Grading SECs 2014 First-Round NFL Draft Pick After the Preseason

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Houston Texans (USCe)
Grade: A
While he played limited snaps (29) and only saw action in two games, Clowney was as advertised. Not only did he make a couple of explosive tackles in the backfield, but he also notched a sack after overpowering an offensive lineman. The 2014 top pick is off to a good start.

2. Greg Robinson, OT, St. Louis Rams (AU)
Grade: D
Not a lot to be impressed by with Robinson so far. Despite a huge chunk of playing time, the second overall pick failed to live up to the hype during the preseason. While he wasn’t terrible as a pass protector, he got dominated as a run blocker and also committed a few costly penalties.

6. Jake Matthews, OT, Atlanta Falcons (aTm)
Grade: C-
These offensive linemen seem to be having a tough time adjusting to the NFL. Matthews wasn’t as bad as Robinson during the preseason, but it still wasn’t pretty. He also performed decently as a pass protector, but got mauled in the running game. There’s plenty of work left to be done with Matthews.

7. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (aTm)
Grade: B
We didn’t see as many fireworks as we would have liked from Evans early on, but there were glimpses of greatness. He hauled in five passes for 96 yards and one touchdown during the preseason, and should continue to increase his production as he gets more comfortable within the Buccaneers’ offense.

12. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants (LSU)
Grade: F
Beckham did not see a single snap during the preseason as he continues to work his way back from a lingering hamstring injury. It’s believed he’ll still be out of the lineup in Week 1.

17. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Baltimore Ravens (Bama)
Grade: B-
Mosley’s preseason was marred by inconsistency. From game to game, his abilities as a cover man were up and down while his run defense wasn’t much more stable. The few good looks we got of Mosley seem to suggest that he’ll be a star, but he obviously needs to develop some reliability.

19. Ja’Wuan James, OT, Miami Dolphins(UTn)
Grade: C-
It wasn’t all bad for James this preseason, but it certainly brings back the question of what exactly the Dolphins were thinking when they reached for him at No. 19 overall. He failed to consistently keep his man at bay as a pass protector, and was routinely dominated in the run game.

21. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Green Bay Packers (Bama)
Grade: C+
While Clinton-Dix’ play certainly wasn’t bad, he failed to run away with the starting free safety job as he was expected to do. His preseason performance was solid, as he showed good ability to step up against the run and only allowed one catch for five yards. The fact that he didn’t shine, though, is disappointing.

22. Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns (aTm)
Grade: D
Call me a Johnny Football hater if you’d like, but this preseason was a major disappointment for Manziel. Instead of coming out and wowing his way into a starting job, he struggled to make plays as a passer. Until he focuses on football instead of making commercials and going to Vegas, he’ll be Johnny Clipboard.

23. Dee Ford, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs (AU)
Grade: C
Ford’s preseason started off strong, but got ugly in a big hurry. After a debut that saw him harassing the opposing quarterback, he failed to consistently put on pressure in the next three outings. To make matters worse, he struggled as a run defender and made too many costly errors.

29. Dominique Easley, DT, New England Patriots (UF)
Grade: F
Still working his way back from a torn ACL, Easley (far left) didn’t see the field at all during the Patriots’ preseason action. The team is hoping he’ll be available for the regular season opener, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.