The 2014 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror and grades have already been passed out to all 32 teams. But who really did their homework and grabbed a big-time contributor later in the draft? We took a look at the five best bargain picks in each division this week, concluding today with AFC West and NFC West teams:
AFC West
San Diego Chargers, seventh round (240th overall)
Baylor has turned into 'Wide Receiver U' since Art Briles took over as head coach, but it was a bit surprising to see Reese slip to the seventh round. He's one heck of an athlete and can certainly stretch the field, as his 22.8 yards per catch last year proved. Bigger corners might prove to be a problem for him, but he'll be a nice complement to Keenan Allen in the slot.
Kansas City Chiefs, fifth round (163rd overall)
Yes, he's short, but Murray has a sixth sense about finding a good throwing lane. He's smart, doesn't get flustered by the rush and has a good pocket presence. With Alex Smith's contract situation up in the air, Murray is a nice grab in the fifth round as a solid backup who can develop into a starter in Andy Reid's offense.
San Diego Chargers, sixth round (201st overall)
The Chargers have good depth at running back, but you can expect Grice to move around a lot and do a bit of everything for the team. He needs to prove he's fully healthy -- when he's at full strength, he has a knack for finding the end zone. He rarely fumbles and can make defenders miss. He'll probably be more of a slot guy than a true back, but he can do just about anything.
Oakland Raiders, fourth round (116th overall)
He can play both cornerback and safety for the Raiders and brings the size teams are looking for at both positions in today's game. He has solid speed (40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds) and can get up to knock the ball down. He still has to develop his coverage skills, but has all the tools to be a starter.
Denver Broncos, seventh round (242nd overall)
Injuries hurt his stock a lot, but taking him in the seventh round was a low-risk move for Denver. He's pretty good blitzing the passer if put in the right spot and can help out against the run. He might not start, but should help the team as a backup/nickel-package linebacker and core special-teams player.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks, fourth round (123rd overall)
He might not be the fastest wide receiver on the Seahawks, but he'll be one of the more reliable players at the position after making a name for himself by reeling in tough catches at Alabama. He has good size and is savvy enough to get open no matter what route he's running. He'll fit right in with Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll.
San Francisco 49ers, fifth round (150th overall)
There are a number of issues with Lynch, but if his head is screwed on right, he'll be a steal for the 49ers from a talent standpoint. He's well-built and knows how to get into the backfield. He'll be able to use his long arms to get around tackles and should be solid as either an end or a linebacker.
St. Louis Rams, sixth round (214th overall)
The Rams need a backup for Sam Bradford, and Gilbert can fill the role as a pocket passer in a similar mold. He has some arm talent, as NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock likes to say, and put up good numbers at SMU. He'll be able to make all the throws and, for a sixth-round compensatory selection, is probably as good as they come for rookie backups.
Arizona Cardinals, fifth round (160th overall)
In terms of prototypical size and speed, Stinson brings it as a five-technique. He's stronger than most people think and should be able to slide in as a rotation player early in his career before taking over as a starter. He should also be a good special-teams contributor.
San Francisco 49ers, seventh round (245th overall)
He's coming off knee surgery and likely will still be rehabbing to start the season, but it's hard to beat this value in the seventh round. He has great size for the position and is one of the rare players who can really contribute as a fullback. He'll play a lot on special teams and can get a few carries and catch a few passes here and there. It's a perfect match between player and team given what the 49ers do on offense.
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