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Alex Ferguson grades each NFC team on their 2015 drafts

Jameis Winston

Now that the NFL Draft is over, our US sports blogger Alex Ferguson looks at how NFC teams drafted, and gives them a grade…

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons (A)

I loved the Falcons' draft, highlighted by excellent pass-rusher Vic Beasley (1st), and underrated RB Tevin Coleman in the third (he ran for over 2,000 yards last year). Watch out for Justin Hardy, who had three 1,000 yard receiving years in a row (4th) during college.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B+)

With his arm, Jameis Winston (QB, 1st) could be a star, if he keeps his head down off the field and doesn’t make so many mistakes on it. He threw way too many interceptions last year. The Bucs drafted two solid offensive linesmen, and an under-the-radar WR in Kenny Bell, who had 788 yards last year.

New Orleans Saints (B)

Drew Brees got some protection in OT Andrus Peat (1st) and the Saints bettered their defense by piling up picks, highlighted by Hau’oli Kikaha, who had a frightening 19 sacks last year.

Carolina Panthers (C-)

The Panthers overreached on Washington’s Shaq Thompson (1st). There were better linebackers out there. Devin Funchess could create problems for corners – even though speed was a question mark at the NFL Combine. I really like RB Cameron Artis-Payne (5th) . He’s fast and powerful.

NFC East

Defensive lineman Randy Gregory of Nebraska competes during the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
Image: Randy Gregory is a controversial choice, says Alex Ferguson

Washington Redskins (B+)

They got two good offensive linesmen in Brandon Scherff (1st) and Arie Kouandjio (4th) to help RG3, and a defensive player in Preston Smith who can play DE or linebacker. He’s that athletic. I also liked the pick of WR Jamison Crowder (4th), who’ll really help special teams.

New York Giants (B)

Eli Manning got a blocker in Ereck Flowers (OG, 1st), which hopefully will help the sack count fall! On the other side of the ball, Landon Collins (2nd) should play linebacker, because his aggression caused him to make too many mistakes at safety at Alabama last year.

Dallas Cowboys (B-)

Took a huge risk with Randy Gregory (LB, 2nd), who’s a first round talent with a lot of personal issues. But if he does well, Jerry Jones will look great. Byron Jones (CB, 1st) stole a lot of headlines in the Combine, but I’m unsure how he’ll adjust to the competition. The pick of Damien Wilson (LB, 4th) – he had 197 tackles in just two college years – could see the next Sean Lee in Dallas.

Philadelphia Eagles (B-)

They didn’t bring Marcus Mariota to Philadelphia, but they did give Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow an added weapon in WR Nelson Agholor (1st), who can fly. And if LB Jordan Hicks can keep healthy, they have done well on the other side of the ball, too. But Hicks is a risk.

NFC North

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A lawyer from London starred at the Draft...

Chicago Bears (B)

Getting the pacey Kevin White (WR, 1st) will please Jay Cutler - if he’s still around by the start of the season. He’s quite a weapon. Jeremy Langford (4th) is a solid RB decision, and Eddie Goldman (DT, 2nd) eats running backs.

Detroit Lions (B+)

While Laken Tomlinson (OT, 1st) was a solid pick, I loved the Lions getting Ameer Abdullah (RB) in the 2nd round.  How could you not love a player who had 1,000 yard seasons in 2012, 2013 and 2014? Also liked cornerback Alex Carter (CB, 3rd), who defended 18 passes in his Stanford career.

Green Bay Packers (B)

Third round Ty Montgomery is going to be a phenomenal threat for the Packers from kick returns. He can fly. Otherwise, the Packers’ decision to go for back-to-back secondary players in the first two rounds – Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins – can only add good things to the secondary.

Minnesota Vikings (A-)

As a buddy of mine pointed out, Trae Waynes (CB, 1st) didn’t produce monster numbers in 2014 because QBs threw away from him. Vikes fans should be happy. TJ Clemmings (OT, 4th), has been seen as a steal because of the player’s injury woes. I also like WR Stefon Diggs (5th) who can cause defenders a ton of problems.

NFC West

ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 27:  Todd Gurley #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs leaps over Taylor Maxey #47 as he rushes against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Sta
Image: Todd Gurley will shine if he avoids injury, says Ferguson

Arizona Cardinals (B)

D.J. Humphries (1st) did pretty well at Florida in protecting the quarterback – which will please Carson Palmer, who could do with that sort of help in Arizona! We love Markus Golden (DE, 2nd), who was a tackling machine with Ray at Missouri.

Seattle Seahawks (B-)

Loved the pick of Tyler Lockett (WR, 3rd), an elusive kick returner/wide receiver. He’ll trouble a lot of defences. Look up the headlines about Frank Clark (DE, 2nd), and you’ll see why teams didn’t want to draft him.

San Francisco 49ers (C)

I like the top pick of Arik Armstead, who’s tall, powerful and will be fun to watch as a future DE. I’m less enthused about the pick-up of former QB (now TE) Blake Bell in the 4th. RB Mike Davis' production in his final year at South Carolina was a big let-down. Not great, Niners.

St Louis Rams (B-)

I love the pick of Todd Gurley, who’s going to shine in St Louis if he avoids his injury curse. He’s a highlight-reel running back. Rob Havenstein (OT, 2nd) is another one of those giant Wisconsin offensive linesmen. Otherwise, Bud Sasser (6th) has an insane ability of going up and getting the ball. He could well be a weapon for Nick Foles this year.

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