Looking back at the 2014 NFL Draft

The next NFL Draft is just a few weeks away as experts and fans get set to grade how each team around the league has performed. Those grades come despite any of the newly acquired NFL stars suiting up to play one play in an NFL game. While many experts look to grade the current class, we will take a look back at the 2014 NFL Draft. A draft class that has now has had a chance to suit up for five full seasons in the NFL.

As you start to look at this 2014 NFL Draft Class, the list of talented stars are heavy on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, this class included one of the best wide receiver classes we have seen in a very long time. A class that included Odell Beckham Jr (who recently signed for the Cleveland Browns), Mike Evans, Jarvis Landry, Allen Robinson and Davante Adams. Along with wide receivers this class also featured a load of talent on the defensive side of the ball including Khalil Mack, Jadeveon Clowney, C.J. Mosley and Anthony Barr.

That said, here are the best draft grades from the 2019 NFL Draft:

Dallas Cowboys – Grade B

The 2014 NFL draft was all about the first two picks for the Cowboys as they used the 16th pick in the first round to draft Pro Bowl offensive lineman Zack Martin to sure up one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. The team would use the 34th pick in the second round on DeMarcus Lawrence to solidify their defensive line. If the Cowboys could have hit on a few of the other picks this would have been the best draft of this class.

Green Bay Packers – Grade B

Like the Cowboys, the Packers landed on their first two picks of the 2014 NFL Draft but failed to hit on their remaining seven picks including with both of their third round selections. That said, the Packers were able to select Pro Bowl safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams. Dix, in five years with the Packers, recorded 14 interceptions, forced three fumbles and recorded 307 solo tackles.

Meanwhile Adams has continued to post solid numbers including double digit touchdown receptions in three straight seasons while topping the 1,000 yard mark for the first time during the 2018 NFL season. Adams would finish 2018 with 1,386 yards and 13 touchdowns.

St. Louis Rams – Grade A

The Rams were able to land a ton of talent in the 2014 NFL draft including All-Pro Defensive lineman Aaron Donald with the 13th overall pick after drafting a solid left tackle in Greg Robinson with the 2nd overall pick. Donald led the NFL in sacks during the 2018 NFL season while posting his second consecutive defensive player of the year award. Along with Donald, the Rams were able to select safety Lamarcus Joyner and E.J. Gaines in the secondary.

Other notable drafts include the Atlanta Falcons (B-), Pittsburgh Steelers (B-), Baltimore Ravens (C+) and the Minnesota Vikings (C-).