Post-draft grade: B
Summary: If you say the Vikings got a lot of reps from their rookie class in this draft, let's just keep one thing in mind: They drafted
three times in Round 1. Considering they had some holes and depth questions at several spots, it's a given they were going to get some guys who should be playing early. But they also needed decent impact, and so far I think it's fair to say we don't yet know what they have. I loved the Floyd pick, but he's just been solid depth behind
Kevin Williams. I think Rhodes will be a pretty good NFL corner, but he had his share of hiccups and was a liability early in the season. Patterson was dynamic in the return game, but he was more of a tertiary threat in the passing game. I think he'll grow there, however, as we knew he needed some refinement as a route runner, and QB play in Minny was a mess. The Vikes also got a good punter, but that's it. They did get players, but the return is marginal so far given the pick placement they had, so I think they drop a little.
New grade: C+
Bears
Post-draft grade: C+
Summary: The Bears got a lot of snaps from their rookie class in 2013. The problem is it might have been too many. They did a good job of finding starting-capable players along the offensive line in guard Long and right tackle Mills, but, although Long got better over the course of the season, Mills had his share of struggles and will need to improve to maintain a starting role long term. He started in Chicago but probably wouldn't for most teams. The Bears also had to call on both rookie draft picks at linebacker, Bostic and Greene, and, although Bostic in particular showed the potential of a future starter, neither made anyone forget Brian Urlacher, and both still have some developmental work to do. That said, I thought the Greene pick was a great get and said so at the time, and I hope he continues to improve. It's hard to knock this draft class because the Bears really did hit needs and got a lot of playing time. Development will mean those needs become long-term solutions.
New grade: B-
Lions
Post-draft grade: C+
Summary: The Bears got a lot of snaps from their rookie class in 2013. The problem is it might have been too many. They did a good job of finding starting-capable players along the offensive line in guard Long and right tackle Mills, but, although Long got better over the course of the season, Mills had his share of struggles and will need to improve to maintain a starting role long term. He started in Chicago but probably wouldn't for most teams. The Bears also had to call on both rookie draft picks at linebacker, Bostic and Greene, and, although Bostic in particular showed the potential of a future starter, neither made anyone forget Brian Urlacher, and both still have some developmental work to do. That said, I thought the Greene pick was a great get and said so at the time, and I hope he continues to improve. It's hard to knock this draft class because the Bears really did hit needs and got a lot of playing time. Development will mean those needs become long-term solutions.
New grade: B-
