Grades are in for all 32 teams in the NFL draft, but which picks will turn out to be the biggest values for each team? College Football 24/7 takes a look this week at the five best bargains in each division, continuing today with the NFC North and AFC North teams:
NFC North
DT A'Shawn Robinson, Detroit Lions
Drafted:2nd round (46th overall)
Why he's a bargain:Considered a strong candidate to be a first-round choice, Robinson was one of the last players left in the green room in Chicago. He was a three-year starter at Alabama, where he led the team in sacks as a freshman (5.5). He's more of a run-stopper than anything, but he has more upside as a pass rusher than teammate Jarran Reed, who was chosen three picks later by the Seattle Seahawks. Robinson can hold the point against double teams and be disruptive when single blocked.
RB Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears
Drafted:5th round (150th overall)
Why he's a bargain:The Bears could have a real unpolished gem in Howard, who dominated as a rusher at two levels of college competition, first for UAB, then for Indiana in the Big Ten. At 6-foot, 230 pounds, he's a powerful runner who can break tackles and move the sticks in short-yardage situations. An AFC running backs coach called him the best pure running back in the draft. Howard might rotate out on third downs, but he can bring toughness and attitude to the early downs for offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.
RB Dwayne Washington, Detroit Lions
Drafted:7th round (236th overall)
Why he's a bargain:At 6-2 and 226 pounds, and with pro-day 40-yard-dash times of 4.44 and 4.46 seconds, Washington offers a size-speed combination that's difficult to come across in the seventh round. The Lions could have a special-teams role in mind for him, and if that's the case, he has the athleticism to take advantage of the chance. He nearly went undrafted for a variety of reasons, including questions about durability, ball security, and as a former wide receiver, a lack of instincts for the running-back position.
LB Stephen Weatherly, Minnesota Vikings
Drafted:7th round (227th overall)
Why he's a bargain:Nobody can say size is a concern; Weatherly stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 267 pounds. Speed isn't a concern either, as his 4.61-second 40 clocking at the NFL Scouting Combine was outstanding for a player his size. The former Vanderbilt defender has college experience both at defensive end and linebacker. His best year came in 2014, when he recorded 12.5 tackles for loss for the Commodores. His pass-rush skills need some work, but as a run stopper, Weatherly could make himself a difficult cut for the Vikings' staff.
LB Kyler Fackrell, Green Bay Packers
Drafted:3rd round (88th overall)
Why he's a bargain:Fackrell has a lot of potential as a pass rusher, and the former Utah State star will find himself behind an ideal mentor in Clay Matthews. He showed very good first-step quickness at the Reese's Senior Bowl. Fackrell was asked to drop into coverage enough at USU that he wasn't able to pile up big sack numbers. In a more dedicated role, he could flourish as a full-time pass rusher. Fackrell is also more effective against the run than most undersized pass rushers.
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