NBA Trades that Need to Happen

The Rumor Mill is starting to heat up headed into summer in the NBA. Kevin Love has been the talk of the league, but we've yet to see any good indication of what move might happen. Today, I'll give you 3 blockbuster trades that would help the teams involved. I'll start with the Kevin Love trade, but the others may shock you:

Kevin Love to the Cavs

Of all the suitors for Kevin Love, Cleveland may be the most intriguing if I'm the Wolves GM. They can give me three things I covet: great 2014 draft pick, young assets, and cap relief. Here's the deal:

Cavs Get: Kevin Love, Kevin Martin (and potentially Chase Budinger)

Wolves Get: #1 Pick, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett (and potentially Sergey Karasev)

Looking at Minnesota's return, you get great young talent here, specifically in Waiters and Thompson. The obvious prize is the #1 pick, that could turn into a superstar like Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins. But this also provides cap relief, especially if Budinger is dealt along with the other two, and that could turn into a piece like Greg Monroe. Then we're talking about a starting lineup of Rubio, Waiters, Jabari Parker, Monroe, and Pekovic. That's pretty good considering the bench would be deep as well (Barea, Thompson, Bennett/Karasev, #13 pick in draft, etc.)

The Cavs not only pick up a superstar in Kevin Love, but they get other players that would help them win right now. And since they will shed the salary of Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes, this would leave them room to lure in Lebron James. Imagine a lineup of Irving, Martin, James, Love, and Varejoa. If the Heat don't win a championship this year, Lebron opting out becomes much more likely. A situation like this in his hometown would be ideal.

Westbrook to the Magic

Bet you didn't see this one coming! Let me explain... I don't believe the Thunder will win a championship with Westbrook at point guard. They were playing their best basketball this season when he was injured. Durant should be the focus and everyone else should compliment his game, not detract from it. That's what Westbrook does. Trading him would bring back massive help, especially in the areas of shooting guard and center, current weak spots for the Thunder.

Orlando Gets: Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Gets: #4 Pick, Jameer Nelson, Aaron Afflalo

Acquiring Westbrook to pair with Oladipo in the backcourt is intriguing. I feel like Westbrook could accelerate their rebuild. Nelson and Afflalo aren't apart of their long-term plan anyways, and the #4 pick would be used on Exum, a player that at best would be like Westbrook in the future. I'd rather take the sure thing now. The beauty of this deal is that it keeps the young assets on Orlando on the roster (Oladipo, Vucevic, etc). They could even use some of those other assets (Harris, Harkless, O'Quinn) to bring in another contributor, maybe at small forward, or use cap space to sign a quality free agent.

As for the Thunder, they would rid themselves of the ball hog that is Westbrook and free up more time for Reggie Jackson. Afflalo would give them another scorer/shooter that would fill the void at shooting guard. Nelson would be a solid bench player that can get other players involved. And that #4 pick would give them the ability to bring in a great big man (Embiid if he falls, Vonleh, Randle, or Gordon). They could even use the pick on another great perimeter player (Parker, Wiggins, or Exum). The last option would be flipping the pick to acquire a player they covet from another team. They also own picks 21 and 29, so they have draft picks to give away.

Lowry to the Pacers

This would have to be a sign-and-trade deal, but it could work for both sides. The Pacers need offense, and Lowry would give them that. The Raptors haven't been committed to Lowry, so this allows them to move on without the financial commitment.

Pacers Get: Kyle Lowry, Steve Novak

Raptors Get: George Hill, Solomon Hill, and Future First Round Pick

As the Heat series is showing everyone, the Pacers still haven't done enough to overcome the Heat, particularly because they can't keep up with them offensively. Lowry is a nice offensive upgrade over George Hill. Novak would be a nice shooter for them off the bench, especially since Copeland never sees the floor. And I doubt this compromises their plan to re-sign Stephenson this offseason.

In this scenario the Raptors shed their responsibility to pay Lowry, and do so by acquiring a starting point guard that can make 3's and play great defense, something they need to do better. Solomon Hill is an intriguing young talent that shows flashes of being a good player in the years to come. And of course acquiring a first round pick is great incentive. The Raptors are multiple moves away from becoming a more realistic contender, but this could be one step.

By: The Sports Guys

The Sports Guys 2014 NBA Mock Draft 3

Nearly one month ago we released our second 2014 NBA Mock Draft. It’s now time for our third mock. Not only has our outlook changed due to the NBA Combine, but the draft lottery took place and we finally have a set draft order. The Cavs got the top pick yet again! Charlotte was another big winner as Detroit moved down a spot and gave Charlotte that pick because of it. Anyways, this mock also will look deeper at the second round, as we’ll do picks 31-40 at the end. And as always, this projection can include trades.

In our second mock, Andrew took the odd numbered picks, and Greg took the evens. This time, Greg will have the first pick, then we’ll alternate two picks at a time (Andrew 2 and 3, Greg 4 and 5, etc.). This mock may also reflect trades, although they are tough to predict. Let us know your thoughts… Enjoy!

2014 NBA Mock Draft 3

1. Cleveland Cavaliers select: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)

2nd Mock: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)

1st Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)

A lot about what Cleveland does centers around whether or not they will sign Luol Deng or if they want to pursue Lebron James next summer. Neither are slam dunks and are only possibilities at this point. Jabari Parker is the most NBA ready player in this draft and has the most complete game. He needs to improve his conditioning and his defense a little bit, but his combination of ball handling, scoring, rebounding, and overall game at the 3 position will enable Cleveland to have the most flexibility no matter what they decide to do regarding James or Deng.

2. Milwaukee Bucks select: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)

2nd Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)

1st Mock: Jabari Parker (SF, Duke)

I’m not in love with the fit here, but Milwaukee seems to be very high on Embiid. It makes sense, seeing as you don’t find many dominant centers these days, but it is a risk with his injury history. Ultimately it comes down to what their doctor sees when he checks the big man out.

3. Philadelphia 76ers select: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)

2nd Mock: Dante Exum (G, Australia)

1st Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)

The 76ers want Wiggins, so this is a dream scenario for them. He gives them a wing presence they haven’t had in some time. He also fits in perfectly with the young pieces they currently have on the roster (MCW and Noel). If Wiggins goes earlier, Parker would be their next choice. Embiid would be their third option, so they are guaranteed a top selection no matter what, and really can’t go wrong.

4. Orlando Magic select: Dante Exum (PG, Australia)

2nd Mock: Joel Embiid (C, Kansas)

1st Mock: Andrew Wiggins (G/F, Kansas)

The thought of pairing Exum with Victor Oladipo in the backcourt for the Magic is too good to pass up. They can both handle the ball, and though Exum is more of a natural PG, both can play the PG and SG positions interchangeably. It will be a cornerstone backcourt for the next 10-12 seasons.

5. Utah Jazz select: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)

2nd Mock: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Dante Exum (G, Australia)

Chad Ford has Noah Vonleh going here, but I don’t think that makes a lot of sense with the presence of Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter already in the starting lineup. They need more of a 2-guard, and though this might be a little high for him, I think Marcus Smart is the pick here to pair with Trey Burke in the backcourt. Burke is small for a PG, but Smart has pretty good size. He can also score without the ball and has the ability to play very good defense. This helps the Jazz get younger, and it puts high ceiling ball players on the court at the same time.

6. Boston Celtics select: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)

2nd Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)

1st Mock: Marcus Smart (PG, Oklahoma State)

The Celtics desperately wanted to move into the top 3 because those players all made sense for them. Now at six, I doubt they pick somebody to fill a need, but instead take a best available approach. Vonleh is that player in my opinion, as he measured much better at the combine than his competition (Randle and Gordon), plus he possesses a much better outside game. He’s also just 18 years old, which helps his stock.

7. Los Angeles Lakers select: Julius Randle (PF, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Noah Vonleh (PF, Indiana)

1st Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)

With the Lakers roster in shambles, they will clearly select the best player available here, regardless of position. Randle was special as a freshman at Kentucky, and is a player that can contribute right away. Remember he was once considered as a top pick candidate.

8. Sacramento Kings select: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)

2nd Mock: Marcus Smart (G, Oklahoma State)

1st Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)

Sacramento may go a different direction here (such as a trade), but Gordon can come in and at minimum help the bench tremendously. He’s a high character guy and his athleticism translates to the NBA very well.  Ben McLemore needs to step up as well, but having someone like Gordon around will help the locker room start to have a little bit better of a reputation. Gordon is also an elite defender, which they need.

9. Charlotte Hornets (from Detroit) select: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)

2nd Mock: Aaron Gordon (F, Arizona)

1st Mock: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)

Stauskas is more athletic than he is given credit for and his shooting is well documented. On a team with a legitimate low post threat in Al Jefferson, Stauskas should be able to shine with his shooting and allow him to develop his slashing game as well.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans) select: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)

2nd Mock: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)

1st Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)

Harris got the nod here over Young and McDermott because he’s a more well-rounded player. Harris is “NBA athletic”, is a solid defender, and is a scorer with range. The only knock against him is his size, but his arms and athleticism help him play bigger, and playing on a team with MCW and Wiggins (#3 pick) would make up for it.

11. Denver Nuggets (from New York) select: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)

2nd Mock: Gary Harris (SG, Michigan State)

1st Mock: Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky)

Upside, upside, upside. Denver could use a dynamic guard, and LaVine has the potential to give that to them. Nobody helped themselves more at the combine than LaVine, and I think he could play Denver’s style at a high level. They would have to figure out which guard position to play him at, but they’ve been successful with those types of players before.

12. Orlando Magic (from Denver) select: Doug McDermott (F, Creighton)

2nd Mock: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)

1st Mock: Jordan Clarkson (PG, Missouri)

I think if you told the Orlando Magic that they would come away with Dante Exum and Doug McDermott they would be ecstatic. McDermott can stretch the floor, rebound, and generally add another dangerous offensive weapon. Athletically, McDermott measured better at the combine than expected and helped himself there. He would be a great addition to this team in my opinion.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves select: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)

2nd Mock: Nik Stauskas (SG, Michigan)

1st Mock: Nick Johnson (SG, Arizona)

This all depends on whether Minnesota trades Kevin Love or not. Saric isn’t Kevin Love, but he can come in and do some similar things for them if he comes to the NBA this year. If he doesn’t he allows the T’Wolves to draft highly again next season.

14. Phoenix Suns select: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)

2nd Mock: Dario Saric (F, Croatia)

1st Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)

The Suns have a need at small forward, so Hood gets the nod here over a slew of possibilities. He shot it very well at the combine, and obviously had a great season at Duke. Hood could help the Suns spread the floor and give them another potent offensive weapon. This pick could change hands though, as the Suns possess three first rounders that could be used to acquire a big name.

15. Atlanta Hawks select: James Young (G/F, Kentucky)

2nd Mock: Rodney Hood (SF, Duke)

1st Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)

The Hawks need a long term star on the wing. While there is some risk with Young, there is also a ton of upside. He’s athletic, long, and he possesses the ability to shoot it with range. There is a chance he doesn’t slide this far in the draft, but if he does, the Hawks should be thrilled.

16. Chicago Bulls (from Charlotte) select: Cleanthony Early (F, Wichita State)

2nd Mock: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)

1st Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)

With Stauskas, Harris, and Young all off the board at this pick, I think the Bulls could go with a backup PG here that can help them out. But, they also need players who can get their own shot, and while Tyler Ennis (or another point guard) can do that, there will be guys available with their next pick to address that need. So instead I’ll go with a player who I don’t think will be available at their next pick. I love Early, and he was the most dominant player on the court in his team’s biggest game this season against Kentucky. They lost, but Early was very, very impressive. He is a player that Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau will love.

17. Boston Celtics (from Brooklyn) select: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)

2nd Mock: Zach LaVine (G, UCLA)

1st Mock: Isaiah Austin (F/C, Baylor)

Payne can play alongside Kelly Olynyk or Jared Sullinger in the frontcourt, and has the ability to play that stretch-4 role he loves so much. Brad Stevens will love his toughness and Boston seems like a city that will embrace a player like Payne.

18. Phoenix Suns (from Washington) select: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)

2nd Mock: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)

1st Mock: Wayne Selden Jr. (SG, Kansas)

The Suns went with a center last year (Alex Len), but he’s been a disappointment so far. Nurkic has a lot of upside, especially compared to most of the other bigs in this draft class. Since the Suns possess so many picks, Nurkic is a perfect selection for them, even if he will be stashed overseas for the time being.

19. Chicago Bulls select: Tyler Ennis (PG, Syracuse)

2nd Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)

1st Mock: Markel Brown (SG, Oklahoma State)

Ennis would be a great backup behind Derrick Rose long term, an important position given Rose’s injury history. This is a player that could also help improve their bench significantly, due to his leadership and ability to make others around him better. If the Bulls decide to hang on to a veteran PG as a backup for Rose, then they could look to add another scorer here instead, potentially P.J. Hairston.

20. Toronto Raptors select: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)

2nd Mock: Shabazz Napier (PG, UCONN)

1st Mock: Kyle Anderson (G/F, UCLA)

Yes, Kyle Lowry is still their PG (for now), but the Raptors need more playmakers outside of Lowry and Demar Derozan. Anderson can come in and be the PG of the future (technically point forward) while helping the team right now in other ways. He could be the piece they are missing in allowing the Raptors to really go from being a ‘good’ team to becoming great.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas) select: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)

2nd Mock: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)

1st Mock: Adreian Payne (PF, Michigan State)

As the series with the Spurs has shown so far, the Thunder need some scoring depth on the front line. Kendrick Perkins is devoid of any offensive bone in his body and is getting up there in age. A combination of McGary with Serge Ibaka would be a fearsome frontcourt if McGary can return to the form that he had in the NCAA tournament in 2013.

22. Memphis Grizzlies select: P.J. Hairston (SG, NBDL)

2nd Mock: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)

1st Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)

If you’ve watched Memphis recently, clearly they need more offensive firepower (no offense Tony Allen). Hairston tore it up in the D-league, and he was great before that at North Carolina. Without his off-the-court problems (last year), he’d be a guaranteed lottery pick.

23. Utah Jazz (from Golden State) select: T.J. Warren (G/F, NC State)

2nd Mock: K.J. McDaniels (SF, Clemson)

1st Mock: Mario Hezonja (SF, Croatia)

Utah is desperate for another wing to play opposite of Gordon Hayward. Warren would be a great fit because he plays differently than Hayward does. Hayward is the more consistent shooter, but Warren can score from the midrange in and possesses great athleticism.

24. Charlotte Hornets (from Portland) select: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana Lafayette)

2nd Mock: James McAdoo (PF, North Carolina)

1st Mock: Montrezl Harrell (PF, Louisville)

Charlotte needs a true PG, and while Payton really doesn’t shoot a very high percentage, he has the playmaking ability that could really help this team. Charlotte desperately needs good play at this position, and Payton should be able to help. I thought about Shabazz Napier here, but the thought of him and Kemba Walker back in the same backcourt didn’t leave enough shots left for the rest of the team to take.

25. Houston Rockets select: K.J McDaniels (SF, Clemson)

2nd Mock: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)

1st Mock: Jabari Brown (SG, Missouri)

This pick is made anticipating a blockbuster trade that brings another Western Conference superstar to Houston and them needing a replacement for their current SF. They don’t have a lot of holes in their team that could be improved with this pick. If they don’t trade it they should look to add depth at this position. He’s a better defender than most on their current roster anyways.

26. Miami Heat select: Glenn Robinson III (SF, Michigan)

2nd Mock: Mitch McGary (PF, Michigan)

1st Mock: James McAdoo (PF, UNC)

It’s fairly difficult to make an accurate prediction for the Heat... They have a lot of free agents in 2014, including the “Big 3” if they don’t take the player options from their last contracts. Therefore, I took the best available approach and that’s Robinson III. He had a solid combine, particularly because he proved to be a good shooter during the drills. This could be a real steal.

27. Phoenix Suns (from Indiana) select: Jordan Adams (SG, UCLA)

2nd Mock: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)

1st Mock: Elfrid Payton (PG, Louisiana-Lafayette)

This is another player that helped himself at the combine. That’s why he gets the edge here over CJ Wilcox. He also fits the profile of a Phoenix guard, which is offensive minded! I actually think he could be an instant upgrade over Gerald Green, despite the fact that Green is coming off a career season.

28. Los Angeles Clippers select: Shabazz Napier (PG, Connecticut)

2nd Mock: Russ Smith (G, Louisville)

1st Mock: A.J. Hammons (C, Purdue)

Even though this gives the Clippers another shorter PG to back up Chris Paul, it is a definite upgrade from Darren Collison and gives them a playmaking shot-getter who is incredibly clutch and could really help the Clippers in the fourth quarter of games.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder select: Jerami Grant (F, Syracuse)

2nd Mock: Jusuf Nurkic (C, Bosnia)

1st Mock: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)

Another athletic wing who doesn’t yet have a consistent jump shot, but he can be a really nice piece on this team. They need more playmakers and he has the ability to rebound and create offense for himself without the Thunder having to run plays for him, which is important on a team with Durant and Westbrook. He also would be an excellent pick and roll wing player.

30. San Antonio Spurs select: Clint Capela (PF, Switzerland)

1st and 2nd Mock: Vasilje Micic (PG, Serbia)

We finally got away from the Micic pick, but I did give it a lot of thought. But with Patty Mills emerging as a potential Parker replacement, I think getting a potential Duncan replacement is much more important. Capela could be stashed for a year or two before joining the “Pop Machine”. They’ve had so much success with international players, this could be another.

Second Round (First Ten)

31. Milwaukee Bucks select: C.J. Wilcox (SG, Washington)

If Wilcox was a few years younger, he’d be a potential lottery pick. He shot it well all year at Washington, and then tore it up at the combine to prove to everyone that his range will transfer nicely into the NBA. Trust me, Milwaukee could desperately use a shooter like him.

32. Philadelphia 76ers select: Kristaps Porzingis (F, Latvia)

The Sixers have an opportunity to add some depth here, and Porzingis is a really good addition to this team. He can continue to develop for a year or two overseas, but his length (6’11”), shooting range, and his ability to handle the ball will be a great bench addition in Philadelphia a few years from now. With six picks in the draft, Philly can afford to stash a player or two.

33. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Orlando) select: DeAndre Daniels (F, Connecticut)

Fresh off a National Championship, Daniels stock couldn’t be higher. In fact, there is a good chance he gets chosen at the end of the first round. Some are concerned about his position, because he’s a little small for a power forward, but he plays physical and has a nice outside game. He’ll be a solid role player in my opinion.

34. Dallas Mavericks (from Boston) select: Nick Johnson (SG, Arizona)

Dallas has been relying on production from veterans on the wing, Vince Carter and Shawn Marion specifically. Both are free agents this summer and both have to be getting close to retirement. While Johnson doesn’t have the size those players do, he’s got underrated athleticism, a solid defensive mindset, and he’s able to shoot with decent range.

35. Utah Jazz select: Jarnell Stokes (PF, Tennessee)

With their picks in the first round we had Utah addressing their perimeter. With this pick, Stokes would give depth to their interior. He had a nice combine and is rising up draft boards, so Utah should be excited about the value here.

36. Milwaukee Bucks (from LAL) select: Thanassis Antetokounpo (G/F, NBDL)

We all know his brother, who has been terrific for Milwaukee. Not many know this, but this Antetokounpo has been playing in America too. I’m referring to the D-League where he’s been a pretty solid player. Second round is likely where he falls though.

37. Toronto Raptors (from Sacramento) select: DeAndre Kane (SG, Iowa State)

Kane is versatile and was a very good scorer in college. He’s a player that could come in and contribute right away as a scorer off the bench. That’s what a team on the rise needs.

38. Detroit Pistons select: Spencer Dinwiddie (G, Colorado)

Detroit doesn’t have a first round pick this year, so that makes this selection even more important. Dinwiddie is a big point guard that can actually play both backcourt positions. He does everything well except for shoot. But his leadership, toughness, defense, passing ability, and ball handling are all things that could help Detroit.

39. Philadelphia 76ers (from Cleveland) select: Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG, Serbia)

I’m not in love with this pick for a couple reasons. First, they already took an international “draft and stash” player earlier in this round. Second, they could use some inside players since we drafted wings in the first round. But, there isn’t great value here for a big man, and remember they still have two picks left. Second, there isn’t any pressure to win now in Philadelphia as most believe they are looking ahead. So that makes Bogdanovic very attractive to them because he could be a great player down the road.

40. Minnesota Timberwolves (from New Orleans) select: Jordan Clarkson (G, Missouri)

Clarkson is attractive for Minnesota because he is versatile and could potentially play both backcourt positions (played mostly point guard in college). He also brings a scoring ability that Ricky Rubio lacks. That makes him an intriguing bench player.

Player We Can’t Believe Hasn’t Been Drafted Yet: Semaj Christon

By: The Sports Guys

Conference Finals Predictions

While the second round wasn’t near as fun as the first round, it did do one important thing: it set up GREAT conference finals matchups. Both conferences will have their best teams playing for the right to go to the NBA Finals. They all got here different ways, even with a little controversy along the way (OKC over LA), but it happened all the same.

Of course, the Sports Guys are competing throughout the playoffs. For every round, we post our predictions. If we predict the winner correctly, we get 2 points. If we predict the length of the series correctly, we get an additional 1 point. Here are the results after the second round:

Greg – 23 Points

Andrew – 22 Points

So without further ado, here are our predictions for the Conference Finals:

Western Conference

1 San Antonio Spurs vs. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder

The Spurs enter the Conference Finals playing amazing. They smashed Portland, something nobody saw coming. They are playing team basketball, and getting contributions from everyone. OKC struggled a little more in getting here, but are coming off two great finishes that ended LA’s run. KD and Westbrook have been unstoppable, but the rest of the team is struggling a bit.

What this series may come down to is if OKC’s role players can do anything. If not, KD and Westbrook won’t overcome the entire Spurs team. It hurts that Ibaka will likely miss the entire series. So the Spurs will need to shoot well from the outside, and the big boys (Duncan and Splitter) will need to own the paint.

Andrew: Spurs in 7

Greg: Spurs in 6

Eastern Conference

1 Indiana Pacers vs. 2 Miami Heat

We’ve been waiting for this all year, and honestly since their epic 7-game series a year ago. Miami has been rolling in the playoffs, while Indiana has been limping along. The good news is that Miami brings out the best in Indiana, and seems to catalyze their team. But Miami has Lebron, who has been the clear MVP of the playoffs.

One of the keys is Paul George, who must match Lebron in scoring (or at least come close). The Pacers must control the paint, and that starts with Hibbert and West. The Heat must have a productive Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh needs to shoot well from 3, as Indiana struggled with the Hawks big men that did that. Should be fun!

Andrew: Heat in 7

Greg: Heat in 7

By: The Sports Guys

NFC Draft Grades

With the NFL Draft complete, the analysis begins. Some teams really helped themselves over the weekend. Others really didn’t. Today, we grade each team based on their selections, which includes the value of it and the need it filled. Both aspects are important when it comes to drafting.

A = Great Value at Need Spots

B = Good Value at Need Spots

C = Average

D = Reached a lot, Left Needs Unfulfilled

F = Failed at Filling Needs and got Terrible Value

To sum it up, we're trying to figure out how each team used the draft to improve their team. We'll handle the AFC today and the NFC tomorrow. Here you go:

AFC Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona was referred to often as one of the teams with few apparent needs heading into the draft. But they still managed to really improve. Bucannon should complete a dynamic safety tandem, and Martin is a highly athletic defensive end. Niklas should be a solid tight end and the upside is high for John Brown. Logan Thomas isn’t the perfect prospect for a long-term QB, but you could do worse. So they did fairly well.

GRADE: B+

Atlanta Falcons

I loved the value the Falcons got with their first two picks, Matthews and Hageman, but there really wasn’t anything I loved after that. In fact, Hageman wasn’t even at a need position. They needed pass rushers from the outside and failed to land a difference maker. They also have a gaping hole at tight end and didn’t pick one. The success of this draft could depend upon if Southward, Freeman, and Shembo develop nicely.

GRADE: C+

Carolina Panthers

For the record, I like the upside of Kelvin Benjamin and I thought Kony Ealy was tremendous value at pick #60. But I didn’t get there draft as a whole. Despite the upside of Benjamin, he was too risky of a pick to go in the first round. And for a team set on defense but searching for offense, why did they take mainly defenders in rounds 2-5? And why take a running back in the sixth round when they already have a surplus of back on their roster? I’d be much more excited had they doubled up on WR’s in rounds 1 and 2, then invested picks on other need areas such as their offensive line. I think they blew it, and I’d consider them lucky if they reached the playoffs again this season.

GRADE: D

Chicago Bears

Chicago entered the draft needing to improve their defense. I think they did it for the most part. They took four defenders in the first four rounds hitting needs at CB, DT, and S. They even found very promising backups at RB, QB, and potentially a new starting punter (not a sexy pick, but a needy pick). The downside is they ignored linebacker and they reached in round two with Ego Ferguson. They also better hope Vereen works out as a safety after passing on the top guys at that position earlier in the draft.

GRADE: B

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas shocked us all by making a sensible first pick with Zach Martin, an instant starter on the offensive line at a spot they needed to improve. And after that they went with defender after defender (very smart), with a lone wide receiver mixed in (another need spot actually on offense). The issue is that the players they targeted on defense may not be the right guys. I think Demarcus Lawrence could be decent, but I don’t know if any other player will be able to make an impact here. I’m no expert though, so we’ll wait and see.

GRADE: B-

Detroit Lions

Not a fan of what Detroit did. Ebron is so talented, but a terrible fit for the Lions and tight end is far from a need. Wasted pick. And while I like Van Noy, I didn’t like any picks after him. In fact, they desperately needed help in the secondary, and took one DB, and no true cornerbacks or safeties. Dumb!

GRADE: D

Green Bay Packers

As a Bears fan, I hate to admit it but Green Bay was solid. Clinton-Dix was one of the best picks in the first round. He’s an instant starter at a big need area. Davante Adams could be a big steal also, and he could help them this year too. I also think Khyri Thornton could be a good player, and he was at another position of need. And while I don’t know a lot about Richard Rodgers, he too filled a need at tight end. This was a smart draft.

GRADE: A-

Minnesota Vikings

This was good draft haul I thought. They may have had the best first round of any team with Barr and Bridgewater. Barr is very talented, and Teddy could turn out to be the best QB in this draft. I also like Crichton (third round), and I thought Yankey in the fifth was amazing value. They took steps forward this weekend, so that’s all you can ask.

GRADE: A-

New Orleans Saints

The Saints made some solid plays in the draft. I loved them adding Brandin Cooks, a guy that can help their offense immediately. I also like Jean-Baptiste, as he can fill a need at corner. It was smart for them to address defense with their picks in the mid-rounds as well. And if Rooks can help the offensive line at all, this draft becomes an “A”.

GRADE: B

New York Giants

The Giants have been treading water for a couple years, so it’s nice that they added some contributors. Beckham Jr. is a weapon Eli desperately needs. Richburg could be a starter on the offensive line for years to come. Andre Williams is another guy that could make an immediate impact at running back. But I don’t see a ton of help on defense, at least in terms of sure things.

GRADE: B-

Philadelphia Eagles

I wanted to give Philly a higher grade but I just couldn’t. While I loved the Matthews/Huff picks, I didn’t like the others. In fact, it’s the others that they needed to nail as the defense has to get better. I also hated their first round selection in Marcus Smith, who was a total reach.

GRADE: C

San Francisco 49ers

Best draft in the NFL. Ward can be a big time safety for their secondary, which needed to get better. Carlos Hyde will be a key player now, but also in the long-term. They added the best center in the draft too, and got great depth at linebacker now with Chris Borland. They added another solid lineman in Thomas, and improved on offense with Bruce Ellington (steal) and Stevie Johnson (nice trade). I even like the upside of the later picks such as Dontae Johnson and Aaron Lynch. Home run draft on every level!

GRADE: A+

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle develops players nicely, and they’ll need to, because there isn’t one pick that I like here. They failed to make a first round pick at all, and then they reached on their second rounders. They had some players available to them that could have helped them stay on top, but instead, they may have let SF walk right past them in the division.

GRADE: F

St. Louis Rams

This is a draft I view similar to Oakland and Cleveland. It was a home run minus the wide receiver position. Robinson and Donald are pro-bowl caliber picks in the first round. The secondary got a playmaker in Lamarcus Joyner. Tre Mason is a great aid to Zac Stacy. And Michael Sam was actually a steal in the 7^th round. They failed to collect any WR’s to help Bradford, but the rest of the roster is now stacked.

GRADE: A-

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This was a draft that was unlike Lovie Smith, as it was all about offense. But I don’t mind it. Evans and ASJ could be great players this year, and will help McCown on offense. They added some protection pieces as well, which was smart. I would have liked to see a couple defensive picks though, especially since they wasted a pick on a RB, a spot they have depth at already.

GRADE: B

Washington Redskins

Things didn’t start well for Washington, as they didn’t have a first round pick, and reached on their second round choice Trent Murphy (as well as Long in the third). But they got a massive steal in Morgan Moses, and I am also a fan of Bashaud Breeland in the fourth. Lache Seastrunk could actually help as well down the road at running back, so they covered themselves well after reaching early.

GRADE: C-

By: The Sports Guys