NFL Draft grades 2013: Mel Kiper gives Lions ...

With the 2013 NFL Draft complete, the time for evaluating what went down the last three days has arrived. Yes, that means it's time to hand out 2013 NFL Draft grades, starting with ESPN's Mel Kiper.

Kiper gave the Detroit Lions an overall grade of a B for their 2013 draft picks. From a value standpoint, he actually only handed out a B- to the Lions. This is because a few of their picks didn't match up with where he had them ranked on his draft board.

The Lions did much better in the needs department, as Kiper gave them an A-. The Lions not only hit their top need with the fifth overall pick by getting defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, but they also addressed needs at cornerback and offensive guard on the second day of the draft. And on the third day of the draft, the Lions filled more of their needs, drafting a punter, wide receiver, running back, tight end and linebacker. The Lions also got another defensive end.

Draft grades obviously don't mean anything until these picks have had at least a couple years to show us what they can do, but I don't really disagree with Kiper's assessment. It did seem like the Lions went away from best player available at times on the third day of the draft to fill needs, but they got a lot of players who should contribute from day one.

More from POD:

• Track the Lions' picks in our draft StoryStream

• Presenting the Lions' 2013 draft class

• 2013 Lions undrafted free agent tracker

• Follow all of the Lions' draft news