Day Three of the 2013 NFL Draft stayed true to the craziness theme from the first two days. There were a number of trades once again, some very surprising picks and we watched as some players, who were thought to be sure things in the third round, slid clean out of the draft and had to scramble to sign with a team.
Here are the winners and losers from rounds four through seven.
Winners
Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals had a boat load of needs coming into the draft this year and they grabbed two great players on the first two days. Headed into day three, they still had a ton of needs but they did a phenomenal job of trading around and making outstanding picks to fill almost every need on the roster. Picks like Tyrann mathieu, Alex Okafor, Stepfan Taylor and Ryan Swope will be impact players from day one.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers did amazing job on the first two days, but on day three, the rich got richer got richest; and then some. Armed with multiple picks in each round, Trent Baalke and Co. moved around on the board and grabbed the player they wanted at will. With picks like Marcus Lattimore, Corey Lemonier, Quinton Patton, Nick Moody and Quinton Dial; you can’t not give this team an A++ for the day.
Green Bay Packers: I bet you want to call me a homer right now, don’t you? Problem is, you know you can’t; because I’m right. Ted Thompson shocked the world by trading up in the fourth round for running back Johnathan Franklin and filled big needs with players like David Bakhtiari and J.C. Tretter.
Losers
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers failed to add any weapons for Cam Newton and reached like crazy for Valdosta State guard Edmund Kugbila. After having a great first two days and really solidifying their defensive front, the Panthers completely dropped the ball by not taking a cornerback or two.
New York Jets: The Jets took good players on day one (but they weren’t necessarily good picks) and grabbing Geno Smith on day two was a great move. But on day three they really puzzled everyone by taking three project offensive lineman and a fullback. Not taking any outside pass rushers and no receivers was a very bad move by John Idzik and Company.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns just completely whiffed on day three. They reached big time for Leon McFadden and Maoris Slaughter; there were better corners and safeties still available. Plus, after adding Barkevious Mingo in day one, there was absolutely no need for another defensive end when they selected Armonty Bryant. Way too many missed opportunities to really solidify the team here.