Grading draft picks on the night of their actual selections is as much a job for analysts as it is for fortunetellers.
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But with three games left in the regular season, the forecast is slightly more accurate than it was in May.
Continuing its "Rookie Watch" series, NFL.com recently handed out grades to the 2014 first-round draft choices, beginning on the offensive side of the ball.
And it came as no surprise that Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. passed with flying colors, earning an "A+" grade after becoming the first rookie in NFL history to record at least 90 receiving yards in six consecutive games. In nine games overall (he missed the first four because of injury), Beckham has 59 receptions for 829 yards and six touchdowns.
"Beckham is the most fascinating athlete to enter the NFL in years, drawing comparisons from our own Chris Wesseling to Michael Jordan for his 'vice-grip hands, easy leaping ability, graceful athleticism, mid-air dexterity and improvisational creativity,'" Marc Sessler wrote about Beckham, the 12th overall pick. "NFL Media's Mike Mayock called the Giants star the best of this year's stellar class of first-year wideouts, citing Beckham's ability to line up all over the field after missing most of August and September with a hamstring injury. Perhaps we all should take a month or two off from work? Grade: A+"
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Here is a look at NFL.com's grading of other first-round picks on offense:*
G Zack Martin, Cowboys (16th): A+
WR Mike Evans, Bucs (7th): A-
WR Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers (28th): A-
WR Sammy Watkins, Bills (4th): B+
OT Ja'Wuan James, Dolphins (19th): B+
WR Brandin Cooks, Saints (20th): B+
QB Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings (32nd): B
OT Taylor Lewan, Titans (11th): B-
QB Blake Bortles, Jaguars (3rd): C+
OT Jake Matthews, Falcons (6th): C
G Greg Robinson, Rams (2nd overall pick): C-
TE Eric Ebron, Lions (10th): C-
QB Johnny Manziel, Browns (22nd): Incomplete
