2014 NFL Draft: Draft Grades Through 3 Rounds

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sammy Watkins (Clemson) greets commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL draft is through 3 rounds with the 4-7 rounds being conducted today.  NFL.com has put out draft grades for both the first and second rounds.

Bryan Fischer is the gentleman (used loosely) who writes for college football 24/7, has put together the draft grades for the first two days.  After Day 1, the only team in the basement were the Buffalo Bills.  The Bills received the “Try Again” classification with the basic reason that Sammy Watkins was overpaid.  After looking at it the Bills, at this point, gave up a 1st and a 4th in next rounds draft.

"The skinny: This might draw some heat, but the Bills traded way too much to move up five picks to get a wide receiver, even one as good coming out of college as Watkins. The offense will love Watkins’ ability, but the team paid a ton — the No. 9 pick this year, plus a first-rounder and fourth-rounder next year — to move up to get a player at a position that hasn’t panned out all that much in the top 10. http://on.nfl.com/1l7r5LN– Bryan Fischer"

After day two and the 2 and 3 rounds being completed.  The Bills were able to make a move and come out of the bottom of the classification and still it is said they paid too much even after getting back the 4th round pick which could turn into a 3rd.  So for Sammy Watkins, a 1st round pick is the only thing that the Bills have given up.  This is what Bryan Fischer had to say for rounds 2 and 3.

"The skinny: Again, the Bills paid way too much to move up in the first round for Watkins, but they’re out of the basement with the addition of Kouandjio. The Alabama tackle fell because of injury concerns, but Buffalo doesn’t mind with a great value at No. 44. Basically, the draft got stronger for the team as it went on, and the Bills also got a nice pickup in Brown. http://on.nfl.com/1iBu2ED"

I really don’t agree with Fischer and he is entitled to his opinion as anyone is.  I think the Bills needed to make a move and go big and they did.  Will it pay off? Time will only tell.  The Bills address needs during the first 3 rounds and I don’t really mind that they gave up a 1st round pick to make a move and take a chance.  In a year if Watkins leads the league in receiving and is selected to the Pro Bowl, the Doug Whaley will look like a genius and every single doubter can bow down and beg for forgiveness.  If Watkins gets hurt and is a waste, then Whaley may be looking for a new job.  It is a guessing game at this point with any of these players.  You can’t get a reward unless the risk is there.  The risk is there for the Bills will the reward follow?