Grading Every NFL Team's Draft
Like any other draft expert, my job isn't done after Mr. Irrelevant hear his name get called Saturday afternoon. It's time for me to recap every round (yes, despite my twitter feed, I did take notes on more than just the first round). Teams like the New York Giants, Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills exponentially increased their playoff odds from just a few days of drafting, and other teams like the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, well I'm not quite sure what your war room was thinking. Let's go!
Arizona Cardinals: B-
Round 1 (10): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Round 2 (47): Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Round 3 (97): Mason Cole, C, Michigan
Round 4 (134): Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham
Round 6 (182): Chris Campbell, CB, Penn State
Round 7 (254): Korey Cunningham, T, Cincinnati
Arizona traded up to #10 to get their long-term option at QB in Josh Rosen without giving up too much in return. The most NFL-ready gunslinger will learn behind Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, two QB's who have been through hell and high water in the NFL. It's a good scheme fit, and while they could afford to take on a bigger project at QB, they undoubtedly got the best option on the board. Wide Receiver was their next biggest need with John and Jaron Brown both gone, and Christian Kirk is a good value at #47 who provides reliability in the slot right away. Mason Cole is a decent value at #97, but with LG Mike Iupati, RG Justin Pugh and C A.Q. Shipley on the roster, he's just a depth option for the near future. Chase Edmonds was a reach at #134, but he should compete with T.J. Logan for RB2, providing needed depth. Chris Campbell was a decent value at #182, and I'm surprised Arizona didn't get a Cornerback earlier, considering Campbell has a likely CB3 ceiling. Korey Cunningham is what you'd expect from anyone picked #254: a practice squad talent who will have to fight for a roster spot.
X-Factor: Josh Rosen's ceiling as Arizona's long-term Quarterback
Overall: Arizona got great values at their two biggest needs, but the draft class became more and more questionable as the rounds progressed.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (10): Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Round 2 (47): Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Round 3 (97): Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Round 4 (134): John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
Round 6 (182): Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
Round 7 (254): Sean Welsh, C, Iowa
Atlanta Falcons: B-
Round 1 (26): Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Round 2 (58): Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
Round 3 (90): Deadrin Senat, DT, South Florida
Round 4 (126): Ito Smith, RB, Southern Miss
Round 6 (194): Russell Gage, WR, LSU
Round 6 (200): Foye Oluokun, S/LB, Yale
Calvin Ridley was undoubtedly the top receiver prospect in the draft, and the fact that he fell right into Atlanta's metaphorical lap at #26 is miraculous. I had wideout as Atlanta's second-biggest need behind D-Tackle, and I graded Ridley higher than any DT available for Atlanta. Isaiah Oliver is an incredible value for #58, and I'm assuming he'll be a CB2 opposite of Desmond Trufant, moving Robert Alford inside as a CB3 slot and taking some of Brial Poole and Justin Bethel's reps. Deadrin Senat finally addresses Atlanta's biggest hole, but he was my tenth-best available D-Lineman at #90. Right position, wrong guy. Similarly, Ito Smith fills the long-term depth needed behind Devonta Freeman, but he was my seventh-best RB available at #126. I like that Russell Gage adds depth at WR, but I didn't even see him getting drafted. I didn't have Foye Oluokun in my top 300 players overall, but he's that hybrid safety/linebacker every team wants nowadays, so I guess I can't complain too much.
X-Factor: Deadrin Senat's ability to fill Dontari Poe's old starting spot.
Overall: Calvin Ridley will be the story of Atlanta's draft, and while Atlanta touched on most needs, better prospects were available on Day 2 and 3.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (26): Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Round 2 (58): Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Round 3 (90): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Round 4 (126): Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State
Round 6 (194): Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (200): Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
Baltimore Ravens: B+
Round 1 (25): Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
Round 1 (32): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Round 3 (83): Orlando Brown, RT, Oklahoma
Round 3 (86): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Round 4 (118): Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
Round 4 (122): Kenny Young, ILB, UCLA
Round 4 (132): Jaleen Scott, WR, New Mexico State
Round 5 (162): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 6 (190): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 6 (212): Greg Senat, T, Wagner
Round 6 (215): Bradley Bozeman, C, Alabama
Round 7 (238): Zach Sieler, DE, Ferris State
Although I thought Dallas Goedert was the best Tight End overall, Hayden Hurst is debatably the best pass catching TE in the draft, so I don't mind it if he was their guy. Reminds me of the legendary Todd Heap a bit. I absolutely loved trading up to get Lamar Jackson at #32. That's an incredible value and OC Marty Mornhinweg is the absolute best person for him to learn from. Baltimore also has the flexibility of giving Jackson at least one year, probably two, behind the aging-but-reliable Joe Flacco. Orlando Brown addresses their biggest need in Right Tackle, and nabbing him at #83 is an incredible value. Mark Andrews is also a good value at #86, but a bit surprising that they take two Tight Ends out of the first 90 overall selections. I had CB Anthony Averett as my 88th overall prospect, so getting him at #118 is a solid find. Kenny Young was a bit surprising, as he's a seventh-round value taken in the fourth. Jaleel Scott is another answer at wideout, but he was probably taken a couple rounds too high. On the other hand, Jordan Lasley is an incredible value at #132 - if they can fix his dropping issues. SS DeShon Elliott is a downright steal at #190. Greg Senat is a depth option at Tackle, but I didn't see him getting drafted. I had Center as their second-biggest need, and the Ravens waited until #215 to address the concern with Bradley Bozeman, who albeit is a decent value in the 200's. Baltimore FINALLY addresses edge rusher at #238 with Zach Sieler, who is an appropriate seventh-round value.
X-Factor: Lamar Jackson's development behind Joe Flacco, and if he becomes a fitting successor.
Overall: Baltimore addressed every need but one (edge rusher) with incredible values, and got three or four absolute steals in this draft.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (25): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Round 1 (32): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Round 3 (83): Orlando Brown, RT, Oklahoma
Round 3 (86): Mason Cole, C, Michigan
Round 4 (118): Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
Round 4 (122): Josh Sweat, DE/OLB, Florida State
Round 4 (132): Genard Avery, ILB, Memphis
Round 5 (162): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 6 (190): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 6 (212): Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
Round 6 (215): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Round 7 (238): Desmond Harrison, T, West Georgia
Buffalo Bills: A
Round 1 (7): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Round 1 (16): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (96): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Round 4 (121): Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State
Round 5 (154): Siran Neal, S, Jacksonville State
Round 5 (166): Wyatt Teller, G, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (187): Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Clemson
Round 7 (255): Austin Proehl, WR, North Carolina
Buffalo made me look really smart. I predicted they'd trade up for Josh Allen if he fell out of the Top 5, and that's exactly what the Bills did. Truly a perfect fit, Allen can learn behind A.J. McCarron (a great fundamentals guy) and earn the starting role at his own pace. Tremaine Edmunds is a Top 10 talent who's an absolute steal at #16, and it fills one of Buffalo's biggest needs. DT Harrison Phillips is also a steal at #96 and fills Buffalo's second-biggest long-term need. While I agree with taking a Cornerback in the middle rounds, Taron Johnson was my 11th-best CB at the time. Siran Neal might have been a bit of a reach in the fifth, but he was debatably the best combo safety available. Wyatt Teller is a decent value at #166 and the best Guard available, but depth at Center is a bigger need. Depth was needed at wideout, and I didn't have Ray-Ray McCloud or Austin Proehl getting drafted at all.
X-Factor: Josh Allen's completion percentage in the NFL. It may be the difference between ending up a total bust or developing into Buffalo's first franchise Quarterback since Jim Kelly.
Overall: Buffalo absolutely won Day One and Two of this draft, and if they're comfortable with Russell Bodine being the one and only starting Center option, this has been a fantastic offseason. Well done.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (7): Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Round 1 (16): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 3 (96): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Round 4 (121): Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State
Round 5 (154): Siran Neal, S, Jacksonville State
Round 5 (166): Wyatt Teller, G, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (187): Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Clemson
Round 7 (255): Austin Proehl, WR, North Carolina
Carolina Panthers: C-
Round 1 (24): D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Round 2 (55): Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Round 3 (85): Rashaan Gaulden, DB, Tennessee
Round 4 (101): Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
Round 4 (136): Marquis Haynes, DE, Ole Miss
Round 5 (161): Jermaine Carter, ILB, Maryland
Round 7 (234): Andre Smith, ILB, North Carolina
Round 7 (242): Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
It's not often that I like a team's Day 3 picks more than Day 1, but Carolina is an exception. I don't know what metric they used to deem D.J. Moore a better selection than WR Calvin Ridley, TE Dallas Goedert or TE Hayden Hurst. Donte Jackson was the best corner available at #55, and he'll fight with Ross Cockrell and James Bradberry for CB2 reps right away. They needed a Free Safety to compete with Colin Jones and Da'Norris Searcy for the starting job, but they chose Rashaan Gaulden over Ronnie Harrison, a far better prospect. Gaulden was actually my 5th-best Free Safety at #85. Ian Thomas was the best Tight End available at #101, a decent value, and they needed depth behind the aging, oft-injured Greg Olson. Carolina finally addressed the pass rush at #136 with Marquis Haynes, who I had as the third-best edge rusher available. I didn't even have Jermaine Carter getting drafted, and the Panthers took him in the fifth. Andre Smith was a decent value at #234, and Kendrick Norton was the best D-Tackle on the board at #242.
X-Factor: Rashaan Gaulden's starting capability at Free Safety. Assuming Da'Norris Searcy remains a Strong Safety, Gaulden is suddenly their best option at FS.
Overall: Carolina only had one pick (Donte Jackson) that impressed me, didn't fill the void at Guard and took lesser players at two of their biggest needs, Wide Receiver and Free Safety. Hopefully D.J. Moore and Rashaan Gaulden can prove me wrong.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (24): Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Round 2 (55): Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Round 3 (85): Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU
Round 4 (101): Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
Round 4 (136): Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
Round 5 (161): Wyatt Teller, G, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (234): Tegray Scales, ILB, Indiana
Round 7 (242): Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
Chicago Bears: B+
Round 1 (8): Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Round 2 (39): James Daniels, C, Iowa
Round 2 (51): Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Round 4 (115): Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB, Western Kentucky
Round 5 (145): Bilal Nichols, DT, Delaware
Round 6 (181): Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah
Round 7 (224): Javon Wims, WR, Georgia
Chicago absolutely nailed it by taking Roquan Smith. At #8, he was my top player available, let alone the best 4-3 Outside Linebacker, a position that Chicago desperately needed to fill. Chicago hasn't filled Josh Sitton's old Guard spot, and while James Daniels is traditionally a Center, he was the best Interior O-Lineman available, one of the best players available overall, and Chicago likes to move O-Lineman around anyways. The Bears have already done a lot to reshape the ugly Wide Receiver corps, and taking a decent-value wideout in Anthony Miller only furthered the progress. Chicago loses me on Day 3. I had Joel Iyiegbuniwe as my 245th overall prospect (a late 7th-round grade) and they took him in the middle of the fourth. Similarly, I had Bilal Nichols ranked 248th, and they took him at #145. Chicago finally took a pass rusher at #181 in Kylie Fitts, who was my 4th-best edge rusher available. Javon Wims is just a practice squad receiver addition at #224.
X-Factor: Roquan Smith's playmaking ability as a starting Linebacker
Overall: Chicago took care of their biggest need in a big way, and mostly filled the other needs on Day 2 and 3.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (8): Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Round 2 (39): James Daniels, C, Iowa
Round 2 (51): Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Round 4 (115): Dorance Armstrong, DE/OLB, Kansas
Round 5 (145): Genard Avery, ILB, Memphis
Round 6 (181): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 7 (224): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Cincinnati Bengals: B
Round 1 (21): Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State
Round 2 (54): Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
Round 3 (77): Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Round 3 (78): Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
Round 4 (112): Mark Walton, RB, Miami
Round 5 (151): Davontae Harris, CB, Illinois State
Round 5 (158): Andrew Brown, DT, Virginia
Round 5 (170): Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan
Round 7 (249): Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo
Cincinnati had arguably the worst Offensive Line in the league last year, and now they have their new starting Center in Billy Price. Jessie Bates is a great value at #54, but other needs were more prevalent than Safety. Sam Hubbard is a steal at #77, gets to stay in-state, and he can learn from Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson before taking one of their spots in 2019. Malik Jefferson is also a steal at #78 and should see significant reps while filling in during Vontaze Burfict's suspension. I compared Mark Walton to Giovani Bernard throughout the draft process, and now he gets to learn behind him. I don't know why Cincy took Davontae Harris over Parry Nickerson, then take Andrew Brown over Tim Settle. Both of those players, plus Darius Phillips, are just depth options. I do really like Logan Woodside at #249, as it's a decent value, he stays in state, he's a good scheme fit and he's mature enough to handle QB2 responsibilities right away.
X-Factor: Billy Price's starting capabilities to bolster one of the NFL's worst Offensive Lines in 2017.
Overall: Cincinnati addressed most of their biggest needs with high value picks, but definitely could have made higher-value selections at needed positions in the middle rounds.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (21): James Daniels, C, Iowa
Round 2 (54): Brian O'Neill, RT, Pittsburgh
Round 3 (77): Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Round 3 (78): Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
Round 4 (112): Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
Round 5 (151): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 5 (158): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 5 (170): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 7 (249): Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
Cleveland Browns: D+
Round 1 (1): Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Round 1 (4): Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Round 2 (33): Austin Corbett, OL, Nevada
Round 2 (35): Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
Round 3 (67): Chad Thomas, DE, Miami
Round 4 (105): Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
Round 5 (150): Genard Avery, ILB, Memphis
Round 6 (175): Damion Ratley, WR, Texas A&M
Round 6 (188): Simeon Thomas, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette
This is definitely not what I would've done. I'm the farthest thing from a Baker Mayfield fan. He's short with small hands, and that combination has NEVER once been successful in the NFL. His maturity issues are just the icing on the cake, and I thought I was still being generous ranking him as my 26th best prospect. Denzel Ward is the best slot corner in this draft, and DC Gregg Williams wanted more man-to-man corners, but Cleveland would really take him over Bradley Chubb, my third-best prospect overall? Austin Corbett did play four years at Left Tackle for Nevada, but like his Wolfpack predecessor Joel Bitonio, he's built to be an athletic Guard at the next level, not a Left Tackle. Some people love the Nick Chubb pick, but I had Ronald Jones and Derrius Guice (both available at #35) ranked higher. Antionio Callaway is an absolute steal at #105 - if his massive off-the-field issues can be countered. It may not be a good idea to put him in the same practice group as Josh Gordon, just saying. Genard Avery is an appropriate fifth-rounder, but sitting behind Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert, he's just a depth and special teams option. Damion Ratley was even among the ten best receivers available at #175, and in a similar fashion, I didn't have Simeon Thomas getting drafted either.
X-Factor: Is Baker Mayfield the guy to finally break Cleveland's QB curse?
Overall: I'm not sure there's a single pick I would have done in this draft. Cleveland may have one of the biggest boom-or-bust draft classes I've ever seen.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (1): Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Round 1 (4): Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Round 2 (33): Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
Round 2 (35): MJ Stewart, CB, North Carolina
Round 3 (67): Chukwuma Okorafor, T, Western Michigan
Round 4 (105): Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
Round 5 (150): Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (175): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 6 (188): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Dallas Cowboys: B+
Round 1 (19): Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State
Round 2 (50): Connor Williams, RT, Texas
Round 3 (81): Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
Round 4 (116): Dorance Armstrong, DE/OLB, Kansas
Round 4 (137): Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
Round 5 (171): Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
Round 6 (192): Chris Covington, OLB, Indiana
Round 6 (208): Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise STate
Round 7 (236): Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
Dallas definitely drafted players that love the Cowboys. Leighton Vander Esch fills one of the Cowboys' biggest needs, Connor Williams adds talented depth at Right Tackle and Guard, and both players have dreamt of playing for Dallas since they were kids. Michael Gallup is a project receiver and a decent value in the third round, and Gallup can take the time he needs to develop behind Allen Hurns, Terrence Williams and Cole Beasley. DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory are on their final contract years, and Dorance Amstrong can spend a year to learn behind them and eventually take their reps. Jason Witten's retirement calls for Tight End help, but Dalton Schultz is a block-first option, so the choice in Tight End is surprising. Mike White is a decent value in the fifth round, and he's deserving of QB2 status in no time. Chris Covington is a stretch in the sixth, but WR Cedrick Wilson at #208 and RB Bo Scarbrough at #236 are both absolute steals, adding immediate value and depth at both respective positions.
X-Factor: How successfully Dalton Schultz can replace Jason Witten.
Overall: Dallas addressed all of their draft needs except D-Tackle, and they got decent value throughout the three-day process as well.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (19): Leighton Vander Esch, ILB, Boise State
Round 2 (50): Connor Williams, RT, Texas
Round 3 (81): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Round 4 (116): Dorance Armstrong, DE/OLB, Kansas
Round 4 (137): Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
Round 5 (171): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 6 (192): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 6 (208): Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
Round 7 (236): Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
Denver Broncos: A
Round 1 (5): Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Round 2 (40): Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Round 3 (71): Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Round 3 (99): Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Round 4 (106): Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
Round 4 (113): DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
Round 5 (156): Troy Fumagali, TE, Wisconsin
Round 6 (183): Sam Jones, G/C, Arizona State
Round 6 (217): Keishawn Bierria, LB, Washington
Round 7 (226): David Williams, RB, Arkansas
Wow, Denver had a lot of talented options fall to wherever they were picking. I'm pretty sure Broncos fans are still pinching themselves that Bradley Chubb fell to #5. Courtland Sutton was my second-best receiver in the entire draft, and by far an incredible value at #40. After cutting C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker stood as the lone starting back, so adding Royce Freeman at #71 was a solid find. Only Nyheim Hines was a higher-ranked RB available at #71. Isaac Yiadom was my second-best available CB at #99 behind Anthony Averett, and he should quickly fill Aqib Talib's spot. Josey Jewell was a solid find at #106, by far the best Inside Linebacker available. Clearly the Broncos wanted depth at receiving options, as they took the best WR available at #113 in DaeSean Hamilton. TE Troy Fumagali and OL Sam Jones were both reaches, but they filled needs that probably should have been address in the first 150 picks. I didn't have Keishawn Bierrie or David Williams getting drafted, but they're just depth options that late in the draft anyways.
X-Factor: How disruptive Bradley Chubb can be starting opposite of Von Miller.
Overall: Denver touched on all of their needs with incredible value finds, and while I would have added Tight End and Guard help earlier, they found an excellent balance of best player available and need-filling throughout all seven rounds.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (5): Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Round 2 (40): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 3 (71): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Round 3 (99): Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Round 4 (106): Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
Round 4 (113): DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
Round 5 (156): Wyatt Teller, G, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (183): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 6 (217): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Round 7 (226): Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
Detroit Lions: D
Round 1 (20): Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
Round 2 (43): Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
Round 3 (82): Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana-Lafayette
Round 4 (114): Da'Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama
Round 5 (153): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 7 (237): Nick Bawden, FB, San Diego State
Okay, what was Detroit thinking with taking Frank Ragnow? I know Center is arguably their biggest need, but they took Ragnow, who I gave a third-round grade, over immediate starting Center prospects James Daniels and Billy Price. Derrius Guice was the only Running Back prospect ranked higher than Kerryon Johnson at #43, but Johnson was a better fit next to LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah. I had Tracy Walker ranked 194th as a mediocre sixth-rounder, and Detroit took him over bigger needs at #82. Detroit finally addressed the D-Line on Saturday with Da'Shawn Hand, the best available 4-3 Defensive Tackle. Tyrell Crosby was a steal at #153, instantly providing a solid backup option at all four Tackle and Guard spots. Nick Bawden is a Fullback who I saw going undrafted, but I guess they saw him as a bigger need than edge rusher.
X-Factor: The starting abilities of Detroit's Day 2 and 3 picks.
Overall: Detroit really confused me with this draft, as the only silver linings are the value they got in Da'Shawn Hand and Tyrell Crosby in where they were picked.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (20): James Daniels, C, Iowa
Round 2 (43): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 3 (82): Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU
Round 4 (114): Da'Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama
Round 5 (153): Ogbonnio Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
Round 7 (237): Auden Tate, WR, Florida State
Green Bay Packers: B-
Round 1 (18): Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Round 2 (45): Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Round 3 (88): Oren Burks, LB, Vanderbilt
Round 4 (133): J'Mon Moore, WR, Missouri
Round 5 (138): Cole Madison, OL, Washington State
Round 5 (172): JK Scott, P, Alabama
Round 5 (174): Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Central Florida
Round 6 (207): Equanimous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
Round 7 (237): James Looney, DL, UCLA
Round 7 (239): Hunter Bradley, LS, Mississippi State
Round 7 (248): Kendall Donnerson, OLB, Southeast Missouri State
Green Bay traded back, then traded up again to get the perfect fit at Cornerback in Jaire Alexander. They doubled down at CB on one of the best players available at #45 in Josh Jackson. Oren Bucks is a coverage backer, which I have no idea why they'd take that over an edge rusher. Green Bay needed receiving help, but there were many more talented options than J'Mon Moore at #133. Cole Madison is a slight reach at #138, but he was by far the most versatile option. However, he'll likely only be a backup Right Guard in 2018. Marquez Valdez-Scantling is a total reach at #174, but Equanimous St. Brown is a great, tall value at #207. James Looney is an okay value at #237, but Green Bay doesn't need D-Line help. Hunter Bradley is only the fourth long snapper ever to be drafted, and according to NFL.com, he wasn't even the best Long Snapper in this draft. Green Bay FINALLY takes an edge rusher at #248, and Kendall Donnerson is a practice squad option at best.
X-Factor: How many reps Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson can handle successfully at Cornerback, both now and long-term.
Overall: Green Bay knocks out their biggest needs and improves on special teams, but they still have gaping holes at edge rusher and the right side of the O-Line.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (18): Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Round 2 (45): Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Round 3 (88): Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Round 4 (133): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 5 (138): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 5 (172): JK Scott, P, Alabama
Round 5 (174): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 6 (207): Equanimous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
Round 7 (237): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Round 7 (239): Jeff Holland, DE/OLB, Auburn
Round 7 (248): Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
Houston Texans: C+
Round 3 (68): Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Round 3 (80): Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State
Round 3 (98): Jordan Akins, TE, Central Florida
Round 4 (103): Keke Coutee, WR, Texas Tech
Round 6 (177): Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
Round 6 (211): Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
Round 6 (214): Peter Kalambayi, OLB, Stanford
Round 7 (222): Jermaine Kelly, CB, San Jose State
Houston didn't pick until the third round, but they got a borderline first-round talent in Justin Reid. Safety was a need for Houston, and they got one of the biggest steals in this entire draft. Martinas Rankin can help fill the voids at Right Tackle and Guard, and he's a good value at #80. Jordan Akins is a reach at #98, but they did need Tight End help. I had Keke Coutee at a seventh-round grade, and Houston took him at #103. Duke Ejiofor is a great value at #177, but edge rusher isn't really a need for Houston. Jordan Thomas is another Tight End for depth, showing how badly the Texans need TE help. Peter Kalambayi was a stretch at #214, and Jermaine Kelly is a practice squad talent taken at #222.
X-Factor: How well Martinas Rankin can protect DeShaun Watson
Overall: Houston didn't have much to work with, but they got two very good picks and four or five questionable ones.
What I would've done:
Round 3 (68): Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Round 3 (80): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Round 3 (98): DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
Round 4 (103): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 6 (177): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 6 (211): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Round 6 (214): Jeff Holland, DE/OLB, Auburn
Round 7 (222): Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
Indianapolis Colts: B
Round 1 (6): Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Round 2 (36): Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State
Round 2 (37): Braden Smith, G, Auburn
Round 2 (52): Kemoko Turay, DE/OLB, Rutgers
Round 2 (64): Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
Round 4 (104): Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State
Round 5 (159): Daurice Fountain, WR, Northern Iowa
Round 5 (169): Jordan Wilkins, RB, Ole Miss
Round 6 (185): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 7 (221): Matthew Adams, ILB, Houston
Round 7 (235): Zaire Franklin, ILB, Syracuse
Indy took my top overall prospect at #6 in Quenton Nelson, which is perfect for priority #1: protecting Andrew Luck. Darius Leonard is a reach at #36, as Jerome Baker and Malik Jefferson were both still on the board. The Colts double down at Guard with Braden Smith, which is surprising since they have other needs. Kemoko Turay at #52 and Tyquan Lewis at #64 are two edge rushing option, and both are taken before Arden Key and Sam Hubbard. Nyheim Hines is a good value at #104, and Indy needs a starting option alongside Marlon Mack and Robert Turbin. Daurice Fountain is an okay receiving option at #159, but they took a better one later at #185 in Deon Cain. The Colts took another RB in Jordan Wilkins at #169, and I didn't even have him in my top 250 prospects. Matthew Adams at #221 and Zaire Franklin at #235 are just practice squad talents fighting for a roster spot.
X-Factor: Darius Leonard, Kemoko Turay and Tyquan Lewis' collective impact will have on pass defense.
Overall: Indianapolis nailed it with their top pick and addressed most of their needs, but the players they decided to take raised more than a few eyebrows.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (6): Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Round 2 (36): Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College
Round 2 (37): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 2 (52): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Round 2 (64): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Round 4 (104): Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
Round 5 (159): Jamarco Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 5 (169): John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
Round 6 (185): Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
Round 7 (221): Tegray Scales, LB, Indiana
Round 7 (235): Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+
Round 1 (29): Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Round 2 (61): DJ Chark, WR, LSU
Round 3 (93): Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Round 4 (129): Will Richardson, T, North Carolina State
Round 6 (203): Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska
Round 7 (230): Leon Jacobs, OLB, Wisconsin
Round 7 (247): Logan Cooke, P, Mississippi State
While Jacksonville didn't have many holes to fill, I was surprised they took a Defensive Tackle. Taven Bryan is a good value, and he'll get to learn behind Marcell Dareus and Malik Jackson. DJ Chark at #61 does address a need, and he's a good value and the fastest receiver in the draft. Ronnie Harrison is an absolute steal at #93. The Jags took Will Richardson above Tyrell Crosby and Jamarco Jones at #129, a surprising move. Even more surprising was taking Tanner Lee, who I gave an undrafted value, at #203 over maybe seven or eight better Quarterbacks. Leon Jacobs is a depth option and a decent value at #230. Taking a punter at #247 and waiving Brad Nortman certainly raised my eyebrows.
X-Factor: Taven Bryan, DJ Chark and Ronnie Harrison's long-term starting potentials.
Overall: Jacksonville added depth at a variety of spots, but it's safe to say their draft was far from impactful.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (29): Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Round 2 (61): DJ Chark, WR, LSU
Round 3 (93): Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Round 4 (129): Genard Avery, LB, Memphis
Round 6 (203): Bradley Bozeman, C, Alabama
Round 7 (230): Desmond Harrison, T, West Georgia
Round 7 (247): Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
Kansas City Chiefs: B-
Round 2 (46): Breeland Speaks, DE, Ole Miss
Round 3 (75): Derrick Nnadi, DL, Florida State
Round 3 (100): Dorian O'Daniel, LB, Clemson
Round 4 (124): Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
Round 6 (196): Tremon Smith, CB, Central Arkansas
Round 6 (198): Kahlil McKenzie, DT/G, Tennessee
Kansas City had to wait until Day 2 to pick, and their first selection was a surprise. Breeland Speaks provides versatility across the D-Line and Outside Linebacker, but I gave him a 4th round grade and they took him #46 over Sam Hubbard and Arden Key, two better prospects than can provide the same versatility. Derrick Nnadi is a decent value at #75 and they needed a new 4-3 D-Tackle option. Dorian O'Daniel was the best Inside Linebacker available at #100, and they filled another need. Armani Watts at #124 is a decent value as well, but Marcus Allen was still on the board. I thought CB Tremon Smith would be a seventh round sleeper, and Kansas City added needed depth at corner. Kahilil McKenzie is an interesting pick, because the Chiefs' only offensive player is, technically, a defensive tackle.
X-Factor: The extent of which Breeland Speaks, Derrick Nnadi and Dorian O'Daniel can fill holes on defense.
Overall: Kansas City touched on all their needs, and despite taking possibly lesser players at a few positions, didn't make any drastic reaches either.
What I would've done:
Round 2 (46): Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
Round 3 (75): Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Round 3 (100): Da'Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama
Round 4 (124): Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
Round 6 (196): Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (198): Colby Gossett, G, Appalachian State
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
Round 1 (17): Derwin James, S, Florida State
Round 2 (48): Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC
Round 3 (84): Justin Jones, DT, North Carolina State
Round 4 (119): Kyzir White, S, West Virginia
Round 5 (155): Scott Quessenberry, C/G, UCLA
Round 6 (191): Dylan Cantrell, WR, Texas Tech
Round 7 (251): Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
Los Angeles may have gotten the biggest steal of the first round in Derwin James. He's a Top 10 talent that will instantly be a Kam Chancellor-like enforcer in their poor run defense. Uchenna Nwosu was likely taken a round too early, but they finally have a coverage linebacker. Justin Jones was also probably a round too early, and there were four or five better DT's on the board at #84. Kyzir White is a great value at #119, but that the second Safety taken already. Scott Quessenberry is a decent Interior Lineman value at #155. Dylan Cantrell was a bit of a reach at #191, as there were certainly better receiver options available. Justin Jackson at #251 is just a throwaway pick, so no complaints there.
X-Factor: Derwin James' disruptiveness, as well as Justin Jones' ability to fill in for Corey Liuget during his suspension.
Overall: the Bolts killed it in the first round, and filled most of their other needs in the two days to follow.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (17): Derwin James, S, Florida State
Round 2 (48): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Round 3 (84): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Round 4 (119): Genard Avery, LB, Memphis
Round 5 (155): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 6 (191): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 7 (251): Jeff Holland, DE/OLB, Auburn
Los Angeles Rams: D+
Round 3 (89): Joseph Noteboom, T, TCU
Round 4 (111): Brian Allen, C, Michigan State
Round 4 (135): John Franklin-Myers, DE, Stephen F. Austin
Round 5 (148): Micah Kizer, LB, Virginia
Round 5 (160): Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
Round 6 (176): John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
Round 6 (192): Jamil Demby, T, Maine
Round 6 (195): Sebastian Joseph, DT, Rutgers
Round 6 (205): Trevon Young, DE, Louisville
Round 7 (231): Travin Howard, LB, TCU
Round 7 (244): Justin Lawler, DE, SMU
The Rams didn't draft until pick #89, but they made some, well, interesting selections throughout Friday and Saturday. LA took Joe Noteboom over Chuks Okorafor, Tyrell Crosby, and Jamarco Jones. They took another O-Lineman at #111 in C Brian Allen, who I gave a seventh-round grade. DE John Franklin-Myers was another 7th Round grade in my books, and they took him at #135. Micah Kizer at #148 is their first round-appropriate pick, and LA finally addresses their biggest need. OLB Obo Okoronkwo is a great value at #160, and they need depth on the edge. John Kelly is another great-value pick at #176, just a bench option behind Todd Gurley. T Jamil Demby at #192 and DT Sebastian Joseph at #195 are undrafted, practice squad options taken far too early. Trevon Young at #205 is an okay pick, but taking LB Travin Howard at #231 and DE Justin Lawler at #244 doesn't make much sense.
X-Factor: How many reps Micah Kizer and Obo Okoronkwo can successfully handle at Linebacker
Overall: the Rams made a statement that they're prioritizing protecting Jared Goff, but outside of sending a statement, their draft missed the mark. It's a good thing LA could care less about their draft.
What I would've done:
Round 3 (89): Dorian O'Daniel, LB, Syracuse
Round 4 (111): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 4 (135): Scott Quessenberry, C/G, UCLA
Round 5 (148): Micah Kizer, LB, Virginia
Round 5 (160): Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
Round 6 (176): John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
Round 6 (192): Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (195): Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
Round 6 (205): Trevon Young, DE, Louisville
Round 7 (231): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Round 7 (244): Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
Miami Dolphins: B+
Round 1 (11): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Round 2 (42): Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Round 3 (73): Jerome Baker, LB, Ohio State
Round 4 (123): Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4 (131): Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State
Round 6 (209): Cornell Amstrong, CB, Southern Miss
Round 7 (227): Quentin Poling, LB, Ohio
Round 7 (229): Jason Sanders, K, New Mexico
Miami is undergoing a culture change, especially on defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick is perfect for Miami, as he's an immediate defensive playmaker and a fresh face on D following Ndamukong Suh's timely departure. Mike Gesicki fills the shoes of Julius Thomas instantly at Tight End. Depth was needed at Linebacker, and they got a good value in Jerome Baker at #73. Durham Smythe is an appropriate 4th rounder, and Miami clearly needed help at Tight End. Kalen Ballage was a sleeper RB I had my eyes on, and taking him at #131 might turn out to be an incredible value. There were better corners at #209 than Cornell Armstrong, and LB Quentin Poling is an average dpeht option at #227. Miami needed a Kicker, and they finally took one at #229.
X-Factor: The ceilings of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Mike Gesicki, Jerome Baker and Durham Smythe.
Overall: Miami picked great value at nearly every position, but surprisingly didn't take a Quarterback.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (11): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Round 2 (42): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Round 3 (73): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Round 4 (123): Mark Walton, RB, Miami
Round 4 (131): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 6 (209): Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
Round 7 (227): Tegray Scales, LB, Indiana
Round 7 (229): Jason Sanders, K, New Mexico
Minnesota Vikings: B-
Round 1 (30): Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Round 2 (62): Brian O'Neill, RT, Pittsburgh
Round 4 (102): Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State
Round 5 (157): Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan
Round 5 (167): Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn
Round 6 (213): Colby Gossett, G, Appalachian State
Round 6 (218): Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane
Round 7 (225): Devante Downs, LB, California
There were good Guards and Tackles available at #30, but Minnesota must have been big enough fans of CB Mike Hughes to take him over bigger needs. Brian O'Neill is a decent value at #62 who should start a Right Tackle, moving Mike Remmers inside to take Joe Berger's old spot. Jalyn Holmes is an appropriate 4th-rounder, and GM Rick Spielman has been open about adding depth on the D-Line. Tyler Conklin was a seventh-round grade in my eyes, but Minnesota reached for him at #157. K Kai Forbath re-signed, but Daniel Carlson is the best kicker in this draft. Colby Gossett is an okay depth addition at #214. Minnesota adds practice squad talent in DE Ade Aruna at #218 and LB Devante Downs at #225.
X-Factor: Brian O'Neill's ability to protect Kirk Cousins.
Overall: Minnesota didn't have a ton of needs going into the draft, but they did a decent job adding depth and youth on both offense and defense.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (30): Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Round 2 (62): Brian O'Neill, RT, Pittsburgh
Round 4 (102): Da'Shawn Hand, DT, Alabama
Round 5 (157): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 5 (167): Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn
Round 6 (213): Colby Gossett, G, Appalachian State
Round 6 (218): Jeff Holland, DE/OLB, Auburn
Round 7 (225): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
New England Patriots: B
Round 1 (23): Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
Round 1 (31): Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Round 2 (56): Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
Round 5 (143): Ja'Whaun Bentley, LB, Purdue
Round 6 (178): Christian Sam, LB, Arizona State
Round 6 (210): Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami
Round 7 (219): Danny Etling, QB, LSU
Isaiah Wynn is a good value O-Lineman at #23, but he's more of a guard and New England has a gaping hole at Left Tackle. If they can convert him to the blind spot, then this is a crazy good pick. Given Derrius Guice's off-the-field problems on the eve of the draft, Sony Michel was likely the top Running Back available at #31, and they need someone to fill Dion Lewis' absence on the depth chart. Duke Dawson was by far the best slot cornerback available at #56, something the Pats desperately need after their embarrassing Malcolm Butler scenario. Ja'Whaun Bentley at #143 and Christian Sam at #178 are both versatile linebackers, but I had them both as seventh-round grades. Braxton Berrios is actually a killer pick at #210, given New England lost their top slot option in Danny Amendola and Berrios will compete for returning reps right away. The Patriots might have made the worst pick in the draft, however, at #219: Danny Etling. Throughout the entire draft, all of the LSU receivers and Running Backs were given some slack because their production would be better with an actually-talented Quarterback. Well, that not-so-good QB was Etling, and the Patriots decided to make him their only long-term option on the roster right now.
X-Factor: Isaiah Wynn's ability to shift to Left Tackle will be the deciding factor of how successful this draft class is.
Overall: New England got solid value at most of their needs, something that can't be said for all franchises.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (23): Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Round 1 (31): Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Round 2 (56): Geron Christian, T, Louisville
Round 5 (143): Genard Avery, LB, Memphis
Round 6 (178): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 6 (210): Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami
Round 7 (219): Leon Jacobs, OLB, Wisconsin
New Orleans Saints: B-
Round 1 (14): Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
Round 3 (91): Tre'Quan Smith, WR, Central Florida
Round 4 (127): Rick Leonard, T, Florida State
Round 5 (164): Natrell Jamerson, DB, Wisconsin
Round 6 (189): Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College
Round 6 (201): Boston Scott, RB, Louisiana Tech
Round 7 (245): Will Clapp, C/G, LSU
The Saints made one of the ballsiest moves in the draft by giving up next year's first rounder to move up and take Marcus Davenport. He himself is a boom-or-bust prospect, with the ceiling of a Pro Bowl edge rusher and a floor of a rotational option at best. Tre'Quan Smith isn't too much of a reach, but there were four or five better receivers on the board at #91. I didn't even have Rick Leonard getting drafted, but New Orleans took him at #127 over much better Tackles. Natrell Jamerson may be a slight stretch at #164, but his versatility makes this pick okay. I had Kamrin Moore as my 40th best corner, far from draft-worthy, and they took him at #189. Similarly, Boston Scott was the tenth-best RB available at #201. Will Clapp is a local talent with experience, versatility and decent value at #245.
X-Factor: Marcus Davenport as a player. He's probably the biggest boom-or-bust defensive pick in the entire draft.
Overall: New Orleans did a good job covering their needs, but many of the later selections had much better players in each position still on the board. Then again, New Orleans had one of the best rookie classes of this decade last year, so I wouldn't doubt 'em.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (14): Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
Round 3 (91): Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Round 4 (127): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 5 (164): Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
Round 6 (189): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
Round 6 (201): Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
Round 7 (245): Kameron Kelly, DB, San Diego State
New York Giants: A+
Round 1 (2): Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Round 2 (34): Will Hernandez, G, Texas-El Paso
Round 3 (66): Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Round 3 (69): B.J. Hill, DT, North Carolina State
Round 4 (108): Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
Round 5 (139): R.J. McIntosh, DT, Miami
Saquon Barkely was absolutely the right decision over any Quarterback prospect at #2. He's an immmediate 1,500+ yards from scrimmage candidate, a level of guaranteed production none of the QB's could offer. Will Hernandez was one of my favorite prospects, and at #34, was my best player available regardless of position. Lorenzo Carter is a great value at #66, and now the Giants have addressed their top three needs with incredible value. B.J. Hill is a solid value at #69, and they could use depth on the D-Line. Kyle Lauletta is a solid fourth-round value, and New York needs another long-term option behind Eli Manning. R.J. McIntosh is the second DT taken by New York, but again, he was one of the best players available on the board.
X-Factor: 1,000 Rushing Yards. That's likely the "it" number for Saquon Barkley, given the recent success of Leonard Fournette, Kareem Hunt and Ezekiel Elliott as 1,000+ Yard rookies.
Overall: New York took possibly the best pick available for them with each selection. I'm blown away with how similar GM Dave Gettleman and I graded this class and New York's priorities.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (2): Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Round 2 (34): Will Hernandez, G, Texas-El Paso
Round 3 (66): Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Round 3 (69): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Round 4 (108): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Round 5 (139): Scott Quessenberry, C/G, UCLA
New York Jets: B+
Round 1 (3): Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Round 3 (72): Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
Round 4 (107): Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
Round 6 (179): Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
Round 6 (180): Foley Fatukasi, DL, Connecticut
Round 6 (204): Trenton Cannon, RB, Virginia State
Sam Darnold was this draft's top Quarterback in my opinion, and the Jets need a franchise Quarterback as much as any team. Nathan Shepherd isn't an awful value at #72, but I had four or five Defensive Tackles ranked higher on the board. Chris Herndon at #107 is a decent value, and only Durham Smythe was ranked higher among available Tight Ends. Parry Nickerson was by far the best CB available at #179. Similarly, Foley Fatukasi was the best D-Lineman at #180. However, Trenton Cannon is a complete throwaway pick at #204, as the only value I can see here is competition at returner.
X-Factor: Can Sam Darnold become the first Jets QB since Ken O'Brien ('85-'91) to be the majority starter for more than four seasons?
Overall: It's hard to give a bad grade to the team that took the best Quarterback in the draft. The Jets got solid value at most, if not all of their needs, so it's a good draft for both Big Apple franchises.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (3): Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Round 3 (72): Rasheem Green, DL, USC
Round 4 (107): Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
Round 6 (179): Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
Round 6 (180): Trevon Young, DE/OLB, Louisville
Round 6 (204): Bradley Bozeman, C/G, Alabama
Oakland Raiders: B
Round 1 (15): Kolton Miller, T, UCLA
Round 2 (57): P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State
Round 3 (65): Brandon Parker, T, North Carolina A&T
Round 3 (87): Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU
Round 4 (110): Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
Round 5 (140): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Round 5 (173): Johnny Townsend, P, Florida
Round 6 (216): Azeem Victor, LB, Washington
Round 7 (228): Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
To me, Kolton Miller was the highest-ranked Left Tackle prospect, but if Oakland's taking him at #15, he must be their Right Tackle of the future. I'm a big fan of P.J. Hall, and I wasn't expecting the small-school workhorse to go this early, but I have no problem with it. Brandon Parker at #65 was a reach over better Tackles, and they already took one at #15. Arden Key is a steal at #87, as long as they can work with his off-the-field issues. Injuries clearly aren't a concern for Oakland, as both CB Nick Nelson at #110 and DT Maurice Hurst at #140 are great values that slid due to knee surgery and a heart condition, respectively. Oakland cut Marquette King, so drafting the best punter available at #173 makes sense. Azeem Victor is just a practice squad talent at #216, but WR MArcell Ateman at #228 is a crazy good seventh-round choice.
X-Factor: Kolton Miller's growth at Right Tackle, opposite of his natural position.
Overall: Oakland didn't take an Inside Linebacker, but they covered most of their other needs and might have taken three steals in Arden Key, Maurice Hurst and Marcell Ateman.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (15): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (57): Brian O'Neill, RT, Pittsburgh
Round 3 (65): Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Round 3 (87): Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Round 4 (110): Mark Walton, RB, Miami
Round 5 (140): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Round 5 (173): Johnny Townsend, P, Florida
Round 6 (216): Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
Round 7 (228): Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
Philadelphia Eagles: B+
Round 2 (49): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Round 4 (125): Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh
Round 4 (130): Josh Sweat, DE/OLB, Florida State
Round 6 (206): Matt Pryor, T/G, TCU
Round 7 (233): Jordan Mailata, T, Australia
Philadelphia absolutely trolled Dallas by trading up for Dallas Goedert, who I had as my top-ranked Tight End, one spot ahead of the Jason Witten-less Cowboys. The Eagles had fewer needs than any other franchise this offseason, but they did lose Trey Burton and cut Brent Celek, so taking a physically dominant TE early makes sense. Avonte Maddox is an okay value at #125, as they lost Patrick Robinson and only Parry Nickerson was ranked higher among available corners. Josh Sweat was by far the best edge rusher available at #130, hopefully freeing up Philly to possibly cut cap-heavy OLB Mychal Kendricks. Matt Pryor at #206 just adds needed depth across the O-Line, and they took a very interesting prospect in Jordan Mailata at #233. He's a massive, physical rugby player who's never played a snap of American football in his life. Have fun with that one, Doug Pederson.
X-Factor: Dallas Goedert mirroring Brent Celek and Trey Burton's combined 2017 production: 36 Receptions, 378 Yards and 6 Touchdowns.
Overall: Philly didn't need that much help from the draft, but they added depth at the five most needy positions. No complaints here.
What I would've done:
Round 2 (49): Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Round 4 (125): Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
Round 4 (130): Josh Sweat, DE/OLB, Florida State
Round 6 (206): Matt Pryor, T/G, TCU
Round 7 (233): Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
Round 1 (28): Terrell Edmunds, S/LB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (60): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Round 3 (76): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Round 3 (92): Chuks Okorafor, T, Western Michigan
Round 5 (148): Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
Round 5 (165): Jaylen Samuels, FB/TE, North Carolina State
Round 7 (246): Joshua Frazier, DT, Florida State
I had no idea what Pittsburgh was thinking reaching for Terrell Edmunds at #28, until I learned how Mike Tomlin plans to use him. He and the rest of the Steelers' front office see Endmunds as a combo safety who can also play as a hybrid linebacker, and if that's the case, the reach for my 93rd overall prospect is partially warranted. James Washington was the best wideout available at #60, a need after trading away Martavis Bryant. Mason Rudolph was a league above any other Quarterback prospect at #76, and Big Ben isn't getting any younger. Chukwuma Okorafor was the best Tackle available at #92, and he'll be the swing Tackle option right away. Marcus Allen at #148 is an absolute steal, and he's more of a traditional Safety compared to Terrell Pittsburgh gets versatility and depth with Jaylen Samuels, immediately deserving of reps as a backup Tight End and Fullback. Joshua Frazier was my 258th overall prospect, so taking him for depth purposes at #246 is a decent choice.
X-Factor: Terrell Edmunds' usability wherever he lines up.
Overall: Although I still consider Terrell Edmunds a reach at #28, Pittsburgh stuck to their board and filled most of their needs with Steeler-like players.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (28): Terrell Edmunds, S/LB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (60): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Round 3 (76): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Round 3 (92): Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
Round 5 (148): Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
Round 5 (165): Jamarco Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 7 (246): Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
San Francisco 49ers: C+
Round 1 (9): Mike McGlinchey, T, Notre Dame
Round 2 (44): Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
Round 3 (70): Fred Warner, LB, BYU
Round 3 (95): Tarvarius Moore, FS, Southern Miss
Round 4 (128): Kentavius Street, DE, North Carolina State
Round 5 (142): D.J. Reed, CB, Kansas State
Round 6 (184): Marcell Harris, S, Florida
Round 7 (223): Jullian Taylor, DT, Temple
Round 7 (240): Richie James, WR, Middle Tennessee State
I didn't have Right Tackle as one of San Fran's five biggest needs, but they were confident enough in Mike McGlinchey to trade away their former starting RT Trent Brown. McGlinchey is the best Tackle in the draft, and he's definitely ready to start Week 1. Dante Pettis at #44 isn't an awful value, but I had four available wideouts ranked higher than Pettis. Similarly, Fred Warner was taken a round too early and before much better edge rushers and traditional linebackers. Tarvarius Moore at #95 is a good value, and they need someone to take Eric Reid's old reps. Kentavious Streets is a reach at #128, especially above Duke Ejiofor and Marquis Haynes. I don't see how D.J. Reed at #142 is a better choice than Parry Nickerson. At #184, I had seven available Safeties ranked higher than Marcell Harris, whom I gave an undrafted grade. Again, Jullian Taylor at #223 and Richie James at #240 are undrafted talents taken in the final round.
X-Factor: Mike McGlinchey's consistency in blocking for both the running and passing game at Right Tackle.
Overall: San Fran covered most of their needs, but better players were available at all of their five Day 3 selections.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (9): Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Round 2 (44): Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Round 3 (70): Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Round 3 (95): Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
Round 4 (128): Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
Round 5 (142): Tyrell Crosby, T/G, Oregon
Round 6 (184): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 7 (223): Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
Round 7 (240): Desmond Harrison, T, West Georgia
Seattle Seahawks: D
Round 1 (27): Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Round 3 (79): Rasheem Green, DL, USC
Round 4 (120): Will Dissly, TE, Washington
Round 5 (141): Shaquem Griffin, LB/SS, Central Florida
Round 5 (146): Tre Flowers, DB, Oklahoma State
Round 5 (149): Michael Dickson, P, Texas
Round 5 (168): Jamarco Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 6 (186): Jake Martin, DE/OLB, Temple
Round 7 (220): Alex McGough, QB, Florida International
Well, Seattle definitely had the biggest surprise of the First Round. Instead of addressing the growing number of holes on defense, who I gave a third round grade. Seattle took him over Derrius Guice, Sony Michel, Ronald Jones, Nick Chubb and Kerryon Johnson, five Running Backs who I graded better than Penny and were all still on the board at #27. I mean, what? Rasheem Green gives them versaitily on the D-Line, and is a good value at #79. I gave Will Dissley a seventh-round grade, and Seattle reached for the local product at #120. I get that they needed Tight Ends, but Durham Smythe, Dalton Schultz and Troy Fumagali were all much better options still on the board at #120. Shaquem Griffin at #141 is the feel-good story of this draft, and he provides flexibility and explosiveness in subpackages and special teams right away. It' would be a good value pick even if his brother wasn't on the roster. Tre Flowers can be used all across the secondary, but the fifth round is to oearly and there were better corners and Safeties on the board at #146. They got the best punter in the draft at #149, a solid value. Jamarco Jones is a steal at #168 and he's an immediate swing tackle with the potential to start on either side. Jake Martin was an undrafted value in my books, but Seattle took the edge rusher far too early anyways. Speaking of throwaway picks, Alex McGough wasn't even in my Top 350 prospects, but Seattle took the sporadic gunslinger at #220 anyways.
X-Factor: 830 Rushing Yards. That's the most by any player since Marshawn Lynch was a full-time starter, and that was Thomas Rawls in 2015. Seattle made the ballsy move to take Rashaad Penny over other talented Running Backs, so he better meet that 830 Yard mark (or at least do better than Derrius Guice, Sony Michel, Ronald Jones, Nick Chubb, and Kerryon Johnson). Good luck.
Overall: It's not the best of draft years if the most secure pick made is a Punter. Seattle's gamble on Rashaad Penny while leaving holes on defense wide open is a major gamble, and Pete Carroll has his work cut out for him. I don't blame Earl Thomas for not showing up to workouts.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (27): Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Round 3 (79): Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Round 4 (120): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Round 5 (141): Shaquem Griffin, LB/SS, Central Florida
Round 5 (146): Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
Round 5 (149): Michael Dickson, P, Texas
Round 5 (168): Jamarco Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 6 (186): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 7 (220): Will Clapp, C/G, LSU
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-
Round 1 (12): Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Round 2 (38): Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
Round 2 (53): MJ Stewart, DB, North Carolina
Round 2 (63): Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Round 3 (94): Alex Cappa, T/G, Humboldt State
Round 4 (117): Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh
Round 5 (144): Justin Watson, WR, Penn
Round 6 (202): Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
A lot of teams say they try to take the best player available regardless of position, but Tampa Bay clearly actually did it by taking a Defensive Tackle, not a position of need, at #12 in Vita Vea. I think Vea is a Top-10 talent, but Derwin James and Tremaine Edmunds are equally as good and would resolve more holes on defense. Tampa got the second-best Running Back on th eboard at #38 in Ronald Jones, and he's likely to see plenty of reps. MJ Stewart is a do-it-all defensive back that can help right away; however, Isaiah Oliver and Donte Jackson were both still on the board, and many scouts consider those two to be higher-ceiling prospects. Carlton Davis is a sizable corner at #63, and he is undoubtedly the best Corner available. Alex Cappa provides the versatility to back up both Tackle and Guard, but so does Tyrell Crosby, a prospect I graded being two rounds better. Jordan Whitehead is a reach at #117, especially considering Kyzir White, Marcus Allen, Armani Watts and DeShon Elliott were all still on the board. Justin Watson is even more of a reach, as I gave him an undrafted grade and Tampa took him at #144 over much better receivers. Jack Cichy is a solid find at #202, and he was by far the best Inside Linebacker option on the board.
X-Factor: Ronald Jones' ability to handle RB1 reps, and the collective impact of Vita Vea, MJ Stewart and Carlton Davis on what was the league's worst pass defense in 2017.
Overall: Although Tampa Bay didn't address any needs at #12, they used most of their other picks to make up for. However, while they got the position right, more often than not Tampa Bay got the player wrong.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (12): Derwin James, SS, Florida State
Round 2 (38): Derius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 2 (53): Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Round 2 (63): Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Round 3 (94): Tarvarius Moore, FS, Southern Miss
Round 4 (117): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Round 5 (144): Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Round 6 (202): Colby Gossett, G, Appalachian State
Tennessee Titans: B
Round 1 (22): Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Round 2 (41): Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College
Round 5 (152): Dane Cruikshank, DB, Arizona
Round 6 (199): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
With only four picks, it's hard to cover the entirety of any team's draft needs, but Tennessee filled Avery Williamson's old spot immediately at #22 with Rashaan Evans. A lot of scounts thought Tennessee was going the edge rusher route, but Titans RB Derrick Henry actually called his team taking his collegiate best friend in Evans. Just 19 picks later, Tennessee got an increible first-round-talent edge rusher in Harold Landry. Dane Cruikshank at #152 is a reach, but Tennessee likes his versatility at both Cornerback and nickel Safety. Luke Falk is an incredible value at #199 and my seventh-best QB in the entire draft, but it's surprising that the Titans, a team with their franchise QB still on his rookie contract, would be his suitor.
X-Factor: Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry's starting capabilities on pass defense.
Overall: Tennessee got two great talents at their two biggest needs. Not bad for a team with only four picks.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (22): Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama
Round 2 (41): Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College
Round 5 (152): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 6 (199): Cedrick Wilson, WR, Boise State
Washington: B
Round 1 (13): Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Round 2 (59): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 3 (74): Geron Christian, T, Louisville
Round 4 (109): Troy Apke, S, Penn State
Round 5 (163): Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
Round 6 (197): Shaun Dion Hamilton, LB, Alabama
Round 7 (241): Greg Stroman, CB, Virginia Tech
Round 7 (256): Trey Quinn, WR, SMU
It's not often that a teams draft Defensive Tackles in the first round in back-to-back years, let alone pick them from that same college. That's exactly what Washington did, and after Vita Vea was taken a spot before Washington, the 'Skins took the best Defensive Tackle on the board in Da'Ron Payne. He's a solid value at #13 and is the best run-stopping defensive lineman in this draft, something Washington desperately needed. Derrius Guice was my second-best Running Back, so the fact that he fell to #59 is miraculous. He already has the highest upside out of any back on the roster. Geron Christian is a swing Tackle by trade, and he''l be that right away for Washington as both of their starting Tackles are coming off of injury. He's a great value at #74 too. Troy Apke had a monster combine, but absolutely disappeared on tape, and going #109 is a complete reach over much better Safeties. Tim Settle is a downright steal at #163, and he will backup Payne and Jonathan Allen as a great third D-Tackle right away. Shaun Dion Hamilton only really got drafted because of how good his teammates are, and he'll likely be a practice squad bum. Greg Stroman at #241 is an appropriate pick for training camp, and out of all Mr. Irrelevants, WR Trey Quinn has the odds to be one of the best ever.
X-Factor: Da'Ron Payne's run-stopping ability and Derrius Guice's RB1 potential vs. his off-the-field issues.
Overall: Washington filled their big need in a big way, and got great values at other picks despite a few blatant reaches.
What I would've done:
Round 1 (13): Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Round 2 (59): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Round 3 (74): Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
Round 4 (109): DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
Round 5 (163): Jamarco Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 6 (197): DeShon Elliott, SS, Texas
Round 7 (241): Jeff Holland, DE/OLB, Auburn
Round 7 (256): Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
