The Sports Xchange

Grading an NFL Draft immediately after it occurs is akin to giving your compliments to the chef based on the menu. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the three-day event. But waiting is no fun, so let’s take a take at which teams appear to have done the best job of filling needs and building for the future.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals: After surrendering the division only after Carson Palmer tore his ACL, the Cardinals attempted to protect the heavy investment in the 35 year-old quarterback with the addition of D.J. Humphries, who some scouts feel will eventually prove the best tackle from this class. The Cardinals reinforced coach Bruce Arians’ aggressive offense with a powerfully and surprisingly athletic back in David Johnson, who offers excellent hands out of the backfield, as well as speedster J.J. Nelson, who was clocked at a combine-best 4.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Tough guy Markus Golden boosts Arizona’s edge rushing, though long-armed Shaq Riddick could ultimately prove the better player with further development.

Grade: B+

San Francisco 49ers: It is clear that the 49ers are now general manager Trent Baalke’s team, and give him credit for trading down and still landing a prototypical five-technique defensive end in Arik Armstead. The operative word with the former Duck is upside as he’s just starting to realize his own potential. I’m not convinced that he’s hungry enough to ever be great, but the energetic Jim Tomsula could be exactly what Armstead needs. I like the physicality of small school safety Jaquiski Tartt and the burst upfield of edge rusher Eli Harold. Unless quarterback Colin Kaepernick makes significant strides in 2015, however, the 49ers may again struggle to move the football as tight end Blake Bell – while talented – is only one year removed from playing quarterback, himself, and doesn’t possess breakaway ability. Similarly, wideout DeAndre Smelter offers upside at receiver but is coming off a torn ACL and needs a lot of polish. Running back Mike Davis is a quality back with grit, but isn’t as gifted as projected starter Carlos Hyde.

Grade: C+

St. Louis Rams: While the Rams already had a solid stable of backs, the addition of Todd Gurley turns an average unit into a potentially extraordinary one. A bulldozer with speed like Gurley complements the trade for quarterback Nick Foles and fits in with the run-heavy approach Jeff Fisher has always preached. While Gurley is an undeniable talent with Pro Bowl potential, the Rams needed to improve along the offensive line to take full advantage and St. Louis certainly tried, dedicating four picks to blockers. Of the group, former Wisconsin right tackle Rob Havenstein and Lousiville’s Jamon Brown are the ones to watch, as each possesses the power and nastiness to help the Rams overwhelm opponents at the line of scrimmage. Quarterback Sean Mannion offers some of the same traits (and limitations) as Foles. Of St. Louis’ Day Three picks, former Missouri wideout Bud Sasser could be the one to watch as he offers an intriguing blend of size and speed and emerged in 2014.

Grade: B

Seattle Seahawks: With Pro Bowl center Max Unger traded away and starting left guard James Carpenter signing with the New York Jets, the Seahawks were widely expected to focus on the offensive line. Instead, they reinforced the defensive line with top selection, Frank Clark and “tool-sy” sixth round pick Obum Gwachum, a bulked up former wide receiver. Clark comes with significant character red flags, but his talent is clear and coach Pete Carroll has a soft spot (and proven track record) with troubled focusing their aggression onto the field. Contrasting Clark’s off-field questions was Seattle’s next pick, NFL legacy and Kansas State team captain Tyler Lockett, who lacks size but not toughness or playmaking ability, offering immediate help at both receiver and returner. Former West Virginia right guard Mark Glowinski could compete for early playing time with fellow fourth rounder Terry Poole and defensive line convert Kristjan Sokoli (he’ll be asked to switch to the offensive line for the Seahawks) offering offensive line coach Tom Cable toys to develop.

Grade: B-

–Rob Rang is a Senior Analyst for www.NFLDraftScout.com, a property of The Sports Xchange distributed in partnership with CBSSports.com.