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| Manziel went from a top five 'risk' to flat out steal at 22 |
Biggest winner: Cleveland Browns
Cleveland entered the draft with two 1st round picks (thanks to Colts owner Jim Irsay trading for running back Trent Richardson). The Browns began the night with the 4th and 26th overall picks. However, Cleveland decided to trade away the 4th overall selection, swapping picks with the Bills as well as adding the Bills' 1st round choice to Cleveland's 2015 arsenal, giving the Browns the ninth overall selection. Cleveland traded up one spot (using a fifth round choice to do so) with Minnesota to take Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert. He will be paired with pro bowl cornerback Joe Haden, so Gilbert will be tested early and often in his rookie season. Just how much he struggles remains to be seen but the Browns could use a talented cornerback to keep opposing teams from totally ignoring Haden. Gilbert also provides another return option for the Browns.
Cleveland made arguably the biggest splash of the night when it traded up four spots to make the dazzling Johnny Manziel with the 22nd pick. It did cost Cleveland a third rounder but, if Manziel is the franchise quarterback, it's an absolute steal. Johnny Football is an exciting and talented player that will definitely need to become more comfortable in the pocket to excel in the NFL but he already has a glowing endorsement from his number one receiver, Josh Gordon.
The Browns might not be playoff contenders in 2014 but an infusion of youth with two 1st round picks in 2014 and two more to come in 2015 has this organization primed for a playoff run in the near future.
Other winners
St. Louis Rams
The Rams, like Cleveland, entered the night with two 1st rounders. Unlike Cleveland, the Rams stayed right were they were slotted. With the second overall pick, Sam Bradford was afforded a little more offensive line help by the way of Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson. Robinson will likely be playing on the right side, while Jake Long mans the left and Rodger Saffold moves inside to guard on a permanent basis. This almost makes for a punishing run blocking offensive line that was surely Jeff Fisher's aim. With the 13th pick in the draft that was acquired as part of the blockbuster RG3 trade St. Louis added to the already impressive defensive line by taking Aaron Donald from Pitt. A line of Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, Chris Long and now Donald gives the team four recent 1st round draft picks along the front. Of course you know, NFC West, this means war. But, seriously, how physical is that division now?
St. Louis, while landing both the best offensive and defensive tackle, didn't make the splash or fill the same size holes as Cleveland. Also, the Browns maintained both picks while adding a huge one in 2015. It has still been a great start to the draft for both teams.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay had to be hoping Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix would fall, but couldn't have believed it. 'Ha-Ha' isn't the all-around safety that we have seen in previous drafts but he's solid in all aspects and his ability to play center field in Dom Capers' Cover 7 defense is a perfect fit. Also, the stigma that Bama players don't translate to the NFL won't worry Ted Thompson and the Packers because last year's second round draft pick, fellow Crimson Tider running back Eddie Lacy, made the All-Pro team. Clinton-Dix was a top ten player in this draft on my draft board. So not only is it a great system fit, it's excellent value as well.
Minnesota Vikings
The choice to place the Vikings on this list was a difficult one. A team should not be glorified just for acquiring an additional 1st round pick. However, Minnesota did not give up much for it and landed the highest rated quarterback in this draft. Teddy Bridgewater is NFL-ready, but his frame leaves question marks. Minnesota will need to keep him upright and can do so via its stellar ground game and a west coast offense that utilizes a quick passing game. Bridgewater is surrounded by talented players so the moves makes so much sense. Waiting on him would have led to Bridgewater donning another jersey, so the move is aggressive but necessary.
Also, there was this pick at ninth overall. Minnesota chose pass rusher Anthony Barr. I'm not sure where Barr plays in a 4-3 defense but Mike Zimmer will be able to figure out how to best use Barr. He could be used like Von Miller in Denver or possibly play more defensive end like Zimmer used Michael Johnson during his stint as defensive coordinator for the Bengals. Barr was a solid pick at nine overall. Plus Minnesota grabbed late round pick by moving back one slot.
Oakland Raiders
The Silver n' Black selected Khalil Mack with fifth overall pick. It seems evident that general manager Reggie McKenzie was set on three player; Jadeveon Clowney (wasn't happening), Sammy Watkins and Khalil Mack. The Raiders landed Mack who a few believe could be the best player in this year's draft. Mack will be deployed all over the Raiders' multiple scheme. Both McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen mentioned Mack being used often as a pass rusher which was probably the Raiders biggest offseason need.
Boom or Bust pick that I love: New England Patriots
With the 29th overall pick, the Patriots landed a player that I had in my top ten. New England chose Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley. Easley has been injury prone having torn his ACL twice during his time as a Gator but rehab has gone well since his latest surgery. Easley, when healthy, can be a force in the run game, both inside and out. He can also provide an interior pass rush. His acceleration when combined with his raw power may be his single biggest selling point. If Easley stays healthy, we will be talking about another Bill Belichick draft day steal by season's end.
