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Vikings First-Rounders At Opposite Ends Of Spectrum Thus Far

By Christopher Gates

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Adam Bettcher

We're nearly to the halfway point of the 2014 NFL season, and the folks from Pro Football Focus have compiled a list of their grades for each of the rookies from the first round of this past year's draft. As we know, the Minnesota Vikings had two selections in that first round in linebacker Anthony Barr and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. How do they rate thus far?

Here's the list of all the grades from PFF. (Thanks to our friends from Silver and Black Pride, SB Nation's site for the Oakland Raiders, for the table and formatting.)

Pick Position Player Team Grade
5 LB Khalil Mack Raiders 16.6
13 DT Aaron Donald Rams 15.5
17 LB CJ Mosley Ravens 8.2
25 CB Jason Verrett Chargers 8.2
16 OG Zack Martin Cowboys 7
11 OT Taylor Lewan Titans 6.9
9 LB Anthony Barr Vikings 3.4
12 WR Odell Beckham Giants 3.2
18 S Calvin Pryor Jets 2.9
2 OG Greg Robinson Rams 2.1
10 TE Eric Ebron Lions 1.5
14 CB Kyle Fuller Bears 1.5
7 WR Mike Evans Buccaneers 1
23 DE Dee Ford Chiefs 1
21 S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Packers 0.9
1 OLB Jadeveon Clowney Texans 0.7
22 QB Johnny Manziel Browns 0
4 WR Sammy Watkins Bills -0.2
24 CB Darqueze Dennard Bengals -0.6
26 LB Marcus Smith Eagles -1
31 S Bradley Roby Broncos -1.5
19 OT Ja'Wuan James Dolphins -2.3
20 WR Brandin Cooks Saints -2.8
15 LB Ryan Shazier Steelers -2.9
28 WR Kelvin Benjamin Panthers -2.9
8 CB Justin Gilbert Browns -4.1
30 S Jimmie Ward 49ers -4.3
32 QB Teddy Bridgewater Vikings -5.3
29 DT Dominique Easley Patriots -5.6
27 S Deone Bucannon Cardinals -7.7
3 QB Blake Bortles Jaguars -12.5
6 OT Jake Matthews Falcons -27.8

As you can see, the Vikings' two selections are on opposite ends of the spectrum here, with Barr being near the top of the list and Bridgewater languishing at the bottom.

(Non-rookie note. . .the rating for Matthews means that now he, and not Matt Kalil, is the lowest-rated tackle in the NFL by PFF. . .Kalil is only one spot ahead of him, though.)

Here's what PFF had to say about Barr:

There was once a feeling that he might limited to more of situational role, but Barr has emerged as an every down player who is particularly effective coming forward. He's still developing his coverage skills but is producing.

That was sort of "the book" on Barr coming out of UCLA. . .that he was a great athlete that could make an immediate impact as a pass rusher, but has really been all over the field for the Vikings so far. He's the sort of guy that could really become a franchise-type of defender going forward.

And their commentary on Bridgewater:

Bridgewater started off hot and impressed with his composure. However, as those around him have struggled he has as well since his introduction against Atlanta. Bridgewater needs help from his line and receivers but has the look of a rookie with his most recent efforts.

We've been over the offensive line issues quite a bit over the past few weeks, and hopefully there will be an upswing in their performance as well. But, given the circumstances, Bridgewater could be appreciably worse at this point. With the schedule appearing to soften a bit going forward, we may see him start to climb these rankings a bit.

What do you think about these rankings so far, folks?

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