TAMPA, Fla. -- ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a B+ on their class right after the 2014 draft.
In this ESPN Insider story
, Kiper has re-graded the 2014 draft and has given the Bucs a different grade.
I think you have to look at Tampa Bay’s Class of 2014 as a success so far. First-round pick Mike Evans alone made this draft a success.
Evans had 68 catches for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rookie. He and Vincent Jackson gave the Bucs a very good tandem at wide receiver, despite some spotty play from the quarterbacks. Evans should be good for a long time to come.
Let’s review the rest of Tampa Bay’s 2014 draft class:
Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins: A second-round pick, Seferian-Jenkins had his rookie season interrupted by injuries. He had 21 catches for 221 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in nine games. When he was healthy, Seferian-Jenkins showed signs he can make an impact as a pass catcher.
Running back Charles Sims: A third-round pick, Sims missed the first half of the season with an ankle injury. Once he started playing, he shared time and carries with Doug Martin. Sims carried 66 times for 185 yards and also had 19 catches. The coaching staff is very high on Sims, and he could end up as the starter next season.
Guard Kadeem Edwards: A fifth-round pick, Edwards is a project. He didn’t make any impact before having his rookie season cut short by an ankle injury.
Tackle Kevin Pamphile: Another fifth-round pick, Pamphile got some playing time late in the season and could be a key backup next season.
Wide receiver Robert Herron: A sixth-round pick, Herron saw only limited playing time after struggling with drops in training camp and the preseason. But Herron has elite speed, and the Bucs are hoping he can contribute as a receiver and return man.
