The 2018 NFL draft is over, and now it’s time to review the picks and hand out grades way earlier than they should be.
The grades are based on a number of factors, including taking the best players available, filling needs and if some good trades were made.
Sort of like mocks, draft grades are more about creating discussion than completely destroying a team’s picks. Of course, fans and teams will see their draft class differently than I do. And some of them will absolutely be wrong a year from now. With that in mind, feel free to leave your own below.
After failing to make the playoffs the past two seasons, the Cardinals needed an impact draft. They got one. A year after just missing out on Patrick Mahomes, general manager Steve Keim moved up to take UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen with the 10th overall pick. To me, Rosen is the best quarterback in this entire draft. Giving up picks in the third and fifth rounds to move up wasn’t too cost prohibitive.
The Cardinals then found a good compliment for Rosen in wide receiver Christian Kirk in the second round. Receiver was a big need for the Cardinals, so it was smart to get Kirk at No. 47. He should see a lot of targets after Larry Fitzgerald retires. Offensive lineman Mason Cole was a questionable choice in the third round. Offensive line was a need for Arizona, but Cole doesn’t have a set position.
Grade: A-
Most, including me, thought the Falcons’ draft had to start with a defensive tackle. But Atlanta passed on a few good ones early, including Taven Bryan, before taking Deadrin Senat with the 90th pick. He should get a lot of snaps on that defensive line.
The Falcons opened things with Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley in the first round. This may or may not say something about the future of Julio Jones. Ridley is at worst a very high end No. 2 receiver because he runs nearly perfect routes and has good hands. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver was one of the steals of the second round. He can handle the physicality of NFC South receivers like Mike Evans and Devin Funchess.
With Tevin Coleman entering the final year of his rookie deal, the picked up Southern Miss running back Ito Smith. He’s not a big power back, but he’s ultra quick and will make defenders miss in open space. he can catch the ball pretty well too. That’s one of the better Day 3 picks of the draft.
Grade: B
Ozzie Newsome played all the hits in his last draft as general manager of the Ravens. After making his name as an evaluator by taking Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis in the first round, he finished the 2018 draft with two first rounders. Tight end Hayden Hurst was a bit of a surprise but the Ravens at least were able to move back and take him. Then Newsome made the big move back into the first round to take quarterback Lamar Jackson. If that pick works out, he set up the future of the Ravens.
Of course, Newsome wasn’t done there. He then took offensive tackle Orlando Brown in the third round. A likely starter at right tackle, Brown has first-round talent. At No. 86, the Ravens picked up Mark Andrews, who I rated higher than Hurst at tight end coming into the draft. As expected, an Alabama player was picked up as well in the form of cornerback Anthony Averett. He profiles as a solid dime package cornerback. Center Bradley Bozeman was the second Crimson Tide player for Newsome.
Texas safety Deshone Elliott is a good playmaker against the run and pass, he just has to diagnose faster. If he starts to do that, he has starter ability.
Grade: A
The draft for the Bills will be judged on whether or not seventh overall pick Josh Allen becomes a franchise quarterback. If he does not, the Bills paid a steep to go up and get him. If he does, it’s obviously great. Personally, I question whether or not he’ll become a more accurate passer in the NFL.
Much of the rest of Buffalo’s draft was a delight. Getting Tremaine Edmunds with the 16th pick was a strong move. Some expected him to go top 10. He has the tools to be a star in the NFL. The cost to trade up was worth it. Then on the draft’s second day the Bills got a steal in Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. He can line up over the nose and produce. Fourth-round pick Taron Johnson of Weber State is a solid nickel cornerback. Guard Wyatt Teller was a nice fifth-round pickup. Don’t be surprised if he pushes for a starting job early.
Grade: B-
Carolina has needed a lead wide receiver since Steve Smith was dumped, and in D.J. Moore they got a receiver who compares favorably to him. Wide receivers slid in the first round, so getting Moore at No. 24 was a good value choice. He should see a lot of targets from Cam Newton.
Secondary was arguably Carolina’s biggest need in the draft, and it was addressed with the 55th pick by taking LSU cornerback Donte Jackson. His athleticism and speed can’t be questioned. In the NFL, he’ll have to get stronger because more physical receivers can simply bump him off. But if he’s covering smaller guys, Jackson can make plays. The Panthers got another secondary player in the third round in Rashaan Gaulden. He’s a combo safety and cornerback who at the least gives Carolina a really good depth piece.
One of the better value picks of the draft was the Panthers getting Indiana tight end Ian Thomas with the first pick of the fourth round. He’s one of the draft’s best all-around tight ends. Edge Marquis Haynes left Ole Miss with the school record in sacks and tackles for loss, and could be a nice situational player for Carolina.
Grade: B
The Bears used the draft to fill needs, and they got a few starters, beginning with linebacker Roquan Smith with the eighth pick. Smith is going to be a star in the NFL. He’s the definition of the modern NFL linebacker because he’s quick to diagnose, and he can make plays all over the field.
The Bears needed to get a guard in this draft, and that’s where Iowa’s James Daniels will line up. It’s a little bit of a risk because it’s a position change, but like new teammate Kyle Long, Daniels is a really good athlete and he can handle himself in the middle. Then to secure a starting wide receiver, the Bears gave up a second-round pick to select Anthony Miller of Memphis at No. 51. Along with Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, the Bears have now revamped their entire passing game for Mitchell Trubisky.
The grade would have been higher but the Bears didn’t address cornerback.
Grade: B+
It seems like the Bengals always take name players in the draft, and this year was no different. After missing out on center Frank Ragnow by a pick, the Bengals took Ohio State’s Billy Price in the second round. Price is never going to blow you away with athleticism, but he’s an aggressive and powerful blocker.
The Bengals picked apart the second day of the draft, getting a few starters. Safety Jessie Bates III is one of the draft’s best coverage safeties. He’s the type of safety the Bengals needed for the back of their secondary. Ohio State’s Sam Hubbard slid further than expected, but he’s a versatile player with good athleticism. A pick later, linebacker Malik Jefferson gives the Bengals another good athlete. Are you seeing a theme here for Cincinnati’s defense?
Running back Mark Walton of Miami, picked in the fourth round, was a good move as well. He should push Joe Mixon for carries.
Grade: B+
Taking quarterback Baker Mayfield first overall is a big, splashy move that will define the regime of new general manager John Dorsey. First things first, Mayfield isn’t the second coming of Johnny Manziel. There was no more accurate quarterback in this draft than Mayfield. It was also a culture pick. The Browns don’t have a identity or a leader. They do now with Mayfield, a player teammates love. The Browns followed up that pick by taking Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward fourth overall. Pass rusher Bradley Chubb may have been a better choice, but Ward is the draft’s best cornerback and gives the Browns a shut down corner.
On the draft’s second day the Browns checked off some needs, starting with offensive lineman Austin Corbett. Where he plays in the NFL is to be determined. Leading up to the draft, the consensus opinion is that he’d have to move inside to guard, but the Browns are set there. That makes the pick a little curious. Running back Nick Chubb, taken 35th overall, is a talented and powerful back who should eventually become Cleveland’s lead runner. After passing on Bradley Chubb, the Browns smartly picked Miami’s Chad Thomas at 67th. He wasn’t overly productive at Miami, but has tools.
Trading up in the fourth round to take Florida wide receiver Antonio Callaway was a curious move. Callaway has a checkered past, and reportedly failed a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. Memphis linebacker Genard Avery was a steal in the fifth round.
Grade: B-
Leighton Vander Esch getting picked by the Cowboys was expected to happen if he was available, and that was the case. In him Dallas got a great athlete who can patrol the middle of the field. He’s an asset in coverage with his ability to read the quarterback and make a break on the ball.
After the better tight ends were taken off the board by the time Dallas picked at No. 50, the Cowboys got good value in offensive lineman Connor Williams. He could fit at tackle or guard in the NFL, particularly if the Cowboys want to move La’el Collins inside.
Colorado State wide receiver Michael Gallup was one of my favorite picks of the draft at No. 81. He’s not a direct replacement for Dez Bryant, but does a lot of the same things. Boise State’s Cedrick Wilson, taken at No. 208 overall is a nice speed player. Watch out for fourth-round pick Dorance Armstrong. He struggled last season, but his 2016 tape was good for a pass rusher.
Grade: B+
Getting Bradley Chubb and to go along with Von Miller sets Denver up with one of the best pass rush pairs in the NFL. It was a surprise that Chubb was still available at fifth overall. He’s a player who is just as good against the run as he is rushing the passer. Maybe more importantly, he can keep some double teams off Miller.
Denver also took mirror versions of some wide receivers they already have on the roster. That would be Courtland Sutton being the new Demaryius Thomas and Daesean Hamilton the new Emmanuel Sanders. It makes you wonder what they’ll do with the veteran players, because Sutton and Hamilton are NFL starters.
The Broncos got another weapon on offense in the third round with Oregon running back Royce Freeman. He’s a power back who can carry the load for Denver. He’s a better runner on the edge than you’d think. Cornerback Isaac Yiadom is a nice back of the roster dime player, at worst. Fourth round linebacker Josey Jewell is a tackle machine. He could push for a spot in the starting lineup.
The knock on this draft class is that the offensive line wasn’t really addressed.
Grade: B+
One of the first things that new Lions head coach Matt Patricia said after getting the job in Detroit was that he likes to build from the inside out. He stayed true to his word in his first draft. It started in the first round with center Frank Ragnow, who could be Detroit’s version of Travis Frederick. When he’s healthy, Ragnow dominates up front.
On the third day of the draft the Lions got more beef with defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand in the fourth round and offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby in the fifth. Hand is a good athlete, but he never quite lived up to his blue chip potential at Alabama. No one really knows why Crosby fell to the 153rd pick, but he’ll make the roster as at worst a swing player.
The Lions had to come out of this draft with a lead running back, and they got one in Kerryon Johnson of Auburn. He averaged nearly five yards a carry at Auburn the past two seasons.
Detroit showed last season by taking Kenny Golladay the franchise doesn’t mind surprising people. They did so in the third round this year with Tracy Walker of Louisiana-Lafayette in the third round. The safety has good ball skills and doesn’t mind coming up against the run.
Grade: B
New Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst wasn’t shy in his first draft. He moved from the 14th to 18th pick while adding a first-round pick in the 2019 draft. Then at No. 18 he took Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander, a player they probably would have picked 14th. The Packers doubled up on cornerbacks by taking Iowa’s Josh Jackson in the second round. It was a surprise in that Green Bay had some other needs, but you can’t fault the value.
In the third round, the Packers added a versatile and athletic linebacker in Oren Burks. He has to become more disciplined against the run, but his athleticism can’t be coached. Not many people expected Burks to go that high, though.
Green Bay brought in three wide receivers in J’Mon Moore in the fourth round, Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the fifth round and Equanimeous St. Brown in the sixth round. That’s a lot of draft capital on one position.
Grade: B-
The Texans’ first pick wasn’t until the third round, but they still got a starter-level safety in Stanford’s Justin Reid at No. 68. He’s a good all-around player who is effective against the run and pass.
The Texans then took a starting-caliber offensive lineman in Martinas Rankin at No. 80. He can play anywhere along the offensive line. When he’s healthy — which he wasn’t for much of last season — Rankin can handle speed rushers on the edge. Houston took a couple of tight ends Jordan Akins of Central Florida and Jordan Thomas of Mississippi State. Akins is already 25, so he needs to be an factor early in his career. Houston needed to do a little more in this draft on the defensive line and at cornerback.
Grade: C+
The single best pick of the entire draft may have been the Colts taking Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson with the sixth overall pick. This draft had to be about keeping Andrew Luck healthy, and Nelson is a player who can keep the pocket clean.
In the second round, the Colts found the perfect Tampa-2 linebacker in Darius Leonard of South Carolina State. He’s an athletic off-ball linebacker with has range. The 36th pick was a little early for Leonard, but he’s a perfect system fit. The Colts followed that up immediately with the 37th pick by taking another guard in Auburn’s Braden Smith. Having Smith and Nelson should tell you what the Colts want to do on offense this season.
The 52nd pick was used on high-upside pass rusher Kemoko Turay of Rutgers. In Indianapolis, he’ll often play with his hand down, and then they took another edge player in Ohio State’s Tyquan Lewis. The Colts needed to get 4-3 ends, and now they have them in Turay and Lewis. The Colts obviously did work in the second round, but did they get good value?
On the third day of the draft the Colts got good skill position players in running back Nyheim Hines of North Carolina State and Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain. Both should make the roster and get the ball.
Grade: B
Most though the Jaguars would use their first-round pick on an interior offensive lineman, but defensive tackle Taven Bryan was too good to pass up at No. 29. He’s a little bit of a luxury choice with Marcell Dareus, Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell on the roster. But his first step quickness is incredible.
Getting D.J. Chark with the 61st pick was a good value for the Jaguars after some thought he’d be a first-round pick. Chark is a big play speed receiver who can take the top off a defense. In the third round, Jacksonville got a potential starter in Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison. Coaches in Jacksonville are going to love his fiery attitude.
Jacksonville finally addressed the offensive line in the fourth round with Will Richardson of North Carolina State. He started for three years at right tackle, and could play there or guard in the NFL. Leon Jacobs of Wisconsin in the seventh round was a smart choice as a stash on the practice squad player. His athleticism is really good for an edge player.
Grade: B
The Chiefs were aggressive to get their first pick of the draft, moving up in the second round to take Ole Miss edge rusher Breeland Speaks at No. 46. It makes some sense because the Chiefs need another edge rusher and he can play outside and inside. However, that was really early for him.
Kansas City also moved up in the third round to take Florida State defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi at No. 75 He’s a powerful run stopper who gets low and has good instincts to find the ball carrier. The Chiefs finally addressed their secondary on the third day of the draft with safety Armani Watts and cornerback Tremon Smith. Getting Smith at No. 196 was solid value because he’s a high-end athlete. But this is a team that needed to get a cornerback earlier in the draft. Perhaps my favorite pick for Kansas City was Dorian O’Daniel in the third round. He’s a good combo safety/linebacker.
Grade: D+
The Chargers had a plan going into this draft, and it was to get more athletic and physical on defense. After using their first four picks on that side of the ball, it was mission accomplished for Los Angeles. It all started with Florida State safety Derwin James, a steal of a pick at No. 17 overall. He is going to be a superstar in the NFL.
With the 48th pick, they got USC pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu. He can be moved around but his best spot is playing off the edge. More than a safety and edge player, the Chargers needed a defensive lineman. They got one in the third round with Justin Jones of North Carolina State. He can play three-technique thanks to his ability to get up the field and create pressure. In the fourth round they got a thumper safety in Kyzir White of West Virginia. The Chargers finally addressed the offensive line in the fifth round with UCLA’s Scott Quesenberry. The line could have been addressed sooner in this draft. The Chargers also didn’t take a quarterback, so expect one early next year.
Grade: B+
The Rams didn’t have a pick until No. 89 overall, so it’s hard to get too excited about their draft. Offensive tackle Joe Noteboom is a good developmental offensive tackle who has the traits to become a starter. How fast he gets there may depend on how many more years Andrew Whitworth plays. Center Brian Allen was a decent, but still unexciting pick, in the fourth round.
Later in the fourth round, the Rams got another depth piece in defensive end John Franklin-Myers. He’s a good power end who will help against the run game. Linebacker Micah Kiser, taken 147th overall, was actually my favorite pick the Rams made. He’s a smart player who lead the ACC in tackles the past three seasons. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was a sneaky good pick in the fifth round. He’s a situational pass rusher, but a good one.
The Rams had four picks in the sixth round, and the best one was Tennessee running back John Kelly. He’s obviously not going to overtake Todd Gurley, but he’s similar in many ways.
Grade: C
After some expected them to go get a quarterback, the Dolphins held at the No. 11 pick in the first round and Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick dropped into their laps. Fitzpatrick is one of the five best players in the draft, so to get him at 11 was a steal. He can do a little bit of everything for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins had to get a tight end in this draft, and found two in Mike Gesicki in the second round and Durham Smythe in the fourth round. Gesicki is the pass catcher and Smythe is the blocker. That’s a position fixed for the Dolphins. Ohio State’s Jerome Baker is a good depth player, at least, for his coverage skills and athleticism. It wasn’t a shock that the Dolphins took Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage. He’s a good all-around back whom many compared to Kenyon Drake leading up to the draft.
Grade: A-
The Vikings added strength to a strength in the first round of the draft by taking Central Florida cornerback Mike Hughes. Hughes is capable of coming up and playing man and dropping back in zone coverage. He’s willing to be aggressive, and doesn’t hesitate to mix it up at the line of scrimmage.
With a versatile player like Mike Remmers on the roster, the Vikings were able to take whomever they considered the best offensive lineman with the 62nd overall pick. That was Pittsburgh’s Brian O’Neill. He’s an athletic tackle who can get to the edge in a hurry. O’Neill started a lot of games at right tackle for Pittsburgh, so moving back there from the left shouldn’t be a problem.
The Vikings have several players up front who are free agents after the season, including Danielle Hunter. Snagging Ohio State end Jalyn Holmes gives them a nice insurance policy. Late in the draft the Vikings also picked up Tulane’s Ade Aruna, who is a 6’5 freaky athlete who can be developed the same way as Hunter. Don’t sleep on the pick of guard Colby Gossett in the sixth round. He started 46 games at Appalachian State and should stick on the roster.
Grade: B+
Hold on, the Patriots may have just made another trade. It’s clear how New England viewed this draft. With two first-round picks, they perceived the value at the top as good and then the middle rounds as bad.
In the first round, New England got starters in offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and running back Sony Michel. Wynn was arguably the best blocker in the SEC a season ago and gives the Patriots a player who can play at tackle or guard. Michel is the definition of a Patriots running back. He’s fast and agile, and plays with more power than you may think. He can also catch the ball out fo the backfield. If his health holds up, a lot of people expect Michel to be this year’s Alvin Kamara.
In the second round the Patriots moved up to take Florida cornerback Duke Dawson. It was strange the Patriots traded up for him, and that he was the choice over some other cornerback prospects.
Christian Sam was a sneaky good choice at No. 178. He should be able to play inside and outside linebacker for the Patriots and has good size and athleticism. It was not a shock that the took Braxton Berrios in the sixth round. He’s an asset as a punt returner, and you know he’ll be coached up as a slot receiver.
Out of this draft the got 2019 picks in the second and third rounds. Getting the third rounder also means they ultimately got defensive tackle Danny Shelton for free.
Grade: B-
The Saints gave up a first-round pick in next year’s draft to move up from No. 27 to 14 to get UTSA pass rusher Marcus Davenport. Beyond Cameron Jordan, the Saints don’t have much of a pass rush so this fills a need. However, this is a lot to give up for a raw player with a limited pass rush repertoire. This is a pick to make a Super Bowl push.
Tre’Quan Smith is a big and athletic wide receiver who is good after the catch. However, his hands can be inconsistent. But this is the type of big swing a good team can make and hope it works out. If so, Smith will be able to put up big yards. It’s just a matter of how many targets he’ll even see with Michael Thomas, Cameron Meredith, Ted Ginn and Brandon Coleman on the roster.
Fifth-round pick Natrell Jamerson is what the draft is all about. He played wide receiver, cornerback and safety at Wisconsin. In the NFL, his role as a special teams player. It was a specialty draft choice, but still a good one. He may not see a lot of snaps on defense, but he’s going to impact the game for the Saints.
Grade: C+
The New York Giants are in win now mode, and they got some players in this draft that will help them do it. At second overall, the Giants took running back Saquon Barkley as expected. Having him along with Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard at receiver gives the Giants one of the best groups of offensive playmakers in the NFL.
The Giants got another big impact player in the second round with UTEP guard Will Hernandez. He’s an immediate starter for the Giants and will open holes for Barkley.
Edge defender Lorenzo Carter is a raw athlete with great movement skills. His production never matched his athleticism because he needs to get stronger. But if he’s developed properly, he can be a star. He should be a solid player on special teams as well. North Carolina State defensive tackle B.J. Hill can play over the nose and stuff the run. He could push for the starting job next to Damon Harrison.
Quarterback Kyle Lauletta, taken in the fourth round, is a nice developmental choice. He moves around the pocket well, and can read a defense. He’s a good system fit with head coach Pat Shurmur.
Grade: A-
When the Browns passed on quarterback Sam Darnold with the first pick, he became the obvious choice for the Jets. Darnold’s flaws are obvious. He has to figure out his turnover issues — both fumbling and throwing interceptions — but he’s good at throwing his receivers open and he’s unflappable.
After not having a second-round pick due to the trade that landed them Darnold, the Jets had to hit with the 72nd overall pick. They did with Fort Hays State defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd. He’s an aggressive interior lineman who is at his best ripping past offensive linemen and getting into the backfield.
Cornerback Parry Nickerson was one of the better picks on the third day of the draft. He provides good depth as a nickel corner. Fellow sixth round Foley Fatukasi is a pure nose tackle, but a good one. A below-average run defense in New York got a boost with Fatukasi.
Grade: B
Jon Gruden’s first draft back as an NFL coach was strange. It began by trading down from No. 10 to 15 to take UCLA left tackle Kolton Miller. He’s a solid prospect, but he needs a lot of work. Hopefully it can happen in a hurry because Donald Penn just turned 35. Miller is just an unrefined athlete who needs to be coached up. The Raiders opened the third round by taking North Carolina A&T offensive tackle Brandon Parker. He’s an obviously talented player, but raw as well.
Can line coach Tom Cable do in Oakland what he struggled to do in Seattle the past few seasons?
Edge rusher Arden Key was another puzzling choice. He’s a situational pass rusher who needs to get much stronger in the NFL. He has some off-field issues, which caused him to fall to 87th overall. The Raiders also used a pick on Wisconsin cornerback Nick Nelson, who may not play this season due to injury.
The best choices Oakland made were on the defensive line. In the second round they picked up disruptive Sam Houston State tackle P.J. Hall. Then in the fifth round they stopped the free fall of Maurice Hurst. The Raiders are suddenly disruptive up the middle.
Grade: D+
After sitting out the first day of the draft, the Eagles hit on the second and third days of the draft. South Dakota State tight end Dallas Goedert should easily replace Trey Burton and Brent Celek from a pass catching standpoint.
At the 130th pick, the Eagles got a pass rusher in Josh Sweat that some thought would sneak into the first round. Where he plays in Philadelphia is a little unknown. It could be standing up since the Eagles have so many defensive linemen. If he’s healthy, he could be a steal of the draft.
The Super Bowl champions got better during the draft. The knock is that they didn’t get an offensive lineman earlier than Matt Pryor in the sixth round. He’s a solid right tackle. The Eagles also picked up one of my sleepers in Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata in the seventh round.
Grade: B+
For six years in a row, the first pick for the Steelers came on the defensive side of the ball. It was a shock to see Terrell Edmunds get taken in the first round by Pittsburgh. Know one saw that coming, but Edmunds can come down hill and can cover. Still, the value is questionable.
Wide receiver James Washington, taken at No. 60 overall, is a good vertical threat who will help the Steelers replace Martavis Bryant, who was traded to Oakland. Mason Rudolph at No. 76 is a pick that got a lot of attention. Can he be the successor to Ben Roethlisberger or is he just another Landry Jones? At the least, it was a good value choice. Western Michigan left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor could move to the right in the NFL, but he’s a solid player and a replacement for Chris Hubbard. Taken in the fifth round, safety Marcus Allen graded out higher than Edmunds for some.
From a value standpoint, arguably Pittsburgh’s best choice was Jaylen Samuels of North Carolina State. He’s a combo tight end, fullback and running back. If there’s a team that can figure out how to use him, it’s the Steelers.
Grade: C-
The ninth pick may have seemed early to tackle Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, but if the 49ers didn’t take him, the Raiders would have at No. 10.
McGlinchey could start his career on the right side, but Joe Staley turns 34 in August. McGlinchey could be his successor. This pick is about positional value. It’s a little bit questionable at No. 9, but it is logical.
The 49ers moved up in the second round to get slot receiver Dante Pettis with the 44th pick. Pettis excels on short routes where he can utilize quick movement to get open and make a play after the catch. BYU linebacker Fred Warner, taken at No. 70, is experienced and productive. He can play all over the place, and is good in zone coverage where he can utilize his athleticism and length.
Kentavius Street probably won’t play this season after tearing his ACL at his pro day. But had he been healthy, some thought he might go in the second round. Safety Tarvarius Moore and cornerback D.J. Reed are solid depth pieces for the 49ers.
Grade: B-
Who blocks for Russell Wilson? That is the overarching theme of the draft for the Seahawks. That’s the lead storyline for Seattle. The secondary one taking running back Rashaad Penny in the first round. The system fit is obvious, and if it happened in the second round it would’ve been fine. but taking him at No. 27 was a stunner.
If the can be coached up properly, third round pick Rasheem Green was a solid pick up in the third round. The Seahawks clearly needed defensive linemen in this draft, and Green fits the type of player they usually like up front.
As expected the Seahawks took Shaquem Griffin of Central Florida at No. 141. Look, the story of Griffin is obviously a great one. But as good as the story is, he’s a better football player. He can be put at safety or linebacker and make plays. I liked the pick of punter Michael Dickson, the best specialist in the draft this year. Moving up for him was a little odd. But again, who blocks for Russell Wilson? Taking Ohio State’s Jamarco Jones in the fifth round was fine, but he needs developing.
Grade: C
Taking defensive tackle Vita Vea in the first round over safety Derwin James was a puzzling move. Vea is a really good player, and will help a re-shaped defensive line that already added Beau Allen, Vinny Curry, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Safety was a just a need for the Buccaneers and it wasn’t addressed until the fourth round with Jordan Whitehead of Pittsburgh.
Between those two picks the Buccaneers got some starters in cornerbacks M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis. Taken at No. 63 overall, Davis was a good value at the end of the second round. Running back Ronald Jones II is a playmaker and should get a majority of the carries for the Buccaneers. He may be an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Alex Cappa has good potential at guard.
Sixth round guard Jack Cichy could stick as a nice backup if he can stay healthy. Had he not been injured last year, he may have been a top 100 pick.
Grade: B-
The Titans jumped ahead of the New England Patriots in the first to take take Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans. That alone earned head Titans head coach Mike Vrabel some credit. Evans played a lot on the outside at Alabama and has the physicality to play the middle.
Tennessee then jumped up to the 41st pick in the second round to take Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry. From a draft value standpoint, getting him was a great selection. However, the pick cost of Nos. 57 and 89 was high, and there are concerns about his health. But if’s healthy, the Titans have a rebuilt linebacker unit. Fifth-round pick Dane Cruikshank gives Tennessee a versatile defensive back who can play safety and cornerback.
Grade: B
Washington
Arguably no team had a better first two picks in the draft than Washington. It started with defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne with the 13th pick in the first round. He rejoins former Alabama teammate Jonathan Allen in Washington and gives them a pair of excellent run stuffers. Payne is better than he’s getting credit for at creating pressure.
Derrius Guice was the storyline of the second round of the draft and a steal at No. 59. On pure talent, Guice is a first-round player. He runs with balance, vision and power. He’s also deceptively fast. If Guice is clean off the field, Washington has a star back.
Offensive tackle Geron Christian, taken 74th, is one of the draft’s more athletic pass blockers. He may not see the field for a while, but there’s a lot to work with in his game. Washington got another run stopper in the fifth round with Virginia Tech’s Tim Settle. He was by far by best player available when he was selected. He may not be an every down player, but he’s a good run stopper. If he can stay healthy, sixth-round pick Shaun Dion Hamilton could be a good player as a weak-side linebacker.
Grade: A
I've heard the argument that grades on draft picks immediately after the draft are worthless. But I don't agree.
These grades are not about what the player will look like three years from now, because no one knows. What the grades represent are an evaluation of the process each team went through to get the players they did, and whether their selection is of appropriate value as a prospect given their college game and athleticism.
Taking this snapshot now also gives a baseline evaluation of teams' decision-making processes. If a prospect is considered a great pick the day of the draft, but doesn't work out, that's a completely different evaluation of his new team's decision than a "bust" who was considered a reach at the time. Waiting for three years to grade these picks leads to revisionist history, not an accurate evaluation.
Note: Selections and trades in the early rounds carry a heavier weight in the overall grade than those in the later rounds.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Draft picks: Wyoming QB Josh Allen (No. 7 overall), Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds (No. 16 overall), Stanford DT Harrison Phillips (No. 96 overall), Weber State DB Taron Johnson (No. 121 overall), Jacksonville State DB Siran Neal (No. 154 overall), Virginia Tech OG Wyatt Teller (No. 166 overall), Clemson WR Ray-Ray McCloud (No. 187 overall), North Carolina WR Austin Proehl (No. 255 overall).
Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: A-
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: Tackle Cordy Glenn was shipped to Cincinnati in a swap of picks, setting Buffalo into a position to move up again to pick Allen. Giving up two second-round picks without trading the No. 22 pick this year or next year's first-round pick is fine. Allen's inaccuracy as a thrower against marginal competition makes him a risk that many teams wouldn't want to take. He showed improvement through the draft process, though, so it's possible this will turn out. The Bills also moved down in last year's draft to get a second first-rounder this year via Kansas City, and then moved back up when the exceptional Edmunds was available at 16. A good trade, especially since they only moved from the third to the fifth round in the deal. Trading to land Allen made Friday night quiet for the Bills, and we'll have to see if he was worth it. But picking up Phillips late in the third round was a great deal, as he could be a perfect replacement for nose tackle Kyle Williams whenever he retires. The guy led Stanford in tackles last year as a nose tackle. Think about that. Buffalo was looking for interior O-line depth coming into the draft, and found a future starter in Teller, one of the strongest players in the draft. Their secondary needed bodies, as well, and two small-school players (Johnson and Neal) will more than just fill roster spots. McCloud and Proehl provide very good depth as inside receivers.
Miami Dolphins
Draft picks: Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (No. 11 overall), Penn State TE Mike Gesicki (No. 42 overall), Ohio State LB Jerome Baker (No. 73 overall), Notre Dame TE Durham Smythe (No. 123 overall), Arizona State RB Kalen Ballage (No. 131 overall), Southern Mississippi S Cornell Armstrong (No. 209 overall), Ohio LB Quentin Polling (No. 227 overall), New Mexico K Jason Sanders (No. 229 overall).
Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: The Dolphins didn't go get a top-notch quarterback, instead waiting to see if Ryan Tannehill returns healthy and productive. We'll see if they pick a QB later as a backup plan. I can't blame them for taking Fitzpatrick, though, as he will push Miami's defense -- not just secondary -- to another level. With Julius Thomas no longer on the team, the Dolphins needed to find a tight end. Gesicki is a phenomenal athlete, like Thomas, but scouts were concerned about his long strides preventing him from winning against veteran defenders. He'll be tough to defend against on jump balls, though. Miami needed a linebacker, and Baker can move. They met their top defensive need with that pick. Miami got another tight end in the fourth round, landing a solid blocker/receiver in Smythe. Ballage was a steal in the fourth round, as well, for a team that needed a good, young player at the position behind Frank Gore. They decided not to address the QB position, which may or may not be a good strategy given Ryan Tannehill's injury history. Offensive and defensive tackle should be high on the priority list when signing undrafted free agents.
New England Patriots
Draft picks: Georgia OT Isaiah Wynn (No. 23 overall), Georgia RB Sony Michel (No. 31 overall), Florida CB Duke Dawson (No. 56 overall), Purdue LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (No. 143 overall), Arizona State LB Christian Sam (No. 178 overall), Miami WR Braxton Berrios (No. 210 overall), LSU QB Danny Etling (No. 219 overall), Western Carolina DB Keion Crossen (No. 243 overall), Florida State TE Ryan Izzo (No. 250 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: There's not many sub-6-foot-3 tackles in the NFL. But Wynn's length and athleticism allowed him to excel at the position with the Bulldogs, and there's no reason to think he can't be a solid player there in the NFL. He also plays with a nasty streak. Just another four-year, high-character player for Bill Belichick. His college teammate, running back Michel, will join him in Foxboro. Michel has the versatility to be a star in the Patriots' system, working as a receiver and slashing through defenses as a runner. On Day 2, the Patriots made only one pick, but moved down a couple of times to get fourth-round picks and Chicago's 2019 second-round pick. They also swapped third- and fifth-round picks for 49ers right tackle Trenton Brown. They did select Dawson, a slot corner and trouble-maker for receivers, trading away a fourth-round pick to Tampa Bay to select him. He'll contribute right away. New England traded out of the fourth round to pick up a 2019 third-round pick. Bentley and Sam were picks the Patriots needed to make to aid the second level of their defense. Berrios was the perfect New England pick on Day 3. He's a quick slot receiver who will fight for passes from Tom Brady. Picking Etling in the seventh round based on his physical traits made sense, though his college resume was not spectacular.
New York Jets
Draft picks: USC QB Sam Darnold (No. 3 overall), Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd (No. 72 overall), Miami TE Christopher Herndon (No. 107 overall), Tulane CB Parry Nickerson (No. 179 overall), Connecticut DT Folorunso Fatukasi (No. 180 overall), Virginia State RB Trenton Cannon (No. 204 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: B
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: The Jets gave up three second-round picks to move up three spots to find a quarterback. They might have gotten the top quarterback on their board with Darnold sitting there (though they wouldn't admit it if he wasn't their top QB). They paid a pretty high price to get him, but it's not franchise-killing if it doesn't work out. It was a good move that could become a great move. The Darnold trade limited their selections on Day 2. Shepherd will take over the nose tackle spot for the Jets, using his power and leverage to keep the line of scrimmage right where it is. The Jets found value to add to their tight end group with the tough and athletic Herndon. Trading a sixth-round pick to the Colts for Henry Anderson (who didn't fit the Colts' shift to a 4-3 defense) was a great move for the Jets, as was picking potential future starters in Nickerson and Fatukasi. The team failed to find a pass rusher or help at offensive tackle, though, which puts pressure on the team to find the top undrafted free agents at those positions.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Draft picks: South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst (No. 25 overall), Louisville QB Lamar Jackson (No. 32 overall), Oklahoma OT Orlando Brown (No. 83 overall), Oklahoma TE Mark Andrews (No. 86 overall), Alabama CB Anthony Averett (No. 118 overall), UCLA LB Kenny Young (No. 122 overall), New Mexico State WR Jaleel Scott (No. 132 overall), UCLA WR Jordan Lasley (No. 162 overall), Texas S DeShon Elliott (No. 190 overall), Wagner OT Greg Senat (No. 212 overall), Alabama C Bradley Bozeman (No. 215 overall), Ferris State DE Zach Sieler (No. 238 overall).
Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: The Ravens picked up a slew of picks in two trade-downs and still got a talent at a need position (tight end). That's a great way for Ozzie Newsome to start off his final draft as the Ravens' GM. Hurst is a smooth, sure-handed receiver who will provide toughness inside and stretch the field. I think fellow tight end Dallas Goedert has a potentially great future, though, so I would have gone that direction instead. Giving up a second-round pick in 2019 to get Jackson is not an overly risky play. I'm a believer in Jackson's playmaking ability and he's under no pressure to play in 2018. Jackson is a worthy selection. Brown was a strong legacy pick for the Ravens. The son of the late former Ravens OT Orlando Brown will likely outperform his much-maligned workout numbers at left or right tackle, especially if he shows teams those poor results were not because of a problem with his work ethic. Andrews joined Hurst as tight ends picked in this draft by the Ravens. Andrews will test the middle of defenses much like Hurst. Joe Flacco and Jackson will love throwing to these guys. Newsome grabbed Averett, a feisty corner, in the fourth round. He also picked a coverage linebacker in Young and a big, agile receiver in Scott. Lasley has immaturity red flags, but a fair amount of talent as a downfield threat. Elliott was a value pick as a future starting free safety in the sixth round, and Newsome got one last member of the Tide in Bozeman, who could start this year.
Cincinnati Bengals
Draft picks: Ohio State C/OG Billy Price (No. 21 overall), Wake Forest S Jessie Bates (No. 54 overall), Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard (No. 77 overall), Texas LB Malik Jefferson (No. 78 overall), Miami RB Mark Walton (No. 112 overall), Illinois State DB Davontae Harris (No. 151 overall), Virginia DT Andrew Brown (No. 158 overall), Western Michigan CB Darius Phillips (No. 170 overall), Toledo QB Logan Woodside (No. 249 overall), Mississippi OG Rod Taylor (No. 252 overall), Florida State WR Auden Tate (No. 253 overall).
Day 1 grade: B
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: Picking up Cordy Glenn from the Bills for a move down of 10 spots in the first round will help their offensive line, so that needs to be considered here. Selecting Price, a center/guard, continues the Bengals' effort to get stronger up front, though I think there could have been more of a difference-maker selected here. The Bengals could have waited and landed a very good interior offensive lineman in the second or third round. The Bengals picked up an extra third-round pick by moving down a few spots in Round 2. Their back-to-back third-rounders -- Hubbard and Jefferson -- beef up their front seven. The games of both guys weren't loved by scouts, but in the third round, these picks make sense. Jefferson could be a particularly good value if everything comes together as he matures. Walton is a well-rounded offensive weapon, presenting good value in the fourth round. I've been a fan of Harris since the fall. I suspect he'll be a very good reserve corner in time. Brown met a need to improve the depth on the defensive line, and could be a steal if he consistently applies his quickness and strength. Woodside, Taylor, and Tate were all excellent picks late in the draft, though I thought they might pick a tight end since Tyler Eifert has had injury issues.
Cleveland Browns
Draft picks: Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield (No. 1 overall), Ohio State CB Denzel Ward (No. 4 overall), Nevada OG Austin Corbett (No. 33 overall), Georgia RB Nick Chubb (No. 35 overall), Miami DE Chad Thomas (No. 67 overall), Florida WR Antonio Callaway (No. 105 overall), Memphis LB Genard Avery (No. 150 overall), Texas A&M WR Damion Ratley (No. 175 overall), Louisiana-Lafayette CB Simeon Thomas (No. 188 overall).
Day 1 grade: B
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: Browns GM John Dorsey benefited from his predecessors' bounty. They picked up a first-round pick in this draft by trading down and passing on Deshaun Watson last April. Now, they have Mayfield, a fiery leader with passing skills that they believe can take the team's mojo to the next level. They had to pick a QB at No. 1, and they did. The only red flag here is that Mayfield needs to make plays from the pocket to succeed. If Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen excel and Mayfield doesn't, then their process was flawed. Picking Ward No. 4 overall, ahead of Bradley Chubb, was a bit of a reach. If he ends up being a Terence Newman clone, though, it could turn out to be a good pick. On Day 2, the Browns used a pick they received in Brock Osweiler trade to solidify their offensive line with Corbett, who can play inside or outside. Will he replace Joe Thomas? Chubb was an excellent choice, as well, because he will pound the ball between the tackles and create space for himself. Thomas is an athletic, explosive defensive end who can make an impact as a rotational player right away. Keep in mind that the Browns also used a third-round pick to get a solid veteran starter in Tyrod Taylor, who will be a bridge to Mayfield. One of the Browns' fourth-round picks went to Miami for receiver Jarvis Landry. Then they traded up in Round 4 to select another receiver in Callaway, who had many off-field issues but could be a steal down the road if he can stay out of trouble. Avery would have been a top-75 pick without a knee injury, so Dorsey stole a future starter in the fifth round. Getting a defensive tackle to replace Danny Shelton is the only pressing need left for after the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft picks: Virginia Tech S Terrell Edmunds (No. 28 overall), Oklahoma State WR James Washington (No. 60 overall), Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph (No. 76 overall), Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor (No. 92 overall), Penn State S Marcus Allen (No. 148 overall), N.C. State RB Jaylen Samuels (No. 165 overall), Alabama DT Joshua Frazier (No. 246 overall).
Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: The Steelers went safety, as expected, but picked Edmunds, the brother of fellow first-round pick Tremaine, instead of Stanford's Justin Reid and others. This was a surprise pick to most, and probably a round early -- but given his strength and NFL bloodlines (father, Ferrell, played tight end in the league), but maybe it shouldn't have been. He'll be a welcomed addition to the team, either way. Trading Martavis Bryant to Oakland for a third-round pick meant they needed to find another big-play receiver. Washington isn't tall or an elite speedster, but his super-long arms and ability to win the jump ball make him a solid find late in the second round. He was paired with his former teammate, Rudolph, in the third round. They could make for an interesting duo in a couple of years. Rudolph was a good third-round value. Okorafor could become a starter, but needs to work harder and faster on the field or he'll be out of the league fast. Allen adds another tough-minded safety to the Steelers' defensive back trove, though I believe he could be used in a linebacker-type role to take advantage of his toughness and agility. Samuels fits the Steelers' usage of fullback/H-backs quite well, and will add another wrinkle to their offense. Frazier is a perfect fit for a team in need of a hardworking nose tackle.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Draft picks: Stanford S Justin Reid (No. 68 overall), Mississippi State OT Martinas Rankin (No. 80 overall), UCF TE Jordan Akins (No. 98 overall), Texas Tech WR Keke Coutee (No. 103 overall), Wake Forest LB Duke Ejiofor (No. 177 overall), Mississippi State TE Jordan Thomas (No. 211 overall), Stanford LB Peter Kalambayi (No. 214 overall), San Jose State CB Jermaine Kelly (No. 222 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A-
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: If the Texans had the fourth pick in this draft, instead of trading up to pick Deshaun Watson last April, would they be better off? It seems unlikely, so I'll stick with the "A" grade I gave them last year. But we'll know more when Watson is healthy again. When Houston finally made a pick early in the third round, they found a great value in Reid. He's a bit tight in the hips, but he's also a smart, downhill player who will start for many years. They also got great value in Rankin, a tackle from Mississippi State who could play multiple spots. The dude just doesn't get beat, and will be a solid starter. Picking Akins over other tight ends like Ian Thomas and Troy Fumagalli is a move that's worth questioning. The Texans needed to improve their slot receiver talent, and did with Coutee. They also needed depth in the front seven, so picking Ejiofor made sense; he could play with his hand down or standing up. Thomas is a massive college wide receiver who needs to move inside.
Indianapolis Colts
Draft picks: Notre Dame OG Quenton Nelson (No. 6 overall), South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard (No. 36 overall), Auburn OG Braden Smith (No. 37 overall), Rutgers DE Kemoko Turay (No. 52 overall), Ohio State DE Tyquan Lewis (No. 64 overall), N.C. State RB Nyheim Hines (No. 104 overall), Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain (No. 159 overall), Mississippi RB Jordan Wilkins (No. 169 overall), Clemson WR Deon Cain (No. 185 overall), Houston LB Matthew Adams (No. 221 overall), Syracuse LB Zaire Franklin (No. 235 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: GM Chris Ballard hauled in three second-round picks from the Jets to move down just three slots. They still got Quenton Nelson, one of the top three players in the draft. He'll be a difference maker up front for an organization that needs to protect its franchise player. Ballard converted three second-round picks (two from their aforementioned pre-draft trade-down) into good players. I thought there were better players on the board when they picked Leonard and Smith early in the second round, however. Lewis didn't have great production last year, but he had a great junior season. The Colts finally found receivers in Rounds 5-6 (Fountain and Cain). Both are tremendous athletes. Fountain has to prove he can battle at the top level, and Cain has to become more consistent as a pass catcher to reach his potential. The team could have used cornerback help earlier in this draft, though.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft picks: Florida DT Taven Bryan (No. 29 overall), LSU WR D.J. Chark (No. 61 overall), Alabama S Ronnie Harrison (No. 93 overall), N.C. State OT Will Richardson (No. 129 overall), Nebraska QB Tanner Lee (No. 203 overall), Wisconsin LB Leon Jacobs (No. 230 overall), Mississippi State P Logan Cooke (No. 247 overall).
Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: The Jaguars selected Bryan, even though they already have a load of talent on defensive line. But Philadelphia did win a Super Bowl with a strong rotation, and Bryan has some real potential that the Jags' coaches could tap into. They have a need for an inside linebacker, but the players of value at the position in the first round were already gone. Jacksonville got a good vertical threat in Chark late in the second round, and they hope he's as good a value as Allen Robinson was a few years ago. If he can be physical as well as win downfield, Blake Bortles could have something special. Landing Harrison in the late third round was a no-brainer in terms of value. He will punish ball carriers with impunity. Richardson has the length and strength to be a starting right tackle, if he has cleaned up the off-field issues. Lee has accuracy and consistency issues, but the tools are there if Jags coaches can harness it as he develops behind Blake Bortles.
Tennessee Titans
Draft picks: Alabama LB Rashaan Evans (No. 22 overall), Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry (No. 41 overall), Arizona S Dane Cruikshank (No. 152 overall), Washington State QB Luke Falk (No. 199 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: The Titans really needed an inside linebacker after the departure of Avery Williamson, so trading up for Evans made sense. They had to move down two rounds (giving up a fourth-rounder and picking up a sixth-rounder) to get ahead of the Patriots to secure Evans, but that's reasonable for an instant starter who can do a lot on the field. I can't knock the Titans for sending the Raiders a third-round pick to go get Landry. He will take over for Derrick Morgan or Brian Orakpo sooner than later. They'll find depth at other positions on Saturday and after the draft. Cruikshank has the length and agility play as a press corner or safety, so he's a good value in the fifth round. With Blaine Gabbert as the current backup, finding Falk available in the sixth round was a major bonus.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Draft picks: N.C. State edge rusher Bradley Chubb (No. 5 overall), SMU WR Courtland Sutton (No. 40 overall), Oregon RB Royce Freeman (No. 71 overall), Boston College DB Isaac Yiadom (No. 99 overall), Iowa LB Josey Jewell (No. 106 overall), Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton (No. 113 overall), Wisconsin TE Troy Fumagalli (No. 156 overall), Arizona State OG Sam Jones (No. 183 overall), Washington LB Keishawn Bierria (No. 217 overall), Arkansas RB David Williams (No. 226 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: Chubb was the best value on the board for this team. Putting him and Von Miller on the same defense makes them dangerous again, like when DeMarcus Ware and Miller were doing their thing. Case Keenum's two-year deal took QB out of the equation here, and Paxton Lynch still has an opportunity to grow into a starter. Sutton's going to be a playmaker at the next level because of his quick feet and size. The Broncos also needed a running back after letting C.J. Anderson go, and found one in Freeman, who looked more explosive later in the 2017 season. He might be getting back to his former self after struggling through injury; if he returns to form, the team got a steal. Trading Aqib Talib meant the Broncos were in need of a corner with length. Yiadom is a good fit. Jewell was a fine fourth-round pick at inside linebacker for the Broncos. He's solid and able to cover space due to his instincts. Adding Hamilton a day after picking Sutton should make Keenum very happy. Fumagalli and Jones should have been picked a round or two earlier; both fill huge needs for the Broncos.
Kansas City Chiefs
Draft picks: Mississippi LB Breeland Speaks (No. 46 overall), Florida State DT Derrick Nnadi (No. 75 overall), Clemson LB Dorian O'Daniel (No. 100 overall), Texas A&M S Armani Watts (No. 124 overall), Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith (No. 196 overall), Tennessee OG Kahlil McKenzie (No. 198 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: B-
Day 3 grade: B-
Overall grade: B
The skinny: The Chiefs had no first-round selection this year because they traded up 17 spots in 2017 to bring in Patrick Mahomes. The young gunslinger played well enough last season that the team unloaded veteran Alex Smith this off-season. The Chiefs wanted a versatile defender in the second round, and they gave up a third-round pick to go get Speaks, who fits the bill. Speaks has potential, and he'll have to meet it to make the trade-up worthwhile. Nnadi will be a good nose tackle, but can he affect the passing game enough to justify the team's decision to give up a fourth-round pick to move up 11 spots to get him? With the final pick in the third round, the Chiefs added O'Daniel, who will play a safety/linebacker hybrid role. The value was about right, and it will be an interesting fit. Kansas City received pick 124 for cornerback Marcus Peters in their trade with the Rams this off-season, and they used the pick to meet their need for a safety in Watts. Smith could make the team because of its need to replace Peters. Interestingly, they're moving McKenzie from the defensive line to guard to take advantage of his size and athleticism.
Los Angeles Chargers
Draft picks: Florida State S Derwin James (No. 17 overall), USC LB Uchenna Nwosu (No. 48 overall), N.C. State DT Justin Jones (No. 84 overall), West Virginia S/LB Kyzir White (No. 119 overall), UCLA C Scott Quessenberry (No. 155 overall), Texas Tech WR Dylan Cantrell (No. 191 overall), Northwestern RB Justin Jackson (No. 251 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: C
Day 3 grade: C
Overall grade: B
The skinny: The Chargers let the draft come to them in the first round, and they got a great player at a need position. Doesn't get much better than that for a mid-first-round selection. James is fluid, tough, and fast. I don't understand why he was still available at 17. The team was looking to improve its linebacker situation, and it deemed Nwosu the best option available in the middle of the second round. Will Texas' Malik Jefferson or Georgia's Lorenzo Carter -- who were both still on the board -- prove to be better players? Time will tell. They found their nose tackle in the third round, picking Jones. This might have been a little early for him, but we'll see if he can put it all together to be more than a rotational player. White is a physical player with ball skills. Even after signing Mike Pouncey, the Chargers picked Quessenberry, a sturdy pivot who will start in the future. They did not find any depth at guard or tackle, though, nor a quarterback to compete with Geno Smith and Cardale Jones for a backup spot.
Oakland Raiders
Draft picks: UCLA OT Kolton Miller (No. 15 overall), Sam Houston State DT P.J. Hall (No. 57 overall), North Carolina A&T OT Brandon Parker (No. 65 overall), LSU DE Arden Key (No. 87 overall), Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson (No. 110 overall), Michigan DT Maurice Hurst (No. 140 overall), Florida P Johnny Townsend (No. 173 overall), Washington LB Azeem Victor (No. 216 overall), Oklahoma State WR Marcell Ateman (No. 228 overall).
Day 1 grade: C
Day 2 grade: C-
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: C
The skinny: With many top-notch defenders on the board, the Raiders took an athletic but inconsistent tackle in Miller. His tape did not put him in the mid-first round. The team did get a third- and fifth-round pick in the trade to with Arizona to move five picks down (from 10 to 15), so that's a plus. Hall was one of my favorite non-FBS players in this draft, but his ascension to the second round was astounding. I believe his quickness and tenacious nature will translate to the NFL. Parker is raw and a bit of a reach in the early third, especially for a team that already picked an offensive tackle in Round 1. The Raiders took a chance on Key, who struggled with issues and injuries during his college career. If he can straighten things out, maybe he'll use his length to become a potent pass rusher. The Raiders traded for a couple veteran receivers -- Martavis Bryant and Ryan Switzer -- over the course of the draft. Ateman is another pass catcher who could make the team with his strong hands and physicality. Nelson adds much-needed competition to the team's cornerback group. Oakland doctors signed off on Hurst, a first-round talent who was diagnosed with a heart condition at the NFL Scouting Combine. He's going to be a star. Townsend was picked in an appropriate place in the draft, and will replace Marquette King.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Draft picks: Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch (No. 19 overall), Texas OG Connor Williams (No. 50 overall), Colorado State WR Michael Gallup (No. 81 overall), Kansas DE Dorance Armstrong (No. 116 overall), Stanford TE Dalton Schultz (No. 137 overall), Western Kentucky QB Mike White (No. 171 overall), Indiana LB Chris Covington (No. 193 overall), Boise State WR Cedrick Wilson (No. 208 overall), Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough (No. 236 overall).
Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: Vander Esch is a talented off-the-ball linebacker who can move on the outside and slip tackles inside to find the ball. The Cowboys needed to bolster the position, but should they have found a pass-catcher here instead given their dire need at the position and having their pick of the best? It's a good pick -- if his neck truly is not a problem. Williams will likely play guard for the Cowboys. He'll join a nasty group up front and has the talent to make Pro Bowls. They found a future starter at receiver with Gallup. His progress as a rookie will have a large effect on how the passing offense performs in 2018. Jason Witten's expected retirement forced the team to find a tight end, and Schultz should be a move-the-chains guy for years to come. White was picked up in the fifth round to be a strong backup to Dak Prescott, but he has starter qualities. Covington is another coverage linebacker with great potential as a special-teamer, as well. Scarbrough struggled to become "the man" at Alabama, but he'll be a worthwhile seventh-round pick if he can lower his pads and run hard consistently. The trade with the Raiders to acquire Jihad Ward at defensive tackle met the only need left on their board.
New York Giants
Draft picks: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (No. 2 overall), UTEP OG Will Hernandez (No. 34 overall), Georgia LB Lorenzo Carter (No. 66 overall), N.C. State DT B.J. Hill (No. 69 overall), Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta (No. 108 overall), Miami DT R.J. McIntosh (No. 139 overall).
Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A-
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: Saquon Barkley was the No. 1 prospect on many teams' boards. Pass rusher Bradley Chubb, taken by Denver three spots later, could prove to be a better investment with this pick because of the attrition at running back, but there's no blaming them for taking Barkley. Hernandez is a brute of a left guard who will lead the way for Barkley. They had signed a couple of veterans inside, but Hernandez was good value near the top of the second round. Carter can play off the ball in coverage and against the run. He'll need to show the Giants he is committed football. Hill will disrupt things for offenses from his defensive tackle position. He ended up being the return from the Jason Pierre-Paul trade. The acquisition of linebacker Alec Ogletree took two picks from their Day 3 collection (fourth- and sixth- rounder), but that seems to be a worthwhile move for a team needing improvement at that position. The selection of Lauletta in the fourth round could prove to be a valuable pick in the next few years if the team is ready to move on from Eli Manning. McIntosh builds depth on the defensive line, but the team will need to find additional talent at wide receiver and cornerback after the draft to bolster those positions.
Philadelphia Eagles
Draft picks: South Dakota State TE Dallas Goedert (No. 49 overall), Pittsburgh CB Avonte Maddox (No. 125 overall), Florida State DE Josh Sweat (No. 130 overall), TCU OT Matt Pryor (No. 206 overall), OT Jordan Mailata (No. 233 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: General Manager Howie Roseman took advantage of other teams ignoring Lamar Jackson by trading out of the first round so Baltimore could select him. He grabbed the Ravens' 2019 second-round pick and moved up in the second round on Friday night to select a tight end they could have taken in the first round: Dallas Goedert. He'll be an outstanding player in the Jimmy Graham mold. The Eagles had given up their second-round pick to the Browns to get Carson Wentz two years ago and traded away their third-rounder to Buffalo, giving them just two picks in the first three rounds. The feisty and small Maddox can help replace Daryl Worley. Roseman reeled in Sweat, a first-round talent, in the fourth round, only because of medical concerns. Mailata's potential as a 6-foot-8, 350-pound offensive tackle without football experience (he's a former rugby player) was worth a flyer in the seventh round. They could have used a little more linebacker depth, but they might find it on the undrafted free agent market.
Washington Redskins
Draft picks: Alabama DT Da'Ron Payne (No. 13 overall), LSU RB Derrius Guice (No. 59 overall), Louisville OT Geron Christian (No. 74 overall), Penn State S Troy Apke (No. 109 overall), Virginia Tech DT Tim Settle (No. 163 overall), Alabama LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (No. 197 overall), Virginia Tech CB Greg Stroman (No. 241 overall), SMU WR Trey Quinn (No. 256 overall).
Day 1 grade: B
Day 2 grade: A-
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: Payne wasn't overly productive in college, but his ability to stop the run was desperately needed for the league's worst run defense. If he continues to improve, he and former Tide teammate Jonathan Allen could be a great one-two punch. The Redskins took a chance on running back Derrius Guice, who was tough to tackle at the college level. They needed a true bellcow back in Washington, and now they have one who runs angry and will no doubt carry a large chip on his shoulder for dropping in the draft. Christian played both sides of the line in Bobby Petrino's offense at Louisville, and his athleticism made fans of scouts across the league. He'll have to up his game to handle the strength of pro defensive ends. Keep in mind that Washington included its third-round pick as part of the deal to acquire quarterback Alex Smith this off-season. Apke provides special-teams help and could become a starter in the back half in time. Settle bolsters that run defense with Payne. Stroman's a lean corner, but competitive. Quinn is not irrelevant in any way, even though he was the draft's final pick, and could be a factor in 2018.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Draft picks: Georgia LB Roquan Smith (No. 8 overall), Iowa C James Daniels (No. 39 overall), Memphis WR Anthony Miller (No. 51 overall), Western Kentucky LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe (No. 115 overall), Delaware DE Bilal Nichols (No. 145 overall), Utah LB Kylie Fitts (No. 181 overall), Georgia WR Javon Wims (No. 224 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: A
The skinny: The Bears found much-needed speed and talent for their defense with the addition of Smith. He is not a physical specimen in the Brian Urlacher mold but still a force to be reckoned with. The Georgia star was the best player on the board at the eighth pick. Daniels will fit into the Bears' offensive line wherever coaches can stick him. If his knees are fine, he'll start in the league for a long time. They paid a 2019 second-round and 2018 fourth-round pick to get an outstanding receiver in Miller. He'll take over Cam Meredith's spot and could be a long-time starter due to his competitive nature. Iyiegbuniwe will be an active linebacker for the Bears, who might have gone a bit early. Nichols is an athletic big man that will fit into their rotation right away, and Fitts fits well as an edge rusher in the 3-4 scheme; only injuries have limited his success in college. A riser as a senior, Wims can win downfield for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
Detroit Lions
Draft picks: Arkansas C/OG Frank Ragnow (No. 20 overall), Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson (No. 43 overall), Louisiana-Lafayette DB Tracy Walker (No. 82 overall), Alabama DT Da'Shawn Hand (No. 114 overall), Oregon OT Tyrell Crosby (No. 153 overall), San Diego State RB Nick Bawden (No. 237 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: C
Day 3 grade: B
Overall grade: B
The skinny: Detroit got stronger in the middle by picking Ragnow, who could play guard for now, or move to center if needed. Either way, he'll move the line of scrimmage. Matthew Stafford feels better already. The Lions were so interested in Johnson that they gave up a fourth-round pick to move up eight spots. That's marginal value, though I expect Johnson will be a good back. Walker was picked two rounds earlier than expected, but he has the skills to become a starter in the league. Hand could end up a pretty good interior player, but he'll need to contribute right away to be worth giving up a 2019 third-rounder. Great value in Crosby, who should be a starter at guard or tackle very soon because of his strength. He has quick enough feet to handle pass protection duties.
Green Bay Packers
Draft picks: Louisville CB Jaire Alexander (No. 18 overall), Iowa CB Josh Jackson (No. 45 overall), Vanderbilt LB Oren Burks (No. 88 overall), Missouri WR J'Mon Moore (No. 133 overall), Washington State OG Cole Madison (No. 138 overall), Alabama P J.K. Scott (No. 172 overall), South Florida WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (No. 174 overall), Notre Dame WR Equanimeous St. Brown (No. 207 overall), Cal DT James Looney (No. 232 overall), Mississippi State LS Hunter Bradley (No. 239 overall), Southeast Missouri LB Kendall Donnerson (No. 248 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: A
The skinny: Even with talented safety Derwin James on the board, the Saints gave the Packers a deal too rich to give up. Getting a 2019 first-round pick was a steal. Alexander was the second-best corner in the draft on most team boards, despite being a shade over 5-foot-10. They did give up a third-round pick to move up but the net effect of the two trades is still a positive, and they met their biggest position need with a player who can be an above-average starter. The team continued to bolster its secondary with Jackson in the second round. The question is, should they have picked two corners right away, ignoring other needs? With aging free agent veteran Tramon Williams planned as a starter this year, it was probably a good move. Moving up for Burks cost them a fourth-rounder, but he adds athleticism, strength, versatility and intelligence. He'll be a good starter for them at a spot they desperately needed to upgrade. Green Bay went with Moore, Valdes-Scantling, and St. Brown at receiver to re-build that position. All of those guys could make a case for a roster spot. Madison could be a long-time starter at guard. Scott meets a big need for a team that's lacked an above-average punter for some time. The Packers' troubles with the kicking game forced them to pick a long snapper, and Bradley's a good one (though he has an injury history). Depth at offensive tackle and tight end must be addressed after the draft.
Minnesota Vikings
Draft picks: UCF CB Mike Hughes (No. 30 overall), Pittsburgh OT Brian O'Neill (No. 62 overall), Ohio State DE Jalyn Holmes (No. 102 overall), Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin (No. 157 overall), Auburn K Daniel Carlson (No. 167 overall), Appalachian State OG Colby Gossett (No. 213 overall), Tulane DE Ade Aruna (No. 218 overall), Cal LB Devante Downs (No. 225 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: Terence Newman is no longer with the team, and Mackensie Alexander needed competition in the slot, so the Vikings ignored the offensive line need to pick Hughes. He's a great athlete with some off-field concerns and only average size. He should excel inside for the Vikings. O'Neill needs to get stronger in the lower body to prevent losing leverage, but could end up a good investment in time. GM Rick Spielman moved out of the third round, but only down eight spots, and gained a sixth-round pick in the process. Holmes will bring strength, quickness, and versatility to the Vikings' defense. Conklin's an underrated prospect who is fluid and sure-handed. Minnesota also needed competition at guard, and grabbing Gossett in the sixth round was absolutely a steal. Aruna is raw, but long and athletic, and has huge upside as a pass rusher.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Draft picks: Alabama WR Calvin Ridley (No. 26 overall), Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver (No. 58 overall), South Florida DT Deadrin Senat (No. 90 overall), Southern Mississippi RB Ito Smith (No. 126 overall), LSU WR Russell Gage (No. 194 overall), Yale LB Foyesade Oluokun (No. 200 overall).
Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B
Overall grade: B+
The skinny: Even though the team had needs on defense that Taven Bryan and others could have met, it's tough to blame Thomas Dimitroff for taking a good value in Ridley. Ridley's quickness will complement Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu quite well, especially with Andre Roberts and Taylor Gabriel no longer with the team. The Falcons got more good value in the second round, picking Oliver, who is long and can adjust to the ball down the sideline quite well. They addressed the nose tackle position in the third round, taking Senat, who presents strength and quickness off the ball that could be a real issue for offensive lines, much like current Falcon Grady Jarrett. Smith was picked a bit higher than expected in the fourth round but is a good back with all-around skills, and has very good size. Gage will be a special-teams ace for the Falcons.
Carolina Panthers
Draft picks: Maryland WR D.J. Moore (No. 24 overall), LSU CB Donte Jackson (No. 55 overall), Tennessee DB Rashaan Gaulden (No. 85 overall), Indiana TE Ian Thomas (No. 101 overall), Mississippi LB Marquis Haynes (No. 136 overall), Maryland LB Jermaine Carter (No. 161 overall), North Carolina LB Andre Smith (No. 234 overall), Miami DT Kendrick Norton (No. 242 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: Moore was the best receiver in the draft. He's fast, quick, elusive, and tough. Get him the ball and let him go. Cam Newton needs more weapons, and now he's got a very good one. Jackson is a sticky corner who has no fear. If he wasn't so slight, he might have gone sooner. Despite his frame, he's willing to mix it up with any receiver. The Panthers got a good one to replace Daryl Worley in Gaulden, who is a physical defensive back that went in the correct part of the draft. The Panthers can play him at safety, corner, or nickel. Carolina moved out of the third round, ending up with the top pick of Day 3 plus a fifth-round pick. They picked Thomas kick off the festivities on Saturday morning, a value pick at a need position. They traded up to get the active and long Haynes as a pass rusher.
New Orleans Saints
Draft picks: UTSA edge rusher Marcus Davenport (No. 14 overall), UCF WR Tre'Quan Smith (No. 91 overall), Florida State OT Rick Leonard (No. 127 overall), Wisconsin S Natrell Jamerson (No. 164 overall), Boston College DB Kamrin Moore (No. 189 overall), Louisiana Tech RB Boston Scott (No. 201 overall), LSU C Will Clapp (No. 245).
Day 1 grade: C-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: C
Overall grade: B
The skinny: The Saints jumped up the board to get their man. Davenport is a talented player, but trading a 2019 first-round pick and a 2018 fifth-round pick to go get a raw pass rusher was a very heavy price. Alvin Kamara was acquired last April for a second-round pick this year, and after one year that seems like a great move. The Saints found depth at receiver with Smith, who presents a blend of toughness and speed. He should fit into the rotation this year and earn more playing time as his career progresses. Leonard is a former defensive lineman who is a project as a fourth-round pick, and probably was selected too early. Moore has the cover skills to complete for a roster spot this year. The Saints failed to hit multiple needs, however, including a developmental quarterback, defensive tackle, linebacker, and tight end.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft picks: Washington DT Vita Vea (No. 12 overall), USC RB Ronald Jones (No. 38 overall), North Carolina DB M.J. Stewart (No. 53 overall), Auburn CB Carlton Davis (No. 63 overall), Humboldt State OG Alex Cappa (No. 94 overall), Pittsburgh S Jordan Whitehead (No. 117 overall), Pennsylvania WR Justin Watson (No. 144 overall), Wisconsin LB Jack Cichy (No. 202 overall).
Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: Vea could be a difference-maker against the run and as a penetrator in the interior. There was better value at a position of need in Florida State safety Derwin James. They could have picked a nose tackle later in the draft. But they did pick up two second-round picks by trading back only five spots in the first round. That haul resulted in a starting running back in Jones, who can do a bit of everything and was a worthy selection. Pairing Stewart with outside corner Carlton Davis gives the Bucs depth. Cappa is a starting guard for the Buccaneers sooner than later. He'll get after it in a big way. Whitehead (fourth round) could turn out to be a starter at free safety if he can be physical with bigger receivers and overcome off-field concerns. Watson earned fans during the post-season process and has the chance to be a fit as a fourth receiver. Cichy missed his final season at Wisconsin due to injury, but could rebound in 2018 to be a solid contributor in the middle.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Draft picks: UCLA QB Josh Rosen (No. 10 overall), Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk (No. 47 overall), Michigan C Mason Cole (No. 97 overall), Fordham RB Chase Edmonds (No. 134 overall), Penn State DB Christian Campbell (No. 182 overall), Cincinnati OT Korey Cunningham (No. 254 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A
The skinny: Rosen is the best pure pocket passer in the draft. The Cardinals need to protect him, but if they do, he'll be a Pro Bowler. Giving up third- and fifth-round picks was more than reasonable for a player with his potential. Kirk is an excellent fit, not only because of his skills but the impending retirement of Larry Fitzgerald. Cole brings versatility to the Cardinals, as he started at center and tackle for Michigan. He was picked a little early for my taste, but he'll be a consistent contributor on Sundays. Edmonds was a worthy fourth-round pick, sort of a smaller version of all-around offensive weapon David Johnson. Campbell is a versatile athlete able to play outside corner or free safety, two areas of need for the team.
Los Angeles Rams
Draft picks: TCU OT Joseph Noteboom (No. 89 overall), Michigan State C Brian Allen (No. 111 overall), Stephen F. Austin DE John Franklin-Myers (No. 135 overall), Virginia LB Micah Kiser (No. 147 overall), Oklahoma LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (No. 160 overall), Tennessee RB John Kelly (No. 176 overall), Maine OG Jamil Demby (No. 192 overall), Rutgers DT Sebastian Joseph (No. 195 overall), Louisville LB Trevon Young (No. 205 overall), TCU LB Travin Howard (No. 231), SMU DE Justin Lawler (No. 244 overall).
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: A
Overall grade: A-
The skinny: Les Snead pulled the trigger on a trade with the Patriots to land receiver Brandin Cooks, giving up the team's first-round pick and swapping a sixth-rounder for a fourth-round selection. Jared Goff is already thriving under coach Sean McVay, and now he has a very reliable pass-catcher in Cooks. This is a "win-now" move, which makes more sense than relying on a rookie receiver to help the offense. Snead gave up his second-round pick for Sammy Watkins, who played well for a year and then moved on. I'm sure that's not what the team had in mind when trading for him. Finally able to pick in the middle of the third round, the Rams get a swing tackle in Noteboom, who showed impressive movement last season. This was a good pick for a team needing depth at the position. The Rams did some work on Day 3 well before the draft, grabbing picks in trading away Robert Quinn and Alec Ogletree and giving up picks for cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. Franklin-Myers is an interesting edge rusher whom I valued as a top-150 pick. Kiser could take Ogletree's starting spot in 2018. The Rams went nuts on edge rushers later, but all had good value. Kelly is also a strong pick in the sixth round.
San Francisco 49ers
Draft picks: Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey (No. 9 overall), Washington WR Dante Pettis (No. 44 overall), BYU LB Fred Warner (No. 70 overall), Southern Mississippi S Tarvarius Moore (No. 95 overall), N.C. State DE Kentavius Street (No. 128 overall), Kansas State DB D.J. Reed (No. 142 overall), Florida DB Marcell Harris (No. 184 overall), Temple DT Jullian Taylor (No. 223 overall), Middle Tennessee WR Richie James (No. 240 overall).
Day 1 grade: C+
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: B+
Overall grade: B
The skinny: McGlinchey brings power in the run game, and if he can learn to be a better pass protector, the 49ers will have a great find. He's a solid player, but linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safeties Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick would have been better values. Armed with two second-round picks, they moved up to get Pettis, a competitive receiver/returner that was adequate value. Warner is a solid linebacker worthy of a third-round pick; he'll shore things up at whatever spot the team requires at the second level (Will, Mike, or Sam). Moore, a late-riser, is an athletic player with starter potential. The 49ers stuck with Street despite his knee injury, and he could prove to be a great value in a couple years. Reed joins Pettis in the return game, but meets the team's need for a slot corner. James should have been a fifth-round pick, as his hands and elusiveness are top-notch and his toughness belies his slight frame.
Seattle Seahawks
Draft picks: San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny (No. 27 overall), USC DE Rasheem Green (No. 79 overall), Washington TE Will Dissly (No. 120 overall), UCF LB Shaquem Griffin (No. 141 overall), Oklahoma State DB Tre Flowers (No. 146 overall), Texas P Michael Dickson (No. 149 overall), Ohio State OT Jamarco Jones (No. 168 overall), Temple DE Jacob Martin (No. 186 overall), Florida International QB Alex McGough (No. 220 overall).
Day 1 grade: D
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: B-
Overall grade: C
The skinny: There was zero surprise the Seahawks traded down, as they expected their guys to be available later. Penny is a good back but picked too early. This is the modus operandi for the Seahawks in recent years, picking someone in the first round much earlier than most people project. And, in most cases, the picks haven't worked out. Seattle lost its second-round pick in a trade for Sheldon Richardson, which only turned out to be an unsuccessful one-year deal. Selecting Green in the third round was good value, and could be a steal like Michael Bennett was years ago. He should be a better pro player than he was in college. Dissly is a blocker with some receiving skills. Getting Griffin not only reunited him with his twin brother, it added quickness and aggressiveness to the defense. Flowers is a very Seahawks-like pick -- big and strong like another fifth-round pick, Kam Chancellor. GM John Schneider traded a seventh-round pick away for the draft's top punter in Dickson, who some thought could have been a Day 2 pick. He's a good value and filled a need. Jones could start in a year or two given the offensive line issues. No corners or receivers selected puts Seattle in a hole at those spots after the draft.
Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter @chad_reuter.
The 2018 NFL draft is in the books. We grade out the winners (the Cleveland Browns – no, seriously), losers (Lamar Jackson) and who frustrated the winners and losers alike (the New England Patriots)
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: judging the NFL draft less than 24 hours after it has ended is a thankless exercise. It will be years before we can look back and say which teams made mistakes.
For this reason I would like to add this disclaimer before we sort the winners and losers: The article you are about to read contains a number of predictions and opinions that will look incredibly silly with benefit of hindsight.
Winner: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
This probably could have gone without saying. Being the top overall pick is a win even if it means starting one’s career with the Cleveland Browns.
NFL draft: Mayfield looks like a reach at No1 as old stereotypes hurt Jackson Read more
Winner: The Cleveland Browns
OK that a low blow, but it might be time to make “lol Browns” jokes while we still can. Cleveland might not be the doormat of the league for very much longer. Along with Mayfield, the Browns picked up Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the fourth overall pick and continued to stockpile young talent and future assets in later rounds. Browns fans have earned the right to feel cautiously optimistic about the future although they know better than to say anything along those lines out loud.
Winner: Quarterbacks in general
Mayfield emerging as the number one pick was especially noteworthy considering his competition. He was one of several quarterbacks chosen in the first round. The New York Jets took USC’s Sam Darnold at No3, the Buffalo Bills took Wyoming’s Josh Allen at No7 and the Arizona Cardinals drafted UCLA’s Josh Rosen at No10.
Expect this to be the norm for the foreseeable future. It’s never been more important for a NFL team to have reliable play-caller and it’s never been more difficult to find one through trades and in free agency. For many teams, the draft might be the only place they can hope to find a new franchise player.
Loser: QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville
One quarterback did not enjoy his draft experience despite going in the first round. Given the current state of the QB market, it was somewhat baffling that the talented Jackson, the Heisman trophy winner in 2016, nearly fell out of the first round altogether. The Baltimore Ravens were more than happy to scoop him up at No32. You have to think he’s going to remember every single player picked in front of him.
Winner: The Baltimore Ravens
See above.
Losers: Patriots fans expecting their team to make a big splash
In the weeks leading up to the draft there was plenty of talk about the New England Patriots being one of the teams interested in Jackson. It made prefect sense: The Patriots desperately need a QB of the Future after trading away Jimmy Garoppolo and (to a lesser extent) Jacoby Brissett last season.
Of course it’s never that easy. The Patriots passed over Jackson. Instead, New England did what they always do: maniacally swapping picks as head coach Bill Belichick continued his single-minded pursuit of value at all cost. The Patriots’ 2018 draft can probably be best summed up by the headline: “Patriots have made more trades than picks so far”. Of course, if there’s yet another trip to the Super Bowl in the cards, I’m sure you find too many fans complaining.
Loser: The ‘death of the running back’ narrative
Over the last few decades, we’ve been talking abut the NFL evolving into an increasingly pass-happy league. That’s a big reason why so many teams have found themselves on a perennial pursuit for a franchise QB (and many of those would even settle for a “just OK” one).
In the modern league, the emphasis on the passing game has led to a devaluation of running backs, who are now mostly seen as complementary parts of a modern NFL offense rather than a focus. They’re not as clearly disposable as kickers currently are, but they’re in similar boats. On top of that, running backs wear down quickly thanks to the abuse they absorb and their peaks often only last a few years.
As a result, teams rarely draft running backs in the early rounds. There’s a belief that a decent running back can just be found somewhere later on, and that you definitely should think twice before giving up a first round draft pick for one.
While all of that might be true in a general sense, it doesn’t mean that a talented running back can’t make an impact. While it used to be that you’d see the entire round go by before the first RB went off the board that was never going to be the same here.
Things went a little bit differently in the early rounds of this year’s draft. It started with the New York Giants taking Penn State’s Saquon Barkley as the second overall pick, which wasn’t necessarily a surprise considering he was almost unanimously considered one of the best offensive players in the draft. The distance between Barkley and his peers was so great that the next RB wouldn’t come off the board until the Seattle Seahawks somewhat controversially took San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny with the No27 pick. The the Patriots meanwhile took Georgia’s Sony Michel at No31. The ground game is still alive in the NFL, it seems.
Loser: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We were promised a parrot that could talk. For shame.
256 picks later, the 2018 NFL draft is a wrap.
The first round kicked off with a number of trades and some questionable picks, and that action only carried into the next two days. Which teams now boast impressive rookie classes? Our 2018 NFL draft grades, below.
Arizona Cardinals
Draft picks: UCLA QB Josh Rosen (No. 10), Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk (No. 47), Michigan C Mason Cole (No. 97), Fordham RB Chase Edmonds (No. 134), Penn State DB Christian Campbell (No. 182), Cincinnati OT Korey Cunningham (No. 254).
Arizona’s defense is a No. 2 corner away from being among the league’s top six, but GM Steve Keim didn’t truly address that in the draft, only because the offense is several players away from being competitive—especially if you take the long view. However Keim landed potential long-term cogs at three of the most critical positions, including QB Josh Rosen—a player who Keim, who traded up from the No. 15 spot, thought would not be there at No. 10. Rosen—far-and-away the most polished, “ready now” QB in this draft—is a timing-and-rhythm passer, which usually translates well to the NFL.
WR Christian Kirk (a Scottsdale native) has an even greater chance to play right away, considering there were no proven everydown receivers behind Larry Fitzgerald. However replacing the soon-to-be 35-year-old Fitzgerald long-term may have been the main inspiration behind this pick, given that Kirk, stylistically, projects as a possession slot guy. Cole is here to supplant A.Q. Shipley, who is almost 32 and in the final year of his contract. The question is whether the rookie, who has position flexibility, can compete at guard, giving Arizona an option for replacing Mike Iupati in 2019, when he’s owed $9.7 million.
Grade: B+
Atlanta Falcons
Draft picks: Alabama WR Calvin Ridley (No. 26), Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver (No. 58), South Florida DT Deadrin Senat (No. 90), Southern Mississippi RB Ito Smith (No. 126), LSU WR Russell Gage (No. 194), Yale LB Foyesade Oluokun (No. 200).
The Falcons came into the draft with just one capable contributor at defensive tackle (rising fourth-year star Grady Jarrett), but GM Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn didn’t address that position until the third round—one can assume that they felt the talent available at No. 26 and No. 58 was too great to ignore.
Atlanta didn’t need help at wide receiver, but every NFC South team gulped when it swiped Calvin Ridley, a player seen by some as Antonio Brown lite. Playing opposite Julio Jones and outside of Mohamad Sanu, he’ll face favorable coverage looks snap after snap. Isaiah Oliver is a long-armed, makeup speed type corner, which Quinn has always liked. He can be another version of Jalen Collins (out of the league due to repeated failed drug tests), but Atlanta already had a tremendous duo signed long-term in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, and a sturdy slot presence in Brian Poole. Does Oliver’s arrival mean Alford will eventually play fulltime in the slot? However you shape it, this was a luxury pick. So was running back Ito Smith, who was taken one round behind defensive tackle Deadrin Senat. Quinn employs a litany of defensive line rotations, and the Falcons may regret not finding more forces inside.
Grade: C+
Baltimore Ravens
Draft picks: South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst (No. 25), Louisville QB Lamar Jackson (No. 32), Oklahoma OT Orlando Brown (No. 83), Oklahoma TE Mark Andrews (No. 86), Alabama CB Anthony Averett (No. 118), UCLA LB Kenny Young (No. 122), New Mexico State WR Jaleel Scott (No. 132), UCLA WR Jordan Lasley (No. 162), Texas S DeShon Elliott (No. 190), Wagner OT Greg Senat (No. 212), Alabama C Bradley Bozeman (No. 215), Ferris State DE Zach Sieler (No. 238).
The Ravens found their identity last season after becoming a run-first offense; the better a team’s tight-end situation, the easier it is to take that approach. With blocking tight ends Nick Boyle and Maxx Williams on the roster, Baltimore needed someone flexible who could offer receiving prowess, and it found arguably the best in the draft in Hayden Hurst, who can also contribute in the running game. For good measure, the team used a third-round pick on lanky pass-catcher Mark Andrews.
The biggest news of GM Ozzie Newsome’s final draft, however, came late Thursday night when he traded picks No. 52 and No. 125, plus next year’s second-rounder, to get Lamar Jackson at No. 32. The plan is for Jackson to sit and learn behind Joe Flacco, but Jackson and Flacco have antithetical styles—the offense built for Jackson will be nothing like the one Baltimore runs with Flacco. This torch could be passed earlier than expected given the abundance of Ravens coaches who are familiar with a Jackson-friendly type of offense. John Harbaugh was the head coach here when Tyrod Taylor used to give Baltimore’s defense fits in practice. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and new QB coach James Urban were in Philadelphia in 2010, when Michael Vick had his best season. And, most importantly, ground game constructor Greg Roman had Colin Kaepernick with the 49ers in 2012.
With six key contributors in contract years, the Ravens needed to replenish their defensive front seven—but they didn’t, save for taking linebacker Kenny Young in Round 4. Next year’s GM, Eric DeCosta, will have to play catchup. But if their offensive overhaul goes well, that’s a small price to pay.
Grade: B-
• KLEMKO: For Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the wait was worth it
Buffalo Bills
Draft picks: Wyoming QB Josh Allen (No. 7), Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds (No. 16), Stanford DT Harrison Phillips (No. 96), Weber State DB Taron Johnson (No. 121), Jacksonville State DB Siran Neal (No. 154), Virginia Tech OG Wyatt Teller (No. 166), Clemson WR Ray-Ray McCloud (No. 187), North Carolina WR Austin Proehl (No. 255).
The Bills traded up to get the quarterback they wanted and the linebacker they needed … in theory, anyway. We can debate Josh Allen’s merits and future prospects, but it’s easy to believe the Bills when they say that arm strength, size and mobility make him the best fit for playing in the sometimes-difficult Buffalo conditions. With head coach Sean McDermott, GM Brandon Beane and others, this team is becoming the Panthers North. Stylistically, Allen can provide the same base run-game dimensions as Cam Newton; he might not quite be as dynamic a Newton, but he has a chance to become a better on-the-move thrower.
The Edmunds pick was necessary, given how crucial linebackers are in McDermott’s foundational double-A-gap pressure looks and zone coverages. Edmunds may need time to develop, though, leaving the Bills thin at a critical spot when they’re trying to build on their surprising 9-7 season.
The only gripe is Buffalo did not find a true edge rusher. (And the team is wrong if it thinks that free-agent pickup Trent Murphy is that guy.) Doing so would have buttressed the pass rush opposite Jerry Hughes and inside, since it’d allow 2016 first-rounder Shaq Lawson to be a passing down three-technique, where his skills are better suited. The third-round pick that could have addressed this was instead spent on run-stuffer Harrison Phillips, whom they hope can replace soon-to-be 35-year-old Kyle Williams after this season.
Grade: B
• Two Trades, Two Joshes and Two Very Happy Teams in Buffalo and Arizona
Carolina Panthers
Draft picks: Maryland WR D.J. Moore (No. 24), LSU CB Donte Jackson (No. 55), Tennessee DB Rashaan Gaulden (No. 85), Indiana TE Ian Thomas (No. 101), Mississippi LB Marquis Haynes (No. 136), Maryland LB Jermaine Carter (No. 161), North Carolina LB Andre Smith (No. 234), Miami DT Kendrick Norton (No. 242).
Generally the Panthers think that having a talented defensive front seven can make mid- and late-round defensive backs play better. But this year, most of the front-seven players in Carolina are under contract through 2020 or beyond, while every defensive back—save for slot specialist Captain Munnerlyn—is due to hit free agency before then. So, restituted GM Marty Hurney went defensive back with his second and third picks, taking speedy, boom-or-bust corner Donte Jackson and multifaceted safety/slot man/corner Rashaan Gaulden.
Before that, however, Hurney addressed Carolina’s putrid wide receiver situation. With all wideouts still on the board, he took D.J. Moore, who some see as a potentially more polished DeAndre Hopkins. Moore’s success playing with Cam Newton could come down to his ball adjustment skills. Fourth-round tight end Ian Thomas is also an important selection. The Panthers, with their multi-actioned rushing attack and play-action game, are at their best in two-tight end packages, but they entered the draft without a quality contributor behind Greg Olsen.
Grade: A-
Chicago Bears
Draft picks: Georgia LB Roquan Smith (No. 8), Iowa C James Daniels (No. 39), Memphis WR Anthony Miller (No. 51), Western Kentucky LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe (No. 115), Delaware DE Bilal Nichols (No. 145), Utah LB Kylie Fitts (No. 181), Georgia WR Javon Wims (No. 224).
Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s two-deep zone scheme is predicated on nuanced disguises and blurry looks, and the safeties are crucial to that, but coaches will tell you that having quality stack linebackers makes all the difference. Remember, Fangio’s most successful season was 2012 in San Francisco, when he had Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
At No. 8, the Bears had their choice of any inside linebacker, and they took who many deemed the safest and most electrifying one in Roquan Smith. Smith doesn’t have the ideal size, which will be an issue from time to time, especially given how playing with two safeties back deep lightens the defensive box. But with D-line monsters like Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman (and maybe fifth-round rookie Bilal Nichols, who is known for his anchor strength), Smith should be clean from blockers much of the time. Pace also fortified the depth around Smith by taking Joel Iyiegbuniwe in Round 4.
In Round 2, Pace found his missing guard in James Daniels, who many projected to go first-round. Like incumbent interior lineman Cody Whitehair, Daniels can play anywhere between the offensive tackles. Twelve picks later, Pace rounded out Chicago’s revamped receiving corps with Anthony Miller, who joins newcomers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel. Now the Bears have something they didn’t have for much of last season: decent wide receivers. Mitchell Trubisky’s success will come as a timing-and-rhythm player (think, a better version of Kirk Cousins). Putting talent around him is imperative.
Grade: A
Cincinnati Bengals
Draft picks: Ohio State C/OG Billy Price (No. 21), Wake Forest S Jessie Bates (No. 54), Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard (No. 77), Texas LB Malik Jefferson (No. 78 ), Miami RB Mark Walton (No. 112), Illinois State DB Davontae Harris (No. 151), Virginia DT Andrew Brown (No. 158), Western Michigan CB Darius Phillips (No. 170), Toledo QB Logan Woodside (No. 249), Mississippi OG Rod Taylor (No. 252), Florida State WR Auden Tate (No. 253).
For the Bengals, drafting an interior offensive lineman was like having terrible vision and then getting glasses—the need was so obvious, it was just a matter of what style they preferred. Billy Price will almost certainly start as a rookie, likely ahead of center T.J. Johnson. Cincinnati could still use a right guard ... too bad there wasn’t another Billy Price available in Rounds 2 or 3. The O-line must start generating at least SOME movement in the running game, and QB Andy Dalton is dependent on having a clean platform from which to throw because of inconsistent pocket mobility.
The Bengals restocked defensive depth in the middle rounds, drafting safety Jessie Bates, end Sam Hubbard and linebacker Malik Jefferson. That replenished depth is extra critical this year because every noted front-seven contributor’s contract, save for Vontaze Burfict’s, Jordan Willis’s and Carl Lawson’s, expires after 2018. Bates will replace Shawn Williams, who is better suited as a movable safety in sub-packages, but that transition may take a year to unfold, given that new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s two-deep scheme places a lot of mental burden on safeties.
Grade: A-
Cleveland Browns
Draft picks: Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield (No. 1), Ohio State CB Denzel Ward (No. 4), Nevada OG Austin Corbett (No. 33), Georgia RB Nick Chubb (No. 35), Miami DE Chad Thomas (No. 67), Florida WR Antonio Callaway (No. 105), Memphis LB Genard Avery (No. 150), Texas A&M WR Damion Ratley (No. 175), Louisiana-Lafayette CB Simeon Thomas (No. 188).
Baker Mayfield’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Let’s give the Browns the benefit of the doubt since they surely researched this year’s QBs more than any of us (and perhaps all of us combined). But let’s also acknowledge that this a roll of the dice. A 6' 0" QB must play differently in the NFL. Mayfield dazzled with his sandlot plays at Oklahoma, but his best work actually came when he threw on schedule and within rhythm. If he’s to pan out, it’ll be via the Drew Brees path, not the Russell Wilson path.
A Drew Brees-type quarterback needs a firm pocket. The Browns already had an outstanding guard tandem in Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler, and they didn’t want to gamble with intriguing-but-still-inconsistent third-year man Shon Coleman in Joe Thomas’s old left tackle spot. So, they spent a second-rounder on guard Austin Corbett, who will slide outside. That pick makes sense. The one made two spots later does not. Why draft Nick Chubb after you signed a terrific base runner like Carlos Hyde and still have a versatile scatback like Duke Johnson?
At No. 4, taking Denzel Ward over Bradley Chubb was GM John Dorsey’s way of saying a pass rush can be manufactured through scheme, as long as you have corners who can cover one-on-one. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has taken this approach for decades. The Browns still needed more pieces around last year’s No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett, though, which is why the team spent their lone third-rounder on Chad Thomas.
Grade: B-
• VRENTAS: For the Browns, the signs that they would draft Baker Mayfield were there all along
Dallas Cowboys
Draft picks: Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch (No. 19), Texas OG Connor Williams (No. 50), Colorado State WR Michael Gallup (No. 81), Kansas DE Dorance Armstrong (No. 116), Stanford TE Dalton Schultz (No. 137), Western Kentucky QB Mike White (No. 171), Indiana LB Chris Covington (No. 193), Boise State WR Cedrick Wilson (No. 208), Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough (No. 236).
Dallas’s biggest need was wide receiver—even before Dez Bryant’s release—but even with every WR still on the board, the team drafted Leighton Vander Esch with the No. 19 pick. He doesn’t fill an immediate need, as today’s nickel-package-driven NFL demands you have only two quality linebackers, so the Cowboys must really love him. Jaylon Smith wasn’t quite as dynamic last season as hoped, but if there’s still optimism for him in 2018 and beyond (and there should be), it reasons that Vander Esch is here to supplant Sean Lee. Though still elite, Lee is nearly 32 and has a long history of injuries.
The day after Vander Esch arrived, future Hall-of-Famer Jason Witten retired, leaving a hole at tight end. The Cowboys may have been geared up to draft Dallas Goedert at Round 2, pick 17, but they got leapfrogged by division rival Philadelphia. Ouch. The “consolation prize” was tackle Connor Williams, a late-first or early-second-round prospect who may have been their target anyway. Instead of fixing weaknesses, the Cowboys will augment a super strength into a super, SUPER strength, adding Williams to what was already by far the NFL’s best offensive line. This could eventually move La’el Collins back to left guard, where he has shown a lot more promise. That would make one pick upgrading two positions.
Third-rounder Michael Gallup has a chance to start right away, mostly due to the paucity of quality Cowboys receivers. Overall, this draft gave Dallas a lot of talent, but it did little to immediately improve a team that is ready to compete for an NFC East title right now.
Grade: C+
• Skeet shooting and river rafting were all part of Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch’s upbringing. The NFL prospect introduces SI to the small Idaho mountain town where he was formed. You can now watch anytime, anywhere on SI TV.
Denver Broncos
Draft picks: N.C. State EDGE Bradley Chubb (No. 5), SMU WR Courtland Sutton (No. 40), Oregon RB Royce Freeman (No. 71), Boston College DB Isaac Yiadom (No. 99), Iowa LB Josey Jewell (No. 106), Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton (No. 113), Wisconsin TE Troy Fumagalli (No. 156), Arizona State OG Sam Jones (No. 183), Washington LB Keishawn Bierria (No. 217), Arkansas RB David Williams (No. 226).
John Elway understands what a perplexingly large number of fans and media do not: Denver’s Super Bowl window is still open. This defense is not much different than the one that brought home a Lombardi Trophy in 2015, especially now that Bradley Chubb is filling the void left by DeMarcus Ware. With Chubb joining Von Miller, Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett, Denver has four dynamic, flexible pass rushers, whom you’ll see all on the field together in certain passing situations.
Offensively, receiving options were needed behind Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. Those should be found between Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton and tight end Troy Fumagalli. Plus, getting a bruising runner like Royce Freeman amplifies what they have in starting running back Devontae Booker.
The only somewhat curious pick of the Broncos’ draft was cornerback Isaac Yiadom in the third round, given that Brendan Langley was drafted in this round a year ago.
Grade: A-
Detroit Lions
Draft picks: Arkansas C/OG Frank Ragnow (No. 20), Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson (No. 43), Louisiana-Lafayette DB Tracy Walker (No. 82), Alabama DT Da'Shawn Hand (No. 114), Oregon OT Tyrell Crosby (No. 153), San Diego State RB Nick Bawden (No. 237).
Detroit’s ground game has ranked 26th or worst in yards per attempt each of the last four years—including ranking dead last in 2017—and GM Bob Quinn was determined to change that. Frank Ragnow, who boasts strength and aggression admired by many scouts, will start on Day 1, filling the hole created by Travis Swanson’s departure. Picking Ragnow and Kerryon Johnson reaffirms what e could surmise by the free-agent signing of LeGarrette Blount: the Lions want a bruising ground game. On the downside, the Lions didn’t find a pass-catching tight end to replace Eric Ebron—they simply didn’t have enough picks to address that need. The job now falls to ex-Seahawk Luke Willson, who is at least proficient going down the seams.
The rest of this draft served to start remaking Detroit’s defense in new head coach Matt Patricia’s image. Tracy Walker brings depth at safety, which is something Matt Patricia used smartly in New England. Da’Shawn Hand, whom the Lions traded up to get in Round 4, is a five-technique style defensive end, meaning he wins with strength and mechanics. Patricia’s Patriots always employed this type of D-lineman as opposed to the glitzier (and more expensive) edge-benders.
Grade: B
Green Bay Packers
Draft picks: Louisville CB Jaire Alexander (No. 18), Iowa CB Josh Jackson (No. 45), Vanderbilt LB Oren Burks (No. 88), Missouri WR J'Mon Moore (No. 133), Washington State OG Cole Madison (No. 138), Alabama P J.K. Scott (No. 172), South Florida WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (No. 174), Notre Dame WR Equanimeous St. Brown (No. 207), Cal DT James Looney (No. 232), Mississippi State LS Hunter Bradley (No. 239), Southeast Missouri LB Kendall Donnerson (No. 248).
New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine always had an aggressive, disruptive pass rush when he was coordinating the Jets’ defense from 2009-12, even though that team had very mediocre edge rushers. Pettine generated pressure through scheme by putting extra defensive backs on the field and having them roam around, creating a blurry look. At the snap, some would rush and others would rotate into coverage. It was hard for blockers to identify which would come, and the beauty was those defensive backs always arrived quicker than a defensive lineman or linebacker would.
Head coach Mike McCarthy favors this unique brand of defense, which was also employed—to a lesser extent—by Pettine’s predecessor, Dom Capers. For this approach to work, you need corners who can win on an island. In Green Bay, Pettine inherited only one decent corner: last year’s second-rounder Kevin King, who has played just nine NFL games. So, the team drafted of twitchy Jaire Alexander in the first round and lanky Josh Jackson in the second. The Packers now have youthful talent at all three starting corner spots.
It was wise of Green Bay to use its third-round pick on an athletic linebacker like Oren Burks. He can replace the departed Joe Thomas in dime packages (something Pettine, with his fondness for DB blitzes, employs often). Having addressed the defense thoroughly for Pettine’s scheme, first-year GM Brian Gutekunst used picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds on wide receivers, hoping to bump into a quality No. 3 in the wake of Jordy Nelson’s release.
Grade: A
• 2018 NFL draft tracker: Three days, seven rounds, 256 picks
Houston Texans
Draft picks: Stanford S Justin Reid (No. 68), Mississippi State OT Martinas Rankin (No. 80), UCF TE Jordan Akins (No. 98), Texas Tech WR Keke Coutee (No. 103), Wake Forest LB Duke Ejiofor (No. 177), Mississippi State TE Jordan Thomas (No. 211), Stanford LB Peter Kalambayi (No. 214), San Jose State CB Jermaine Kelly (No. 222).
Coming into the draft, the Texans’ purest talent on the offensive line was third-year center Nick Martin, who is coming off a December ankle injury. Ex-Chiefs Jeff Allen and Zach Fulton, along with ex-Saints utility backup Senio Kelemete provide a more stable guard situation than past years, but none will ever be mistaken for Alan Faneca. But concerns about the interior O-line were nothing compared to at tackle. 2017 fourth-rounder Julien Davenport is a project at best, and ex-Bill Seantrel Henderson is what you fear your projects becoming.
With such an obvious need, it’d be easy to rip the Texans for not finding a blocker for Deshaun Watson until Martinas Rankin in Round 3. But you can’t draft players when you don’t have picks, which was Houston’s consequence for trading up to get Watson last year.
With their first pick, which came 12 spots before Rankin, the Texans buttressed their defensive depth in a smart way by getting safety Justin Reid (Eric’s brother). There were already two quality safeties aboard with Tyrann Mathieu and Andre Hal, but more teams are playing with three safeties these days. Reid’s presence could lend more flexibility for how Mathieu is deployed. And if Mathieu, who signed a one-year deal, is not retained in 2019, the Texans will have an early jump on replenishing this position.
Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts
Draft picks: Notre Dame OG Quenton Nelson (No. 6), South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard (No. 36), Auburn OG Braden Smith (No. 37), Rutgers DE Kemoko Turay (No. 52), Ohio State DE Tyquan Lewis (No. 64), N.C. State RB Nyheim Hines (No. 104), Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain (No. 159), Mississippi RB Jordan Wilkins (No. 169), Clemson WR Deon Cain (No. 185), Houston LB Matthew Adams (No. 221), Syracuse LB Zaire Franklin (No. 235).
It’s hard to fault a team for drafting offensive linemen when its superstar quarterback is trying to get healthy. And yes, some will argue that guard Quenton Nelson is a generational type talent worth taking regardless of need. But instead of tapping Nelson at No. 6 and Braden Smith in the second round, the Colts could have aided their existing O-line (which is not great, but not the dumpster fire people think) by installing a quicker-strike passing game—something Andrew Luck will ultimately need to stay healthy. Luck’s ability to extend plays within the pocket is special, but that can no longer be his foundation.
We only say this because the defense entered the draft three or four players away from even being in dire straits. Its only true three-down players were safety Malik Hooker and corner Quincy Wilson—and both have played just half a rookie season in the NFL. Every other player, save for maybe edge men Jabaal Sheard and John Simon if we’re being generous, was a situational piece. And with most of the lineup built for Chuck Pagano’s scheme, not new coordinator Matt Eberflus’s, it’s hard to envision many situations where those guys would work.
Ultimately, Colts GM Chris Ballard found three defenders in the first two rounds, but let’s be honest—it needed to be four, at the very least. As it stands, the Colts must score over 30 points each week to even have a chance. But maybe this is all part of what would have been an ugly rebuilding process anyway. Ballard’s argument is this: nothing we do matters if we can’t protect Luck. By drafting new guards, we also move Jack Mewhort, which potentially upgrades three positions up front.
Grade: C-
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft picks: Florida DT Taven Bryan (No. 29), LSU WR D.J. Chark (No. 61), Alabama S Ronnie Harrison (No. 93), N.C. State OT Will Richardson (No. 129), Nebraska QB Tanner Lee (No. 203), Wisconsin LB Leon Jacobs (No. 230), Mississippi State P Logan Cooke (No. 247).
The Jags’ turn didn’t come until near the end of the first round this year, and like many teams that pick there, they entered the draft with few immediate needs. Congratulations to front office leaders Tom Coughlin and Dave Caldwell, because this is where every team aspires to be. Tight end and right side of the offensive line were soft needs, but nothing so pressing that Jacksonville had to pass on luxury picks. Taven Bryan is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s one-gap Cover 3 scheme, and with Marcell Dareus, Calais Campbell and (now, for probably just one more year) Malik Jackson ahead of him, he can learn the ropes from a comfortable ancillary role. D.J. Chark brings some potential playmaking to a receiving corps that overachieved with unheralded 2017 rookies Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole. Ronnie Harrison is here for special teams and depth, nothing more, as starting safeties Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church are recently signed veterans in their primes.
Grade: B-
Kansas City Chiefs
Draft picks: Mississippi LB Breeland Speaks (No. 46), Florida State DT Derrick Nnadi (No. 75), Clemson LB Dorian O'Daniel (No. 100), Texas A&M S Armani Watts (No. 124), Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith (No. 196), Tennessee OG Kahlil McKenzie (No. 198).
Think head coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach wanted defensive help? The plan appears to be for Breeland Speaks to play on the edge. Given that Tanoh Kpassagnon was drafted in the second round a year ago, you wonder how optimistic the Chiefs are about Justin Houston’s and especially Dee Ford’s long-term health. Derrick Nnadi is a big athletic interior lineman, which this team badly needed—Kansas City’s front seven has been befuddlingly poor against the run in recent years. One reason is because defensive coordinator Bob Sutton prefers to play a light 4-2 dime package with a safety (often Daniel Sorensen) as one of its two linebackers. Teams have overpowered that by running the ball out of three-receiver sets. O’Daniel, they hope, can bring back the swiftness that this front seven has been missing since Derrick Johnson got hurt and finally washed up.
One concern is that the Chiefs were unable to address their cornerback situation until the sixth round. Those who didn’t like Washington’s side of the Alex Smith trade couldn’t help but overrate third-year corner Kendall Fuller, who was shipped to Kansas City in that deal. Fuller was a No. 3 corner in a so-so secondary last year. He played behind the up-and-down Bashaud Breeland, who remains unsigned in free agency after failing a physical in Carolina. Yes, Fuller has upside, and he provides a solid answer in the slot, which surprisingly few NFL teams have. But he’s nowhere near the caliber of Marcus Peters, arguably the NFL’s best playmaking defensive back, who was traded to the Rams. And Kansas City’s cornerbacking depth overall remains in question.
Grade: B-
• 2018 NFL DRAFT GRADES: Analyzing every team's first-round pick
Los Angeles Chargers
Draft picks: Florida State S Derwin James (No. 17), USC LB Uchenna Nwosu (No. 48), N.C. State DT Justin Jones (No. 84), West Virginia S/LB Kyzir White (No. 119), UCLA C Scott Quessenberry (No. 155), Texas Tech WR Dylan Cantrell (No. 191), Northwestern RB Justin Jackson (No. 251).
Los Angeles had a hole at free safety with Tre Boston not re-signed, and Derwin James, whom some have compared to Sean Taylor, is a great way to fill it. The question is whether James will be strictly a centerfielder in Gus Bradley’s defense, or if he’ll take over some of the box-safety responsibilities that hard-hitting Jahleel Addae has quietly handled with ease. That answer may ultimately come down to what is best for the Chargers’ run defense, which needed repair. Last season their nickel run D struggled to the point that edge stars Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram had to take a more conservative pass-rushing approach, diminishing the defense’s greatest strength. GM Tom Telesco aimed to correct this with the second-round selection of linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and third-round pick of defensive tackle Justin Jones, who is here to replace an aging Brandon Mebane after this season. The only surprise in this draft came in the fourth round, when the Chargers went safety again, picking Kyzir White. With Addae and a lanky, overachieving backup like Adrian Phillips, that was not a position of need.
Grade: B+
Los Angeles Rams
Draft picks: TCU OT Joseph Noteboom (No. 89), Michigan State C Brian Allen (No. 111), Stephen F. Austin DE John Franklin-Myers (No. 135), Virginia LB Micah Kiser (No. 147), Oklahoma LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (No. 160), Tennessee RB John Kelly (No. 176), Maine OG Jamil Demby (No. 192), Rutgers DT Sebastian Joseph (No. 195), Louisville LB Trevon Young (No. 205), TCU LB Travin Howard (No. 231), SMU DE Justin Lawler (No. 244).
They entered the draft with major needs at defensive end and, because of Alec Ogletree’s trade to the Giants, linebacker. But short on picks after trading for Brandin Cooks and Marcus Peters this year, the Rams didn’t address those areas until they drafted defensive end John Franklin (who may not be a pure edge rusher anyway) late in the fourth round and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo in the fifth round. Normally, that’d be grounds for a reprimanding, but drafting offensive line with their first two picks makes sense for this reason: Three O-linemen—Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown and Rodger Saffold—are in contract years, and the other two—Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan—are feeling their age. Personnel changes up front are looming in 2019, and all those fancy L.A. skill position players mean little without an O-line that allows the offense to function.
Grade: C+
Miami Dolphins
Draft picks: Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (No. 11), Penn State TE Mike Gesicki (No. 42), Ohio State LB Jerome Baker (No. 73), Notre Dame TE Durham Smythe (No. 123), Arizona State RB Kalen Ballage (No. 131), Southern Mississippi S Cornell Armstrong (No. 209), Ohio LB Quentin Polling (No. 227), New Mexico K Jason Sanders (No. 229).
Is a defensive philosophical shift on the horizon? Coordinator Matt Burke is a Jim Schwartz protégé who believes in a four-man rush and simplified zone coverages that allow defenders to play fast. But you wouldn’t take venerated blitzers like safety/slot man Minkah Fitzpatrick in the first round and outside linebacker Jerome Baker in the third if you didn’t plan on deploying significant pressure packages. Burke has enjoyed coaching dynamic roving safety Reshad Jones, who is one of the league’s best backside blitzers. And Miami did very well with select pressure concepts late last year, including in the Monday night upset over New England. An expanded, more aggressive defensive approach appears imminent.
The Dolphins’ other top three picks in this draft made sense. Adam Gase’s scheme, which is built around unbalanced 3x1 formations, needs a prominent receiving tight end who can split wide by himself on the backside and make catches—and second-rounder Mike Gesicki is built for that. Eight picks after drafting Durham Smythe, a more traditional blocking tight end, the Dolphins used the pick they got in the Jay Ajayi trade on Kalen Ballage. Maybe he’ll be better than Ajayi, but nevertheless, he brings the long-term backfield depth that was needed.
Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings
Draft picks: UCF CB Mike Hughes (No. 30), Pittsburgh OT Brian O'Neill (No. 62), Ohio State DE Jalyn Holmes (No. 102), Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin (No. 157), Auburn K Daniel Carlson (No. 167), Appalachian State OG Colby Gossett (No. 213), Tulane DE Ade Aruna (No. 218), Cal LB Devante Downs (No. 225).
Minnesota only had one immediate need entering this draft, and it wasn’t glaring: right guard, where Joe Berger’s retirement left a hole. Because right tackle Mike Remmers can slide inside permanently, the Vikings had the option of going tackle to fill this spot. Brian O’Neill played tackle in college, though many believe his athleticism and technique (which needs polishing), will apply better inside. O’Neill doesn’t have to play right away, and neither does first-round corner Mike Hughes—Mike Zimmer, a former secondary coach, has a history of developing talented corners from the bench. With Hughes here, the Vikings don’t have to sign Trae Waynes to an expensive long-term contract after he plays out the fifth year of his rookie deal in 2019. If the Vikings like what they see from Jalyn Holmes, they may hesitate on giving Danielle Hunter the deal he’s due to receive after this season. More likely, though, Holmes is here to replace Brian Robison, who is 35 and in the final year of his contract.
Grade: B
New England Patriots
Draft picks: Georgia OT Isaiah Wynn (No. 23), Georgia RB Sony Michel (No. 31), Florida CB Duke Dawson (No. 56), Purdue LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (No. 143), Arizona State LB Christian Sam (No. 178), Miami WR Braxton Berrios (No. 210), LSU QB Danny Etling (No. 219), Western Carolina DB Keion Crossen (No. 243), Florida State TE Ryan Izzo (No. 250).
Instead of using their considerable early-round draft capital to find the next Tom Brady (which, by the way, may never exist, and couldn’t be found in this imperfect class of rookie QBs), the Patriots decided to replenish the talent around the actual Tom Brady, who is coming off an MVP season, which many seemed to forget this offseason. Brady’s departure—whenever it comes—will force a drastic resetting of this franchise one way or another. Instead of investing valuable draft picks on guesses for how to minimize that discomfort, New England spend those picks on players who can help collect more Super Bowls right now.
With Isaiah Wynn, the situation at offensive tackle becomes less direr. And this selection was amplified by the Day 2 trade for gigantic 49ers right tackle Trent Brown, which could allow Wynn to slide to left guard, where his body type is better suited. That would give the Patriots an alternative to re-upping inconsistent pass protector Joe Thuney in 2020. Sony Michel, Wynn’s teammate at Georgia, offers dimension to the stable ground game that free-agent signee Jeremy Hill couldn’t be trusted to provide.
Cornerback Duke Dawson is a more traditional slot cover guy, ending the experiments of guys like Patrick Chung and Eric Rowe playing slightly out of position inside. Bill Belichick traded away the rest of New England’s second, third-and fourth-round picks—usually he gets overzealously lauded for this, but not here. The grade below has nothing to do with the trades and everything to do with a once-again Super Bowl ready franchise having the wisdom to build around its legendary MVP QB rather than taking guesses at how to one day replace him.
Grade: A+
• Drafting an heir for Tom Brady? Looks like the Patriots will wait until next year
New Orleans Saints
Draft picks: UTSA edge rusher Marcus Davenport (No. 14), UCF WR Tre'Quan Smith (No. 91), Florida State OT Rick Leonard (No. 127), Wisconsin S Natrell Jamerson (No. 164), Boston College DB Kamrin Moore (No. 189), Louisiana Tech RB Boston Scott (No. 201), LSU C Will Clapp (No. 245).
New Orleans’s grade gets boosted a notch for the same reason New England’s did: instead of drafting a replacement for a still-dominant legendary QB, the franchise drafted players who can immediately help their Super Bowl-ready team. If Marcus Davenport, who provides a much-needed edge-rushing threat opposite All-Pro Cameron Jordan, pans out, New Orleans’s long-awaited defensive surge from 2017 will stick for years to come. The only downside is Davenport cost this year’s AND next year’s first-round pick, which is a huge haul.
The rest of this draft provided depth, with third-round wideout Tre’Quan Smith presenting the option of letting wideout Brandon Coleman soon leave in free agency after this season. Smith, like Coleman (and like recently signed ex-Bear Cameron Meredith), is built for the seam balls and dig routes that define the Saints’ passing game.
Grade: B+
New York Giants
Draft picks: Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (No. 2), UTEP OG Will Hernandez (No. 34), Georgia LB Lorenzo Carter (No. 66), N.C. State DT B.J. Hill (No. 69), Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta (No. 108), Miami DT R.J. McIntosh (No. 139).
Let’s make it three in a row and praise yet another team for eschewing the temptation of gambling on tomorrow’s quarterback and instead building a contender around the smart veteran it has today. GM Dave Gettleman told reporters during the draft that Eli Manning has shown no sign of physical decline—Manning is far from flawless, but he’s certainly still a franchise QB.
Saquon Barkley is the most intriguing running back to enter the league since Adrian Peterson in 2007, if not long before that. He and large, mobile guard Will Hernandez will give New York the ground game it has long been missing. Hernandez’s movement ability can make it a more diverse ground game than the simplistic inside zone one we saw under Ben McAdoo, too. And with Manning’s presnap IQ, the Giants can check in and out of the right run plays. Or, they can check into passes and different formations, since Barkley is dangerous as a receiver.
With his next two picks, Gettleman restocked the front seven. Lorenzo Carter and B.J. Hill will both rush the passer in new defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s aggressive, multifaceted scheme. The only downside to this draft is no slot corner was found. Using a fourth-round pick instead on Kyle Lauletta, particularly with last year’s third-rounder Davis Webb on the roster, was a little bizarre.
Grade: A
New York Jets
Draft picks: USC QB Sam Darnold (No. 3), Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd (No. 72), Miami TE Christopher Herndon (No. 107), Tulane CB Parry Nickerson (No. 179), Connecticut DT Folorunso Fatukasi (No. 180), Virginia State RB Trenton Cannon (No. 204).
When the Jets traded up, it was obvious the team was aiming for a quarterback. Whether Sam Darnold was the guy the franchise wanted, we’ll never know. But we do know that New York landed the player who was widely regarded as the best QB in the draft. Now what type of offense does new coordinator Jeremy Bates build for Sam Darnold? Bates has West-Coast roots, so one might figure a zone running game, which means an emphasis on moving pockets and play-action—and that would fit Darnold’s strength as an on-the-move passer. We don’t know when Darnold will take over for his soon-to-be mentor Josh McCown. Darnold is only 20, and New York’s trade up to No. 3 cost several second-round picks, making it impossible to address their deprived skill positions. (It’s important that fourth-round tight end Christopher Herndon contribute SOMETHING as a rookie.) Issues remain, but the biggest has been resolved. You have to respect a team that makes a daring move and winds up with a desired quarterback.
Grade: B+
Oakland Raiders
Draft picks: UCLA OT Kolton Miller (No. 15), Sam Houston State DT P.J. Hall (No. 57), North Carolina A&T OT Brandon Parker (No. 65), LSU DE Arden Key (No. 87), Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson (No. 110), Michigan DT Maurice Hurst (No. 140), Florida P Johnny Townsend (No. 173), Washington LB Azeem Victor (No. 216), Oklahoma State WR Marcell Ateman (No. 228).
It seems that after 10 years away from coaching, head coach Jon Gruden forgot that his football team has a defense. Well, at least Gruden remembered that other teams have defenses. It was the fear of those—and specifically those in the AFC West, where dominant pass rushers seem to grow on trees—that prompted Gruden to use his first-and third-round picks on offensive tackles. If you take one, you might as well take two, because in today’s NFL, the right tackle is just as important as your left. Case in point: the men that projected long-term right tackle Brandon Parker will be blocking twice a year are Von Miller, Joey Bosa and Justin Houston. And in training camp, Parker will see Khalil Mack. Parker might initially sit while Miller, who was position-flexible at UCLA, plays the right side, with Donald Penn working one more year on the left.
As for that defense that got ignored early on, its hole at cornerback was addressed in the fourth round (Nick Nelson), but the hole at stack linebacker wasn’t addressed until the sixth round (Azeem Victor). On the bright side, new coordinator Paul Guenther plays a lot of two-deep zone, which eases the coverage burden on corners and linebackers. And so does a quality pass rush, which the Raiders hope third-rounder Arden Key can provide. Playing with two deep safeties usually leaves your 3-technique DT aligned on the tight end side, where he becomes easier to double-team. You need a defensive tackle with burst and strength to combat this. In Cincinnati, Guenther had Geno Atkins. Here, he’ll have P.J. Hall.
Grade: C+
Philadelphia Eagles
Draft picks: South Dakota State TE Dallas Goedert (No. 49), Pittsburgh CB Avonte Maddox (No. 125), Florida State DE Josh Sweat (No. 130), TCU OT Matt Pryor (No. 206), OT Jordan Mailata (No. 233).
With their first pick, the defending Super Bowl champions leapfrogged their division rival Cowboys to draft a tight end (Dallas Goedert) who can play alongside Zach Ertz. Head coach Doug Pederson understands that defenses hate an offense that can throw the ball out of two tight end sets, and that’s especially true when that offense has a running game as expansive and effective as Philly’s. With Ertz and Goedert on the field together, No. 3 linebackers will now be forced into coverage. Carson Wentz is licking his chops.
After that, it was just about building depth and taking the best players available—a perfect scenario for any team, and an unthinkably perfect one for a defending champion. The Eagles didn’t address their inside linebacker situation after their predraft behavior suggested they would. But even if the injury-prone Jordan Hicks doesn’t bounce back from last year’s torn Achilles, riding one more year with Mychal Kendricks alongside the recently re-signed Nigel Bradham isn’t the worst thing.
Grade: B+
Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft picks: Virginia Tech S Terrell Edmunds (No. 28), Oklahoma State WR James Washington (No. 60), Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph (No. 76), Western Michigan OT Chukwuma Okorafor (No. 92), Penn State S Marcus Allen (No. 148), N.C. State RB Jaylen Samuels (No. 165), Alabama DT Joshua Frazier (No. 246).
No team’s top need was more obvious than Pittsburgh’s at inside linebacker. Ryan Shazier, who provided the most goosebump-inducing moment of this draft by walking out on stage to announce the No. 28 pick, was their most dynamic defensive player. Plus, this team’s storied 3-4 scheme puts a lot of stress on his position. Teams feasted on Pittsburgh’s backup linebackers down the stretch last year, particularly the Jaguars as they put up 45 points in the divisional round of the playoffs. The problem is, the Steelers don’t believe in trading up (though maybe they should; the last time they did in the first round was for Troy Polamalu). When it was their turn to pick, the top four stack ‘backers were off the board.
So, the Steelers did the next best thing by drafting a hybrid safety. Some teams reportedly had a fifth-round grade on Terrell Edmunds. But “some teams” does not mean ALL teams (the Steelers, for example, obviously had a much higher grade on Edmunds), and saying a team could have drafted a player lower than they did is an assumptive statement based on a butterfly effect. Fruitless.
So let’s examine Edmunds as a concept: he gives you three safeties, which more teams are playing with these days (including the Steelers a few years ago, when they were thin at linebacker). Three safeties gives you coverage flexibility, disguise and more speed. And, in some respects, Shazier, known for being fast, not stout, was like a hybrid box safety anyway.
Pittsburgh’s next few picks aimed at providing offensive depth. James Washington made sense, as this offense has always sought vertical speed from its backup receivers. Chukwuma Okorafor also made sense, as the Steelers over the last two years have learned the value of offensive tackle depth in employing six O-line sets and playing without Marcus Gilbert. Picking Mason Rudolph in between those men was a head-scratcher. Landry Jones was on the roster for one more year, with last year’s fourth-rounder, Josh Dobbs, behind him. If GM Kevin Colbert really thought Rudolph can one day follow Ben Roethlisberger, he would have picked him much earlier.
Grade: B-
San Francisco 49ers
Draft picks: Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey (No. 9), Washington WR Dante Pettis (No. 44), BYU LB Fred Warner (No. 70), Southern Mississippi S Tarvarius Moore (No. 95), N.C. State DE Kentavius Street (No. 128), Kansas State DB D.J. Reed (No. 142), Florida DB Marcell Harris (No. 184), Temple DT Jullian Taylor (No. 223), Middle Tennessee WR Richie James (No. 240).
The Mike McGlinchey selection made more sense after Trent Brown was traded. McGlinchey will play right tackle for probably the next two years while Joe Staley, who is still going strong, plays out his recently extended contract on the left side. Some may have been surprised by the selection of Dante Pettis, but entering this draft, San Francisco’s biggest need was simply “skill position.” Yes, if you had to break that down into parts, tight end was probably neediest, followed by running back and THEN wide receiver. But the differences in these needs were small, and a receiving corps of just Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin and Trent Taylor, while well-balanced stylistically, is pretty average overall.
Fred Warner might be a hedging against the uncertain Reuben Foster situation. Warner, because of his value in coverage (where many of a linebacker’s responsibilities lie these days), could be seen as a possible upgrade over ex-Seahawk Malcolm Smith. But Smith was signed just last year; cutting him in 2019 would bring more than $4 million of dead money against the cap. The five picks after Warner all aim at fortifying the depth of this quietly ascending defense.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
Draft picks: San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny (No. 27), USC DE Rasheem Green (No. 79), Washington TE Will Dissly (No. 120), UCF LB Shaquem Griffin (No. 141), Oklahoma State DB Tre Flowers (No. 146), Texas P Michael Dickson (No. 149), Ohio State OT Jamarco Jones (No. 168), Temple DE Jacob Martin (No. 186), FIU QB Alex McGough (No. 220).
Drafting a running back is an odd way to kick off your massive rebuilding project on defense, but let’s remember: the better the ground game, the more effective an offense will be with a QB like Russell Wilson. Wilson’s best years may have come recently, but this offense’s best years came when the system went through Marshawn Lynch. Since so many of Seattle’s recent early round selections have been offensive linemen, finding a ballcarrier was the surest way to buttress the rushing attack. The people who like Rashaad Penny really like him.
The Seahawks stayed on offense with their fourth-round pick, as well, filling their enormous tight end void (or, more likely, just part of it) with Will Dissly. Every other notable selection, save for Michael Dickson, was on defense, though now we’re talking about a bunch of mid-round picks. What’s shocking is that not one of those mid-round picks was a cornerback, the team’s greatest need entering this draft, even though the Seahawks have had success with those selections in past years.
And Shaquem Griffin: What a tremendous feel-good story. But feel-good stories don’t impact winning or losing in the NFL, and Griffin is too respectable of a player for his selection to not be analyzed by the same standards as everyone else. This in mind, the Seahawks are not drafting a fifth-rounder with the intent of him replacing a star like K.J. Wright (who is in a contract year), or even with the intent of playing him on a majority of downs. So the Griffin choice appears to be about finding long-term depth. Though given that three-fourths of Seattle’s defensive contributors are nearing the ends of their contracts, a long-term depth guy might have to be a short-term starter come 2019.
Grade: C
• THE UNSTOPPABLE SHAQUEM GRIFFIN: Inside the journey of the one-handed linebacker and the newest member of the Seattle Seahawks. Available anytime, anywhere on SI.TV
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft picks: Washington DT Vita Vea (No. 12), USC RB Ronald Jones (No. 38), North Carolina DB M.J. Stewart (No. 53), Auburn CB Carlton Davis (No. 63), Humboldt State OG Alex Cappa (No. 94), Pittsburgh S Jordan Whitehead (No. 117), Pennsylvania WR Justin Watson (No. 144), Wisconsin LB Jack Cichy (No. 202).
It’s a little odd to sign career backup Beau Allen to a three-year, $15 million free-agent contract if the team didn’t think he’d become a starter. Vita Vea’s arrival relegates Allen to a second-string role. And the Bucs can’t play the “we didn’t think Vea would still be on the board when we picked” card because they entered this draft with the No. 7 pick. Which means they knew when they signed Allen that they could get Vea if they wanted.
If Vea had been gone at No. 12, Tampa Bay almost certainly would have drafted a defensive back—safety was their biggest need, with corner not far behind. The second-round selections of M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis can be interpreted as a subtle message to up-and-down 2016 first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves, especially when you consider the Bucs also drafted a defensive back in the fourth round who has slot coverage potential (Jordan Whitehead). But nickel is the main defense in today’s NFL, and Tampa Bay realizes it can’t have too much depth here, especially with soon-to-be 35-year-old Brent Grimes entering perhaps his final year. If Hargreaves plays in 2018 like he did in the second half of his rookie season, he’ll be viewed unequivocally as a long-term starter.
Dropped in between these defensive picks were Ronald Jones, who fills Doug Martin’s multi-year void at running back, and Alex Cappa, an interior O-lineman. With Cappa now on the roster, it’s likely that the J.R. Sweezy experiment won’t last much longer—though some see the rookie as a tackle. If Tampa Bay does, this pick becomes that much more interesting given that 2015 second-round left tackle Donovan Smith is in a contract year.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans
Draft picks: Alabama LB Rashaan Evans (No. 22), Boston College EDGE Harold Landry (No. 41), Arizona S Dane Cruikshank (No. 152), Washington State QB Luke Falk (No. 199).
It wasn’t a heavy draft for Tennessee, but the first two picks were, in the simplest form, what a draft is all about: finding players to fill holes. Rashaan Evans, an attacker who played in a multi-faceted scheme at Alabama, fills the one left by departed free agent Avery Williamson (Jets). A lot will be asked of him in Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Dean Pees’s system—at least he’ll be operating alongside a steady veteran like Wesley Woodyard.
In the second round, Tennessee traded up to get late first-round projected edge rusher Harold Landry, who they don’t badly need right now but will after this season, given that Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are both in the final years of their contracts. 2016 second-rounder Kevin Dodd has not developed because he fits a classic 4-3, not a flexible 3-4 like Tennessee ran under Dick LeBeau and will run in a slightly different way under first-time head coach Mike Vrabel. Tennessee’s grade is bumped down one notch to account for having to trade for the needed edge rusher, but overall, this is a very good move.
Grade: B-
Washington
Draft picks: Alabama DT Da'Ron Payne (No. 13), LSU RB Derrius Guice (No. 59), Louisville OT Geron Christian (No. 74), Penn State S Troy Apke (No. 109), Virginia Tech DT Tim Settle (No. 163), Alabama LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (No. 197), Virginia Tech CB Greg Stroman (No. 241), SMU WR Trey Quinn (No. 256).
Here’s an argument for why Washington’s front office will be telling the truth when it says Da’Ron Payne, and not Vita Vea (taken one spot earlier by the Buccaneers), was their top target all along: Payne can rush the passer. He has light feet and some oomph in his movement. A pass rush is critical when you play as much zone as Washington, and let’s also remember that Payne should help a run defense that ranked 29th in yards per attempt last year. Interestingly, Washington also drafted an Alabama interior pass rusher in the first round a year ago: Jonathan Allen.
In Round 2, Derrius Guice is an apparent risk. If it works out, he gives this backfield more talent than it’s had since Clinton Portis. Third-round pick Geron Christian is here to either become a guard (Washington’s most conspicuous area of need offensively) or to provide flexible depth off the bench like Tye Nsekhe has done so well. Nsekhe will have a chance to compete at guard this season and could get better offers in free agency in 2019; consider Christian a down-payment on filling his void.
Grade: C+
