 |
| Baker Mayfield & Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns |
Selections
Biggest Steal: QB Josh Rosen
Biggest Reach: RB Chase Edmonds
Overall Grade: A-
I was impressed with Arizona's Draft, a team lacking in much young talent. They were able to trade up without giving up too much to land their franchise quarterback, Josh Rosen, who I think is the best quarterback in this Draft. They followed that up by adding a young wide out that can be a major help in special teams in Christian Kirk and then Mason Cole, a center from Michigan who can also play guard. Fordham running back Chase Edmonds might have been a slight reach in the fourth, but the speedster did manage 1,799 yards in 2016 before an injury shortened 2017. If he can stay healthy, he can develop into an ideal backup for David Johnson.
Atlanta Falcons
Selections
Biggest Steal: WR Calvin Ridley
Biggest Reach: DT Deadrin Senat
Overall Grade: B
Atlanta managed to get one of the bigger steals of the first night, snatching up the sliding Calvin Ridley at 26, when most believed he would go in the first half of Round One. Paired with another former Alabama receiver, Julio Jones, Ridley should be incredibly productive. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver was a fine pickup late in the second, and Deadrin Senat was a solid pick to solve the issues the Falcons have in the interior of the defensive line. I expected the Falcons to invest more heavily on defense in this Draft, but they still came away with plenty of new weapons.
Baltimore Ravens
Selections
Biggest Steal: CB Anthony Averett
Biggest Reach: TE Hayden Hurst
Overall Grade: C
I have the utmost respect for Ozzie Newsome and what he has done leading Baltimore for so long, but his last Draft was underwhelming. Taking two tight ends within the first three rounds seemed like overkill with some of the other needs the Ravens needed to address. Selecting Hayden Hurst, a 24-year-old rookie, as early as they did, seemed like a huge reach in particular. I think Lamar Jackson has a chance to develop into something special and I applaud the pick. I also liked the selection of former Alabama corner Anthony Averett in the fourth round. He won't be a Day One starter, but is a well-rounded, experienced defensive back that should develop into something nice.
Buffalo Bills
Selections
Biggest Steal: LB Tremaine Edmunds
Biggest Reach: QB Josh Allen
Overall Grade: B-
The Bills are hoping they finally got their franchise QB, after trading up to land Wyoming product Josh Allen at seven. Allen is the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect, which doesn't necessarily make it a bad pick. With that being said, the price Buffalo paid to move up five spots was excessive, as there was a chance Allen might have slipped to them anyways at 12. Snagging linebacker Tremaine Edmunds at 16 was a big get; I thought he was a Top 10 lock. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips was also a great addition in the third round, as he was highly productive throughout his time at Stanford and will contribute.
Carolina Panthers
Selections
Biggest Steal: CB Donte Jackson
Biggest Reach: S Rashaan Gaulden
Overall Grade: B
The Panthers didn't wait to fix their two biggest needs: receiver and cornerback. They added Maryland product D.J. Moore in the first round to give Cam Newton more help on the outside, then snagged corner Donte Jackson late in the second. Getting Jackson, who had a terrific Combine and was considered by many to be a first round pick, all the way down at selection 55 was a huge win for this team. Carolina did a fine job adding further depth later on, including Indiana tight end Ian Thomas, who could be the heir to Greg Olsen.
Chicago Bears
Selections
Biggest Steal: WR Anthony Miller
Biggest Reach: LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
Overall Grade: A
I was highly critical of Chicago's Draft last year, but I think they came out as big winners here. The Bears added one of the country's most impactful defenders in Roquan Smith, who will immediately upgrade a mediocre front seven. They continued on by adding Iowa center James Daniels and Memphis wide out Anthony Miller, who were both steals where they got them. Daniels was considered by many to be a first round prospect and provides impressive versatility, while Miller is one of the nation's most underrated playmakers and helps at a position of need. Adding Utah pass rusher Kylie Fitts, who is a load to handle when healthy, all the way down in the sixth round was yet another steal for the Bears.
Cincinnati Bengals
Selections
Biggest Steal: DE Sam Hubbard
Biggest Reach: S Jessie Bates
Overall Grade: C+
Drafting a center in the first round is never a flashy move, but Ohio State center Billy Price did help a significant need and can play multiple positions. However, the Bengals could have likely traded down and landed him, but instead decided to slightly reach. Safety Jessie Bates is a ball-hawking safety with upside, but he was also a slight reach where Cincinnati decided to select him. I did love the Sam Hubbard pick early in the third round. I think the former Buckeye has one of the highest ceilings out of any defender in this Draft, and could have easily been a first round selection. Getting linebacker Malik Jefferson a pick later should also help; he could push the highly controversial Vontze Burfict out of a starting spot.
Cleveland Browns
Selections
Biggest Steal: WR Antonio Callaway
Biggest Reach: OG Austin Corbett
Overall Grade: C+
With four picks in the first 35 selections, I had high hopes for what new GM John Dorsey could do for the winning-starved Cleveland Browns, but I came away slightly disappointed. Baker Mayfield will be a highly scrutinized pick, but I think he can succeed, and has the right mindset for this situation. Denzel Ward and Nick Chubb are two high character guys at need positions, but I thought both were slight reaches. And then there is the Austin Corbett pick to open up the second round, which was very confusing. Corbett is a fine run blocker, but should not have been drafted over Will Hernandez or any number of other offensive linemen. Antonio Callaway has serious off-the-field concerns, but has the talent to be a steal in the fourth round.
Dallas Cowboys
Selections
Biggest Steal: OL Connor Williams
Biggest Reach: QB Mike White
Overall Grade: B+
Considering their love for the flashy move, I firmly expected Dallas to select a wide receiver in the first round but they did a good job of addressing other needs first and foremost. Leighton Vander Esch is a crazy story (came from a town of under 500, and was forced to play eight-on-eight football in high school) but should be a solid pro and can fill in for the injury-prone Sean Lee. Connor Williams was a fine selection in Round Two to keep Dallas' O-Line strong and the Cowboys still added some help at receiver, with Colorado State product Michael Gallup. He didn't get much nation attention, but Gallup recorded 1,413 yards in 2017 and will find ways to contribute.
Denver Broncos
Selections
Biggest Steal: DE Bradley Chubb
Biggest Reach: CB Isaac Yiadom
Overall Grade: A-
After months of speculation they would draft a quarterback or trade their pick, Denver did neither, staying put at five to add the best pass rusher in this Draft, Bradley Chubb. Chubb can form a terrifying 1-2 punch with Von Miller, and should be a high-impact player for a long time in Denver. The Broncos added two impact offensive players with the next two selections, in wide out Courtland Sutton and back Royce Freeman. Sutton was considered by many to be a first round lock and will help an aging receivers corps, while Freeman put together a historic collegiate career and could replace the recently-cut C.J. Anderson. I also loved the Josey Jewell pick in the fourth round; the former Iowa Hawkeye was an absolute tackle machine in college, and I see him carving out a fine career at the next level.
Detroit Lions
Selections
Biggest Steal: OL Tyrell Crosby
Biggest Reach: C Frank Ragnow
Overall Grade: B
Detroit has been one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL over the past few years, and they made it clear they were ready to change that in this Draft. They drafted two running backs, Kerryon Johnson and Nick Bawden, and added a number of run-blocking offensive linemen, including Frank Ragnow in the first round. Tyrell Crosby, in particular, was a steal where they got him. Despite some injury concerns, the former Oregon Duck has first-round talent and should be highly productive. Da'Shawn Hand was another interesting move; he never lived up to his billing as a former five-star recruit, but he has huge upside.
Green Bay Packers
Selections
Biggest Steal: CB Josh Jackson
Biggest Reach: LB Oren Burks
Overall Grade: A-
The Packers knew they needed to improve their defense in this Draft, and they did just that, with their first three picks being on the defensive side of the ball. Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson were both superb picks where they got them, especially Jackson, who was considered by most to be a first round talent. Green Bay also did a fine job grabbing a number of physical receivers for Aaron Rodgers to work with, namely J'Mon Moore and Equanimeous St. Brown, who could both end up being steals where they got them.
Houston Texans
Selections
Biggest Steal: S Justin Reid
Biggest Reach: TE Jordan Akins
Overall Grade: B-
Despite the fact the Texans didn't have a pick until the third round, they did a good job adding some quality talent. That starts with Stanford safety Justin Reid, who I think will be a quality pro and fixes Houston's problem at safety. Martinas Rankin is a center from Mississippi State who has done a great job over the course of his career against top-notch competition, while Texas Tech product Keke Coutee is explosive and was highly productive in college, but is undersized. The big question for the Texans was their two selections on tight end. Taking Jordan Akins out of UCF over Troy Fumagalli and others was very questionable, as was using another selection on Jordan Thomas later on in the sixth round.
Indianapolis Colts
Selections
Biggest Steal: OG Quenton Nelson
Biggest Reach: DE/LB Kemoko Turay
Overall Grade: B
GM Chris Ballard has a solid Draft, doing a good job improving the Colts' suspect offensive line and improving the weak pass rush. Quenton Nelson has Hall-of-Fame level talent even if he plays at a position that rarely goes Top 10. Another guard, Braden Smith out of Auburn, might not have Nelson's talent but he is a superb run blocker that should improve Indianapolis' questionable rushing attack. On defense, Darius Leonard comes from South Carolina State with impressive pass rushing prowess and Ohio State's Tyquan Lewis was a fine get in the late second. I was surprised the Colts didn't add a running back earlier considering their top returning rusher is Marlon Mack, who had 358 yards last year. But, Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines were two great value picks were they got them.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Selections
Biggest Steal: S Ronnie Harrison
Biggest Reach: QB Tanner Lee
Overall Grade: B+
After a breakout 2017, Jacksonville did a quality job adding a number of steals in this Draft. Their first selection, defensive tackle Taven Bryan, has an incredibly high ceiling and fits what the Jaguars want their defense to be. He was joined by explosive wide out D.J. Chark, who ran the fastest 40 at the Combine, along with lengthy safety Ronnie Harrison, who should complement Jalen Ramsey well. The most questionable move was selecting QB Tanner Lee in the sixth round. People love Lee's potential, but he threw 16 interceptions in 12 games and completed just 57 percent of his passes while at Nebraska.
Kansas City Chiefs
Selections
Biggest Steal: S Armani Watts
Biggest Reach: DT Breeland Speaks
Overall Grade: C+
Kansas City had no first-rounder as a result of the Patrick Mahomes trade, but they were still pretty aggressive, trading up to add Breeland Speaks and Derrick Nnadi in the second and third round, respectively. Nnadi was highly productive in college and Speaks has significant upside, but it was a huge price to pay to move up when there may have been better options available. Safety Armani Watts has the chance to be a steal; the former Texas A&M Aggie was a four-year starter and has impressive instincts.
Los Angeles Chargers
Selections
Biggest Steal: S Derwin James
Biggest Reach: DT Justin Jones
Overall Grade: A-
The Chargers somehow managed to land the sliding Derwin James, who many thought would be a Top 10 pick, at No. 17. The Florida State product has impressive talent and could play the Eric Weddle role as the enforcer in the back for the Chargers. Uchenna Nwosu isn't a big name, but he has an explosive first step and it isn't hard to envision him evolving into a dominant pass rusher. The Chargers also did a good job adding quality talent late in the Draft. Back Justin Jackson put up huge numbers while at Northwestern and was a nice pickup in the seventh round, and wide out Dylan Cantrell could be a steal in the sixth.
Los Angeles Rams
Selections
Biggest Steal: LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Biggest Reach: DE John Franklin-Myers
Overall Grade: B-
The Rams didn't have either a first or second round pick, and invested heavily on the offensive line this year. TCU offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom might have been a slight reach in the third round, but he has upside, while center Brian Allen is a proven run blocker that should open up lanes for Todd Gurley. I'm a big fan of the two defenders Los Angeles added in the fifth round. Micah Kiser is one of the best tacklers in this Draft and could end up being a steal where they got him, while former Oklahoma edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is a little bit undersized, but still finds ways to create chaos in the backfield.
Miami Dolphins
Selections
Biggest Steal: TE Mike Gesicki
Biggest Reach: TE Durham Smythe
Overall Grade: B+
I was very surprised Miami decided not to add a quarterback or an interior defensive linemen to replace Ndamukong Suh, but I still think the Dolphins had a good Draft. Minkah Fitzpatrick was a great pickup where they got them, as the former Tide defensive back will fill so many roles for this team. I also am a big fan of Mike Gesicki, who will fill in immediately as an impact player at tight end. Having an athletic tight end that can stretch the field like Gesicki is a huge advantage. Durham Smythe is also solid, although he is more of a blocker than receiving threat. Outside linebacker Jerome Baker was another quality addition to this roster in the third round.
Minnesota Vikings
Selections
Biggest Steal: CB Mike Hughes
Biggest Reach: OT Brian O'Neill
Overall Grade: B
It is well known how much head coach Mike Zimmer and the Vikings love their cornerbacks, so it was no surprise they stayed home at 30 and added Mike Hughes. There are some off-the-field concerns there, but Hughes measurables are all impressive, and he has a ton of upside. Offensive tackle Brian O'Neill fits a need, but the last Pittsburgh O-Linemen Minnesota drafted, T.J. Clemmings, was a disaster. That doesn't mean O'Neill will be, but he was considered by most to be a third or fourth round pick. Tight end Tyler Conklin and kicker Daniel Carlson were two low-risk, high-reward additions in the fifth round. Conklin has the size and athleticism to become something special, while Carlson is as consistent as you can get at the kicker spot.
New England Patriots
Selections
Biggest Steal: WR Braxton Berrios
Biggest Reach: QB Danny Etling
Overall Grade: B
New England used their first two picks to invest in Georgia Bulldogs, selecting offensive linemen Isaiah Wynn and running back Sony Michel. Wynn is a well-rounded, intelligent blocker that can help at tackle or on the inside. Michel, meanwhile, averaged nearly eight yards per carry his senior season at UGA, and wowed scouts at the Combine. The Braxton Berrios pick in the sixth round is typical Patriots; an undersized wide out that gets overlooked but will probably end up being a huge steal where they got him. I have no idea what Danny Etling did in college to merit getting drafted; the former LSU QB doesn't read defenses very well or have a ton of arm talent. He will have to fight for a roster spot after being selected in the seventh round.
New Orleans Saints
Selections
Biggest Steal: S Natrell Jamerson
Biggest Reach: WR Tre'quan Smith
Overall Grade: C+
The Saints had the best Draft out of any team in the league a year ago, and it will be interesting to see whether this year's class can make a similar early impact. Marcus Davenport was worth a pick at No. 14, but the Saints gave up a ton to move up, which could come back and bite them later on. Their next pick, wide out Tre'quan Smith, was also a little bit early for where he was projected, but New Orleans must have fallen in love with his length. I liked what the Saints did in the defensive back, adding safety Natrell Jamerson out of Wisconsin and cornerback Kamrin Moore from Boston College.
New York Giants
Selections
Biggest Steal: OG Will Hernandez
Biggest Reach: DT B.J. Hill
Overall Grade: B+
After a disastrous 2017 season, New York responded by adding the best prospect in the Draft, Saquon Barkley. Barkley will immediately upgrade one of the weakest rushing attacks in the league, and it isn't hard to imagine him being a Pro-Bowler multiple times in the Big Apple. The Giants decided to further improve their ground game by selecting Will Hernandez in the second round. The former UTEP Miner was perhaps the second best run blocker in the Draft (behind only Quenton Nelson) and will strengthen the interior of the line. Lorenzo Carter was New York's next pick in Round 3, as the outside linebacker should contribute right away as an edge rusher. Snagging Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta in the fifth round could be quite the get; despite coming from an FCS school, Lauletta has big-time upside and will battle last year's third-rounder Davis Webb.
New York Jets
Selections
Biggest Steal: TE Chris Herndon
Biggest Reach: DT Nathan Shepherd
Overall Grade: B-
The Jets had an interesting Draft, choosing to go with a number of small-school guys that weren't big names. The exception is, of course, their first selection, Sam Darnold. Darnold was a slight disappointment in his first full season as starter at USC, but his arm strength and feel for the game are already at NFL levels. He can learn a lot behind the two veterans New York has, Josh McCown and newly signed Teddy Bridgewater. Nathan Shepherd was an intriguing pick in the third round. Coming from Fort Hays State, Shepherd was a surprising selection where he was taken, but the Jets fell in love with his vast potential. Chris Herndon has the chance to be a very good pickup in the fourth round. He missed a big chunk of the 2017 season due to injury, but is a very skilled blocker with underrated athleticism.
Oakland Raiders
Selections
Biggest Steal: DE/LB Arden Key
Biggest Reach: OT Kolton Miller
Overall Grade: C-
Jon Gruden's first draft back in Oakland went as expected: with a ton of offensive and defensive linemen going off the board. The Raiders opened things up by trading back and selecting Kolton Miller. Miller has a ton of potential, but it seemed like a reach to take him where they did, considering how inconsistent he was in the collegiate ranks. The followed that up with Sam Houston State product P.J. Hall, a physical nose tackle. Hall is another play with potential, but for a defense that needs all the help it can get right now, it seemed like an odd move. Arden Key was a very good pickup late in the third round. There is some serious risk there, but if can figure out some of the off-the-field issues and focus on football, he can be dominant, evidenced by his 11 sacks in 2016 at LSU. Maurice Hurst dropped like a stone due to some health questions, but he is another player that could be a major steal and doesn't come with a ton of risk. There is a ton of potential with this class as a whole, but considering how bad this defense was a year ago, I'm surprised there wasn't more focus there.
Philadelphia Eagles
Selections
Biggest Steal: TE Dallas Goedert
Biggest Reach: CB Avonte Maddox
Overall Grade: B+
Already equipped with a Super Bowl roster, Philadelphia focused on depth here, adding a number of solid young pieces. Tight end Dallas Goedert was considered by many to be a first-round talent, but the Eagles got him mid-second, filling a huge need after they lost Brent Celek and Trey Burton over the off-season. Both fourth-rounders have potential, particularly edge rusher Josh Sweat, a former five-star recruit who showed flashes of stardom during his tenure at Florida State. Philly capped off the Draft by making one of the most interesting selections in it, Jordan Mailata, who technically will play offensive tackle. Mailata is a 6'8", 345-pound professional rugby player who has never played a snap of competitive football. He'll be hard-pressed to make the roster, but was a fascinating selection all the same.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Selections
Biggest Steal: QB Mason Rudolph
Biggest Reach: S Terrell Edmunds
Overall Grade: B-
Not surprisingly, Pittsburgh opted to add a defensive back in the first round, but it was surprising how they selected. Terrell Edmunds out of Virginia Tech was considered by many a mid-round pick, and was taken over some pretty notable names still on the board, most notably Justin Reid. I did like the Steelers' next two picks, the Oklahoma State QB-WR combo of James Washington and Mason Rudolph. Rudolph is very reminiscent of a young Ben Roethlisberger, while Washington has NFL size and very reliable hands. Fifth round selection Marcus Allen was highly productive at Penn State and has a confidence about him that should bode well at the next level.
San Francisco 49ers
Selections
Biggest Steal: DE Kentavius Street
Biggest Reach: WR Dante Pettis
Overall Grade: B-
Second year general manager John Lynch did a fine job addressing team needs and adding depth in this Draft. Mike McGlinchey is a well-built, fundamentally sound tackle who could protect Jimmy Garoppolo's blindside for years. The Niners might have reached a little bit on wide out Dante Pettis with the other talent on the board, but the Washington product has elite-level speed and explosiveness who can help out on special teams. Fourth-rounder Kentavius Street has the chance to be very, very good. He was overshadowed by Bradley Chubb on the other side, but he has a high motor and an impressive nose for the ball. Seventh-rounder Richie James will have to fight for a roster spot, but he put up huge numbers at Middle Tennessee and knows how to produce.
Seattle Seahawks
Selections
Biggest Steal: LB Shaquem Griffin
Biggest Reach: RB Rashaad Penny
Overall Grade: D+
Blessed with a decent collection of picks and in a spot where they could trade down, the Seahawks looked like a team that could have a very strong Draft. Instead, I came away unimpressed, and confused on some of the moves they made. They completely reached on running back Rashaad Penny late in the first round. Penny was terrific at San Diego State, but isn't a better prospect than either Sony Michel or Derrius Guice. Seattle chose to prioritize RB over other needs, namely the offensive line, where they waited until the fifth round to take tackle Jamaro Jones. They also ignored their issues in the secondary until the fifth round. Shaq Griffin was a superb addition to this roster, and I'll think he will succeed. He's not only a great story, but his Combine numbers were off the charts, and he's a good fit in the defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selections
Biggest Steal: LB Jack Cichy
Biggest Reach: RB Ronald Jones II
Overall Grade: B
Nobody was too surprised that Tampa traded down, as they moved from seventh to the 11th pick and took Washington's Vita Vea. Vea isn't a flashy prospect, but at nearly 350 pounds, he moves amazingly well and has a ton of upside. The Buccaneers then added Ronald Jones II, who should fill in for the departed Doug Martin. Jones was injury-prone in college, but he is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Both cornerbacks taken in Round 3, Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart should be solid, but the pick I was really interested in was Jack Cichy late in the sixth round. Cichy was one of the most productive linebackers in college football when he was healthy, but the last two seasons his year was ruined due to a torn ACL. If he can stay healthy, I could see him being a high quality defender who does the little things for this defense.
Tennessee Titans
Selections
Biggest Steal: DE/LB Harold Landry
Biggest Reach: S Dane Cruikshank
Overall Grade: B
Even with just four picks, Tennessee added some players who could make a real impact in 2018, namely their first two selections. Rashaan Evans will improve a thin linebackers corps, as the former Alabama linebacker brings a versatile skillset and serious potential. Second-rounder Harold Landry will be very good at the next level. He had 16 sacks in 2016 before he was hampered by injuries a year ago, and he knows how to get after the QB. Luke Falk could also end up being a pretty big steal where they got him. He has a huge arm and in the right offense, he could put up pretty big numbers.
Washington Redskins
Selections
Biggest Steal: RB Derrius Guice
Biggest Reach: OT Geron Christian
Overall Grade: B+
Washington will have a new quarterback under center in 2018, and it now appears they will have a new feature back, with LSU's Derrius Guice arriving late in the second round. Rumor is he dropped because he didn't do well in interviews, which seems like nitpicking there. Guice has big-time talent, and should not have lasted as long as he did. Defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne was a fine selection in the first round, and fits a huge need for the 'Skins. Another former 'Bama defender, Shaun Dion Hamilton, could turn out to be very good. He has some durability concerns, but is well-built and played in a pro defense in Tuscaloosca.
