Grading Aaron Donald and the 12 players drafted before him in 2014

Aaron Donald was at Los Angeles Rams camp on Wednesday. The team reported to the NFL it was a "tryout."

Is he ready to rejoin the team after a year sabattical, er, retirement? If so, that would be some 1-2 punch on the defensive line with Myles Garrett.

“ Did it come across as a tryout ?” Rams coach Sean McVay asked NFL Network. “Best tryout we’ve ever had. I think he could make the team.”

Donald was the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft out of Pittsburgh and has had an A+++ career. How did the players drafted before him fare in the pros?

12. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU, WR, New York Giants

Speaking of players trying to find a roster spot or make a comeback with the team that drafted them. Beckham is back with the Giants and has been impressive as he tries to have a return engagement with Big Blue. Beckham was spectacular and controversial in his time with the Giants. Overall, he was a stud wide receiver who has played for five teams. Grade: B+

11. Taylor Lewan, Michigan, OT, Tennessee Titans

Lewan had a strong NFL career. He was a three-time Pro Bowler. He has found great success after leaving the NFL following the 2022 season as a podcaster. "Bussin' with the Boys" is one of the top podcasts in the social media game. Lewan is reported to be in line for a college football show on ESPN this fall. Grade: A-

10. Eric Ebron, North Carolina, TE, Detroit Lions

Ebron played for three teams in an eight-year career. He was average at best with a top season of 66 catches for 750 yards with Indianapolis in 2018. Grade: C+

9. Anthony Barr, UCLA, LB, Minnesota Vikings

Barr had his moments in the NFL. He played 10 years including two stints with Minnesota and one with Dallas. Barr was a four-time Pro Bowler and at times was a force. Grade: B

8. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State, DB, Cleveland Browns

Gilbert lasted three years in the NFL. Consider him another Browns draft bust. By September 2016, Cleveland had shipped him off to Pittsburgh for a sixth-round pick. In June 2017 he was suspended for a year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He never played in the NFL again. Grade: F

7. Mike Evans, Texas A&M, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans is a surefire Hall of Famer. He is on to the San Francisco 49ers this season after starring for the Bucs. A fantastic player and an incredible draft pick. Grade: A+

6. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, OT, Atlanta Falcons

A strong offensive lineman who has been the anchor in Atlanta since being drafted. Matthews has played in 196 games, starting every one of them. Grade: A

5. Khalil Mack, Buffalo, LB, Oakland Raiders

A powerhouse of a defensive player for many years. Thus far, Mack has played four seasons for three teams. He has 113 sacks coming into 2026. An absolute beast to handle for other teams. Grade: A+

4. Sammy Watkins, Clemson, WR, Buffalo Bills

Watkins had his moments in what eventually became a journeyman career. He was with five teams overall and made 364 catches. Grade: B-

3. Blake Bortles, UCF, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

So much was expected and so little was delivered. Bortles spent five seasons with the Jags and one with the Rams. He was 24-49 as a starter in Jacksonville. A bust. Grade: F

2. Greg Robinson, Auburn, OT, St. Louis Rams

Played six years for three teams. Not what the Rams expected when they took him second overall. A bad pick. Grade: D

1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina, DE, Houston Texans

Who says you can't go home again? Clowney's NFL journey brings him back to Houston for 2026. Never quite the force he was in college but could be a handful in his next season. He has played for seven teams. That says journeyman but he has been more than that. Grade: B-

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Grading Aaron Donald and the 12 players drafted before him in 2014

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →