defense.
Top choice Dee Milliner has some big shoes to fill as the team's No. 1 corner as he prepares to succeed superstar Darrelle Revis.
But the best move the Jets may have made was acquiring QB Geno Smith in the second round. He might have been the best quarterback in a thin class, but he fell into New York's lap. Smith can't be much worse than Mark Sanchez and should push him significantly for the starting job in 2013.
Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi give depth at guard. Seventh-round FB Tommy Bohanon should be an underrated contributor in Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast offense by catching the ball, too.
Baltimore Ravens
6 of 33Grade: A+
Here is another masterful job by the Ravens, who reloaded with some intriguing talent. Florida safety Matt Elam was the final pick of Round 1, and he has the range in coverage and hard-hitting ability that will make him a force at strong safety.
Arthur Brown is another instant starter at inside linebacker and is one of the surest tacklers in this rookie class. Small school nose tackle Brandon Williams was another brilliant choice, as he won't have pressure to succeed right away and can develop organically into a force in the trenches.
The rest of the draft focused on depth, primarily on the less glamorous positions on offense. But Harvard FB Kyle Juszczyk provides a nice change of pace and can be utilized in place of Vontae Leach as a reliable pass-catcher.
Even WR Aaron Mellette was a fantastic Round 7 pick, and B/R's AFC North lead writer Andrea Hangst believes he could even start right away opposite Torrey Smith.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 33Grade: A
This young, promising team only got better throughout the previous three days. The top two picks of Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert and explosive UNC RB Giovani Bernard alleviates pressure off of QB Andy Dalton and superstar receiver A.J. Green.
Second-rounder Margus Hunt has the most upside of anyone in this class and should be an effective bull-rusher as a rookie thanks to his immense strength.
Those three picks alone were phenomenal, and even fourth-rounder Sean Porter could fill in as a starter if James Harrison doesn't work out well in Cincinnati.
All four of those players figure to vie for significant playing time in 2013, and the Bengals have strengthened their efforts to take the next step with their current nucleus.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 33Grade: B-
CEO Joe Banner has said the Browns aren't in a rush to fill every need this year. Tell that to Baltimore, who lost a ton of players but seemed to plug every hole.
In any event, it wasn't a bad first draft for the new regime. Barkevious Mingo is definitely a boom-or-bust proposition, yet in Ray Horton's 3-4 outfit, his bend off the edge, length and explosiveness should allow him to thrive.
However, was it worth a No. 6 overall pick on Mingo, especially since he may not even start right away? Time will tell on the LSU product.
San Diego State CB Leon McFadden was a valuable commodity in Round 3. He figures to start opposite of Joe Haden in Week 1, with the speedy Buster Skrine moving to the inside.
DE/OLB Armonty Bryant is an intriguing prospect from a Division II school from Round 6, yet it's difficult to figure out where he will fit with all the new pass-rushers the Browns have added. Safety Jamoris Slaughter is coming off of an Achilles injury, but he will hopefully start at free safety over the struggling Eric Hagg and 2012 undrafted free agent Tashaun Gipson.
Picks were acquired for next year's draft, and it's not as if the Browns are mailing in the impending season. Also included was the trade for WR Davone Bess and last year's supplemental selection of No. 1 wideout Josh Gordon, which was a 2013 second-round choice.
There isn't much reason to think that Cleveland is all that much closer to contending, though.
Pittsburgh Steelers
9 of 33Grade: A-
Taking Jarvis Jones at No. 17 was a no-brainer. The former Georgia Bulldog led the NCAA in tackles for loss and sacks, and Pittsburgh was clearly not bothered by lackluster test results at his pro day.
Le'Veon Bell is a workhorse back the Steelers need, and the Michigan State product has the ability to leap over defenders in addition to running them over. Oregon State WR Marcus Wheaton is a viable deep threat with sure hands as well.
Pittsburgh traded up with the Browns to take safety Shamarko Thomas, who has the upside to eventually replace either Ryan Clark or Troy Polamalu as a starter in the future.
Given how much punishment Ben Roethlisberger takes, the move to choose QB Landry Jones in the fourth round was particularly wise. Jones put up big numbers in college, setting all major passing records at Oklahoma. He's a solid developmental prospect.
Houston Texans
10 of 33Grade: C-
This was a mostly uninspiring draft for a Texans team that needed to add some pieces to put themselves more squarely in the Super Bowl conversation.
First-round pick DeAndre Hopkins filled Houston's biggest need, but he wasn't necessarily the best receiver to choose at that point. Hopkins may evolve into a solid No. 2 opposite WR Andre Johnson, but it's far from a sure thing.
D.J. Swearinger was the next choice, and while he won't start right away, he will have the opportunity to learn the free safety position from Ed Reed.
That should make Swearinger a solid starter in the future, but this team is built to contend right now. It remains to be seen how long that window stays open, and the Texans need to draft a little better than this moving forward.
Indianapolis Colts
11 of 33Grade: C+
GM Ryan Grigson made a ton of moves in free agency and thus didn't have that many pressing holes to fill. However, selecting a raw defensive end in Bjoern Werner in the first round to convert to a 3-4 outside linebacker didn't seem like the best choice.
There were other players available that were better schematic fits, but apparently the Colts are high on the ex-Seminole, who did have 13 sacks as a senior and batted down eight passes.
The rest of Grigson's picks were depth-based, but none represented fantastic value.
Jacksonville Jaguars
12 of 33Grade: A
Luke Joeckel was extremely safe at No. 2 overall—even if he wasn't the top need for Jacksonville. To kick off the second round, the Jags made a bigger splash by taking Florida International strong safety Jonathan Cyprien.
Remaining in the Sunshine State will result in Cyprien landing an instant starting job in the NFL despite his lackluster collegiate competition.
GM Dave Caldwell also added two electric players on Day 3—WR Ace Sanders and RB Denard Robinson, and Sanders figures to be a dangerous return man.
NFL Network's Mike Mayock tabs third-round CB Dwayne Gratz as an immediate starter as well, and he is a physical 201-pound corner that will effectively lock up receivers at the line of scrimmage. This gives the Jags' secondary a necessary improvement.
Tennessee Titans
13 of 33Grade: B
The top three picks were fantastic. Chance Warmack will team with Andy Levitre to be one of the best guard tandems in the league. The Titans then traded up to the No. 34 pick to select intriguing WR Justin Hunter.
The former Volunteer will stay in Tennessee for the start of his pro career at least and is 6'4", 200 pounds with an outstanding vertical leap and the speed to threaten defenses deep. Hunter also provides insurance for talented but troubled and oft-injured Kenny Britt.
Blidi Wreh-Wilson is a solid third-round choice and has the upside and size to eventually start. Safety was a bigger need, though, and Tennessee should have addressed that ahead of adding another CB.
Denver Broncos
14 of 33Grade: B
John Elway has done a sensational job since joining the Broncos' front office, and he had a mostly solid draft. DT Sylvester Williams will fill in as a starter on the inside, and he gets off the ball extremely fast. That will even further strengthen Denver's run defense.
Prolific college RB Montee Ball may be asked to contribute immediately. Willis McGahee is aging, plus Knowshon Moreno is teetering on first-round bust territory. That should provide Ball with ample opportunities to prove himself.
South Florida CB Kayvon Webster is extremely fast and has quick hips, and he has a chance to play early in nickel and dime packages.
Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 33Grade: A
It's hard to pick any bones with any of the Chiefs' first five picks, particularly with No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher, who can play either tackle position amidst the complicated Branden Albert situation. The only exception of the first five picks being brilliant was injury-plagued RB Knile Davis.
Having said that, Davis was a solid third-round option with outstanding speed and size at 227 pounds. He will be a nice complement to Jamaal Charles.
Travis Kelce is a dynamic tight end with the upside to be a Pro Bowl pass-catcher, and ex-Alabama ILB Nico Johnson was a nice choice in the fourth round.
Oakland Raiders
16 of 33Grade: B
There aren't many more inspiring stories in recent memory than that of No. 12 overall pick D.J. Hayden, who nearly died on a routine practice hit.
He had a 95-percent chance of dying after severing a vein near his heart. GM Reggie McKenzie got his guy and also gained a second-round pick by trading the third overall pick.
That was used on Florida State OT Menelik Watson, who should start in Oakland for years to come when he's ready to enter the NFL fire.
Sio Moore gives depth to the linebacker corps, which is filled with new free-agent acquisitions that will all start in 2013. Moore isn't the most visually impressive player, but he's a savvy linebacker and solid tackler and is rarely out of position.
Also noteworthy was fourth-round QB Tyler Wilson, who is extremely tough and will have the luxury of developing for a season or two before competing for the starting job if Matt Flynn struggles.
It wasn't a spectacular draft, but it was a solid one for the Raiders.
San Diego Chargers
17 of 33Grade: A-
This is a strong start for the Chargers' new regime. D.J. Fluker fills in at right tackle as an immediate starter, although Philip Rivers' blind side is still a bit of a concern. Keenan Allen was a great value bet at receiver in the third round as well.
The highest profile move, though, was trading up in the second round to acquire former Notre Dame All-American LB Manti Te'o.
There is little doubt that Te'o will be an immediate impact player in the heart of San Diego's defense, and his presence in the middle should keep everyone on assignments and make him a Charger fan favorite.
Dallas Cowboys
18 of 33Grade: D+
Travis Frederick was one of the most surprising picks in Round 1—and not in a good way. The ex-Wisconsin Badger has talent and the makings of a solid pro, but he was a massive reach at No. 31.
After that, though, the Cowboys redeemed themselves with several stellar picks. TE Gavin Escobar and WR Terrance Williams provide more playmakers for recently extended quarterback Tony Romo.
Safety was a big need, and Dallas addressed that in the third round with Georgia Southern safety J.J. Wilcox. Despite his small school status and making the jump to America's Team, his versatility should put him in competition for the starting strong safety spot alongside FS Will Allen.
New York Giants
19 of 33Grade: B
Defensive line was a necessary focus after a lackluster pass rush in 2012. Damontre Moore should help in that regard as a situational defensive end, and Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins is a massive presence that can plug the middle against the run and push the pocket from the inside.
Ryan Nassib was brought in as a developmental quarterback prospect, and he'll learn from one of the best in the game at keeping calm in two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning.
The first-round selection of OT Justin Pugh wasn't the most attractive choice GM Jerry Reese could have made. However, it gives an instant upgrade at right tackle to help spring RB David Wilson on the edge, and Pugh's collegiate experience at left tackle makes him effective in pass protection.
Philadelphia Eagles
20 of 33Grade: B+
If LT Jason Peters returns to his All-Pro form coming off of injury in 2013, the Eagles' offensive line will have one of the best tackle tandems in the league along with No. 4 overall pick Lane Johnson.
Other than the early second-round addition of ex-Stanford TE Zach Ertz, though, not much was done that will have immediate ramifications. However, Philadelphia may have grabbed its QB of the future in Matt Barkley to kick off the draft's third day.
Questions linger about Barkley's ability to adjust to the pro game, but Chip Kelly's offense is a great fit because Barkley has a high football IQ and can operate an up-tempo, pro-style attack.
Washington Redskins
21 of 33Grade: A
Even without a first-round selection, the Redskins managed to crush the 2013 draft.
David Amerson of NC State was the first player off the board, and he's a physical cornerback who would instantly start if not for Josh Wilson. Although he had a down junior year, he registered 13 interceptions in 2011 and can't be discounted at the next level.
Fourth-round pick Phillip Thomas led the nation in interceptions at Fresno State in 2012, and he could easily start this season amidst shaky safety play in Washington.
Georgia's Bacarri Rambo may be another rookie that starts in the Redskins' defensive backfield despite his status as a sixth-round choice.
Florida TE Jordan Reed was also an underrated weapon the Redskins added in Round 3, which makes Washington's offense even more dangerous. Not many are talking about the Redskins, but this was a fine job across the board.
Chicago Bears
22 of 33Grade: C
Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene won't start at linebacker but are decent building blocks for the future. The selection of Kyle Long in the first round was odd, especially given the playmakers available.
Protecting QB Jay Cutler is of optimum importance, though, and Long will likely make an impact as a starting guard in his maiden NFL campaign. Still, this wasn't exactly the most exciting draft for Bears fans.
The rest of the NFC North division figured to be extremely competitive once again, and Chicago didn't do as much as it could have to help itself.
Detroit Lions
23 of 33Grade: B+
Ziggy Ansah is a unique athlete at the defensive end position, but taking him at No. 5 overall is a massive risk. Although his accelerated development in college was encouraging, it remains to be seen how effective he will be in the pros.
Second-round CB Darius Slay is very fast and agile, with exceptional length and strength to jam receivers in press coverage. That is something the Lions will need against the high-octane passing offenses of Chicago and Green Bay in the division.
Slay is also a willing tackler, which will also improve Detroit's run defense. Larry Warford presents great value in the third round and should start at right guard in 2013.
The only hesitation in giving the Lions a better grade is how Ansah ultimately pans out. Detroit got three new starters, though, and that's pretty darn good.
Green Bay Packers
24 of 33Grade: A
Datone Jones has a relentless motor and the size and quickness to be an immediately effective 3-4 defensive end. Having him and Clay Matthews lined up on the same side will give opposing offenses nightmares.
The Packers needed to improve their running game desperately to complement Aaron Rogers' outstanding quarterback play. GM Ted Thompson swooped up Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin—arguably the two best running back prospects in this draft.
Problem solved. Those three picks alone have the Pack passing the draft with flying colors and immediate prominent contributors.
Minnesota Vikings
25 of 33Grade: A+
The first round alone should give the Vikings the highest grade possible: three picks, three massive hits. Sharrif Floyd was the steal of the draft at No. 23 overall, and physical CB Xavier Rhodes was another fortunate pickup to replace veteran Antoine Winfield.
But Cordarrelle Patterson is perhaps the most exciting. He's essentially a bigger, stronger version of ex-Vikings star Percy Harvin.
Concerns linger about Patterson's ability to adjust to a new NFL playbook. Keep in mind, though, that Harvin came from a completely spread-based scheme at Florida and wasn't even a pure receiver in college. Look how he turned out.
Patterson has that same type of game-changing ability and could be the premier weapon that brings balance to the Vikings' offense.
Atlanta Falcons
26 of 33Grade: A-
GM Thomas Dimitroff boldly traded up in Round 1 for CB Desmond Trufant and then took Robert Alford with the next pick as a future starter in place of veteran Asante Samuel.
At 6'4" and 276 pounds, Malliciah Goodman is an intriguing defensive end prospect and should see time on third downs in 2013. This roster is stacked, and Dimitroff took the opportunity to add depth on defense.
Atlanta is built to win now but nevertheless had a successful showing and plugged the holes it needed to contend for a Super Bowl once again.
Carolina Panthers
27 of 33Grade: A
Star Lotulelei may be the best defensive lineman in this deep class, and he was snatched up at No. 14 overall. The Panthers then got Kawann Short in the second round, and those two should start on the inside for years to come.
Expect the Panthers' run defense to be bolstered immediately by the presence of their top two picks. The only slight gripe: no new receiving targets for QB Cam Newton.
The 2011 No. 1 overall pick will be counted on to carry Carolina to the postseason, and it was surprising that the team didn't give him one more explosive asset to have at his disposal.
While Newton may not have been helped out in the passing game, it will be exciting to see what electric ex-Oregon RB Kenjon Barner brings to the table in situational zone-read option plays. He and Newton could be a lethal combination.
New Orleans Saints
28 of 33Grade: A-
Bountygate caused the Saints to forfeit a second-round pick, which was unfortunate. Despite that fact, they snagged the best safety in the class in Kenny Vaccaro, who will fill in at the strong side and likely sub in as an extra cornerback occasionally.
New Orleans made the most of its limited remaining selections, too. John Jenkins hovers around 350 pounds but is agile enough to play the 5-technique at defensive end in addition to serving as a nose tackle. That should have him hitting the field in no time.
Terron Armstead ran a 4.71 at the combine and has as much potential as any left tackle prospect. Oklahoma WR Kenny Stills was also a nice choice in Round 5 and could make a move up the depth chart in training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29 of 33Grade: B
This may seem like a harsh grade, but the Bucs didn't have a great draft compared to the rest of the division. Yes, GM Mark Dominik did trade for superstar CB Darrelle Revis, but he's far from a sure commodity coming off of a serious knee injury.
Mike Glennon has a huge arm and tall stature, but backup quarterback shouldn't have been the team's second priority with Josh Freeman firmly entrenched as the starter.
Johnthan Banks, though, is a great press corner that is also solid in zone coverage, and he should start opposite Revis, supplanting perpetually bad CB Eric Wright.
Arizona Cardinals
30 of 33Grade: A-
The only reservation is oft-troubled defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. Maybe he'll pan out just fine, but he may be a total bust given his absence from football for an entire year after being dismissed from LSU.
There are plenty of positives for the Cardinals, though. Jonathan Cooper is a franchise cornerstone at offensive guard, and LSU ILB Kevin Minter is a flat-out playmaker that will see the field sooner rather than later.
Alex Okafor provides a strong pass-rusher and great value in Round 4, and fifth-rounder Stepfan Taylor from Stanford actually has a shot to be the team's starting running back in Week 1. It sounds bold, but he could be the spark the Cardinals need as the league's worst reigning rushing attack.
San Francisco 49ers
31 of 33Grade: A+
GM Trent Baalke absolutely nailed this draft. The trade up to No. 18 for LSU FS Eric Reid was questionable, but the Niners wouldn't have done it if they didn't think they had an instant star.
Florida State DE Cornellius Carradine is coming off an ACL injury but would have been in the first round if not for that. Another outstanding pass-rusher in Corey Lemonier fell to San Francisco in the third round.
Then there was the inspiring pick of South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore in the fourth round, who has an ideal mentor in Frank Gore and plenty of time to recuperate coming off a second major knee injury—although he says he'll be ready for Week 1.
Depth at wide receiver was also added with productive Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton. All signs point to an even better San Francisco defense and another year legitimately vying for that Lombardi Trophy.
Seattle Seahawks
32 of 33Grade: A-
ESPN's Todd McShay argued during ESPN's draft coverage telecast on Sunday that Christine Michael could be the most talented running back in the 2013 class. That's high praise, and the Seahawks now have three legitimate runners in Michael, stud Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin.
Oh, and that's not even accounting for the rushing ability of dynamic playmaker Percy Harvin, who was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for the No. 25 overall pick.
Harvin is linked in part to this draft, because he is a player that makes Seattle's offense borderline unstoppable. He can get yards after the catch with the best of them—something QB Russell Wilson desperately needs.
St. Louis Rams
33 of 33Grade: A+
Another wonderful display from GM Les Snead, who grabbed the most dynamic offensive player in the draft in WR Tavon Austin and also snagged playmaking linebacker Alec Ogletree at the end of Round 1.
USC's T.J. McDonald provides necessary safety help, Austin's college teammate Stedman Bailey gives QB Sam Bradford another weapon, and Alabama versatile OL Barrett Jones can plug in anytime, anywhere.
From top to bottom in terms of needs, this was arguably the best draft of any team. It should help St. Louis continue to contend in the NFC West after a 4-1-1 divisional record from a season ago.
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