The NFL Draft is underway. Now that picks have been made, each team will be graded on their selections. This post will be updated after every day of the draft.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: A-
Draft Picks: DT Ed Oliver, OT/G Cody Ford, RB Devin Singletary, TE Dawson Knox, LB Vosean Joseph, S Jaquan Johnson, LB Darryl Johnson, TE Tommy Sweeney
The Bills had one of the best players in the draft fall to them and it happened to fill a need. Oliver should be an impact player for them. Ford filled a need and presented good value in the second round. Buffalo got weapons for Josh Allen to use in Singletary and Knox, but still need wide receiver help.
Miami Dolphins: B
Draft Picks: DT Christian Wilkins, OG/C Michael Deiter, Edge Andrew Van Ginkel, OT Isaiah Prince, FB Chandler Cox, RB Myles Gaskin
Wilkins was a solid value pick for the Dolphins, but didn’t fill one of their most glaring needs. They traded their second round pick and a fifth rounder in 2020 to the Cardinals for Josh Rosen, which is a solid deal. Selecting Deiter in the third fills a need and was about the range he was projected to be selected at.
New England Patriots: B-
Draft Picks: WR N’Keal Harry, CB Joejuan Williams, Edge Chase Winovich, RB Damien Harris, OT Yodny Cajuste, OG/C Hjalte Froholdt, QB Jarrett Stidham, Edge Byron Cowart, P Jake Bailey, CB Ken Webster
With the last pick in the first round, the Patriots selected Harry, but there were better players at the position on the board and it was a bit of a reach. They also selected Joejuan Williams too early, but the rest of their picks presented good value and are areas of need. The third day of the draft was kinder to the Patriots, s they got several quality players
New York Jets: B
Draft Picks: DT/DE Quinnen Williams, Edge Jachai Polite, OT Chuma Edoga, TE Trevon Wesco, LB Blake Cashman, CB Blessuan Austin
The Jets took the best player available in Williams and it will help their defense make a huge turnaround with some of the other additions they have made this offseason. Polite will help get after the passer, which is something the Jets need to do better at next season. Edoga wasn’t the best tackle available, but the Jets do need to protect Sam Darnold.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: C+
Draft Picks: DT Trysten Hill, OG/C Connor McGovern, RB Tony Pollard, CB Michael Jackson, Edge Joe Jackson, S Donovan Williams, RB Mike Weber, Edge Jalen Jelks
Dallas didn’t have a first-round draft pick, as they traded it for Amari Cooper, but they still get credit for the trade. Trysten Hill was selected a little early and has reported character issues, while Connor McGovern was selected at a position that the Cowboys already have talent and depth at. The Cowboys didn’t take a safety, which is arguably their biggest need.
New York Giants: D+
Draft Picks: QB Daniel Jones, DT Dexter Lawrence, CB Deandre Baker, Edge Oshane Ximines, CB Julian Love, LB Ryan Connelly, WR Darius Slayton, CB Corey Ballentine OG/C George Asafo-Adjei, WR Terry Godwin, DT Chris Slayton
So the Giants surprised everyone with Daniel Jones pick and the rest of the draft couldn’t save them. Lawrence was picked a little early, while Baker presented good value. They finally addressed their need for an edge rusher with Ximines in the third round. Outside of the Jones pick the draft was solid, but reaching on a quarterback that early brings the final grade way down.
Philadelphia Eagles: B
Draft Picks: OT Andre Dillard, RB Miles Sanders, WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Edge Shareef Miller, QB Clayton Thorson
The Eagles traded back in the first round and drafted Andre Dillard. It was a little early given that other tackles fell out of the first round, but they have to protect the injury-prone Carson Wentz. They also got Wentz some new weapons on the second day of the draft, which the Eagles can afford to do given that they don’t have many needs.
Washington Redskins: A-
Draft Picks: QB Dwayne Haskins, Edge Montez Sweat, WR Terry McLaurin, RB Bryce Love, OG/C Wes Martin, OG/C Ross Pierschbacher, LB Cole Holcomb, WR Kelvin Harmon, CB Jimmy Moreland, Edge Jordan Brailford
In the first round, the Redskins got more than they could’ve asked for. Haskins is the best quarterback in the class, while Sweat is a good edge rusher who fell because of a medical issue. The Redskins took McLaurin a little earlier than he was projected to go, but at least he has familiarity with Haskins, which should benefit them both.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: B+
Draft Picks: WR Marquise Brown, Edge Jaylon Ferguson, WR Miles Boykin, RB Justice Hill, OG Ben Powers, CB Iman Marshall, DT Daylon Mack, QB Trace McSorley
The Ravens are trying to give Lamar Jackson more weapons and Brown presented great value at the end of round one. They made sure to get a pass rusher, which was needed, in Ferguson and get another wide receiver in Miles Boykin. They could’ve loaded up on more pass rushers or a linebacker, but every pick they made helps.
Cincinnati Bengals: B
Draft Picks: OT Jonah Williams, TE Drew Sample, LB Germaine Pratt, QB Ryan Finley, DT Renell Wren, OG/C Michael Jordan, RB Trayveon Williams, LB Deshaun Davis, RB Rodney Anderson, CB Jordan Brown
Williams will vastly improve a bad offensive line for the Bengals, even if he does need to move to guard. This just brings it more into question why the Bengals gave Bobby Hart a new contract. In the second round, the Bengals traded down, then took Sample several rounds too early and it wasn’t really an area they had to address. They did get great value and fill a need with the selection of Pratt. They took a serviceable backup to Andy Dalton in Ryan Finley at the start of the fourth, which they needed. Outside of the Sample pick, the Bengals drafted solidly.
Cleveland Browns: A
Draft Picks: CB Greedy Williams, LB Sione Takitaki, S Sheldrick Redwine, LB Mack Wilson, K Austin Seibert, OG/C Drew Forbes, CB Donnie Lewis
Odell Beckham Jr. came over from New York for the Browns’ first-round pick, so they get an A for round one. They got the steal of the draft with the selection of Greedy Williams in the second round, but there were better linebackers on the board than Takitaki. Getting Wilson, Redwine and Forbes in the later rounds just keeps their draft good.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Draft Picks: LB Devin Bush, WR Diontae Johnson, CB Justin Layne, RB Benny Snell, TE Zach Gentry, Edge Sutton Smith, DT Isaiah Buggs, LB Ulysses Gilbert, OG/C Derwin Gray
The Steelers got a great player at a position of need in Bush, but had to trade a lot to get him. Johnson was an extreme reach, as they could’ve selected him much later, while Justin Layne was a great value pick, as he was projected to go in the late first round or early second. Snell will get carries right away for the Steelers.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: B
Draft Picks: RB David Montgomery, WR Riley Ridley, CB Duke Shelley, RB Kerrith Whyte Jr., CB Stephen Denmark
Chicago doesn’t have a pick until the third round because of trades. It has set up their franchise well, but they need to find some diamonds in the rough later in the draft. They drafted Montgomery to help provide a backfield that has a speed back in Tarik Cohen and now a power back in Montgomery. They also got good value in picking Riley Ridley in the fourth round.
Detroit Lions: C
Draft Picks: TE T.J. Hockenson, LB Jahlani Tavai, S Will Harris, Edge Austin Bryant, CB Amani Oruwariye, WR Travis Fulgham, RB Ty Johnson, TE Isaac Nauta, DT P.J. Johnson
T.J. Hockenson is a great tight end prospect, but the Lions have to be fearful of taking a first-round tight end again. The second day of the draft saw the Lions take positions of need, but there were better players available than Tavai and Harris. They finally got a solid edge rusher with good value in the fourth round in Austin Bryant.
Green Bay Packers: B+
Draft Picks: DE/DT Rashan Gary, S Darnell Savage, OG/C Elgton Jenkins, TE Jace Sternberger, DT Kingsley KeKe, CB Ka’dar Hollman, RB Dexter Williams, LB Ty Summers
The Packers had Gary fall to them at 12 and got a good safety in Savage later in the first. Both should vastly help the defense right away. Protecting Rodgers was a priority and they got a plug-and-play starter in Jenkins. Taking a tight end wasn’t a bad idea, but now Rodgers will have to target Sternberger to make the pick worth it.
Minnesota Vikings: F
Draft Picks: OG/C Garrett Bradbury, TE Irv Smith Jr., RB Alexander Mattison, OG/C Dru Samia, LB Cameron Smith, DT Armon Watts, S Marcus Epps, OT Oli Udoh, CB Kris Boyd, WR Dillon Mitchell, WR Olabisi Johnson, LS Austin Cutting
There were better players available and Bradbury was a reach even though he could start on day one. Drafting Smith and Mattison makes no sense, as they already have talented players at those positions. There were some solid third day picks for the Vikings, but it wasn’t enough to save the rest of the draft.
AFC South
Houston Texans: D
Draft Picks: OT Tytus Howard, CB Lonnie Johnson, OT Max Scharping, TE Kahale Warring, Edge Charles Omenihu, CB Xavier Crawford, FB Cullen Gillaspia
Howard is a decent prospect, but shouldn’t have been picked in the first round. It does fill a need, as Deshaun Watson will be better protected. The Texans continued to pick players that were going to make weak points on their roster stronger, but they passed on players with better value than the ones they selected. Omenihu was a solid pick up on day three.
Indianapolis Colts: B
Draft Picks: CB Rock Ya-Sin, Edge Ben Banogu, WR Parris Campbell, LB Bobby Okereke, S Khari Willis, S Marvell Tell, LB E.J. Speed, LB Gerri Green, OT Jackson Barton, OG/C Javon Patterson
The Colts traded out of the first round. They got a first-round talent in Ya-Sin who will help their defense. Parris Campbell was another pick that is going to make them a better team next season, as he will give Andrew Lock more options to throw to.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B+
Draft Picks: Edge Josh Allen, OT Jawaan Taylor, TE Josh Oliver, S Quincy Williams, RB Ryquell Armstead, QB Gardner Minshew, DT Dontavius Russell
Jacksonville got a gift when Josh Allen fell to them. It didn’t fill a need, but it was a great value pick. They again were lucky when they were able to select Taylor in round 2. Oliver was a solid choice, but Williams was preparing to be an undrafted free agent.
Tennessee Titans: B+
Draft Picks: DT Jeffery Simmons, WR A.J. Brown, OG/C Nate Davis, S Amani Hooker, Edge D’Andre Walker, LB David Long
Simmons fell because of an ACL injury, so the Titans won’t get him to make an immediate impact, but he’s a solid player. They got a first-round talent in Brown, which gives Mariota another weapon. Davis was picked a little early on, but it will help make their line one of the best in football. Hooker, Walker and Long all provided value.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: F
Draft Picks: OG/C Chris Lindstrom, OT Kaleb McGary, CB Kendall Sheffield, Edge John Cominsky, RB Qadree Ollison, CB Jordan Miller, RB Marcus Green
The Falcons needed interior offensive linemen, but they took Lindstrom entirely too early. They traded up and took McGary too early. Sheffield was a good pick, but all the others were questionable.
Carolina Panthers: B+
Draft Picks: Edge Brian Burns, OT Greg Little, QB Will Grier, Edge Christian Miller, RB Jordan Scarlett, OT Dennis Daley
Burns is an excellent edge rusher and will help the Panthers from day one. Little will start for years to come, while Grier can be a good backup and can fill in if Newton’s shoulder flares up again. The third day wasn’t the best for the Panthers, but the first two days keeps their grade high.
New Orleans Saints: B
Draft Picks: OG/C Erik McCoy, S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S Saquan Hampton, TE Alize Mack, LB Kaden Elliss
Marcus Davenport was acquired in a trade for the Saints’ first-round pick this season. The jury is still out on if Davenport will be worth the trade. McCoy was a good pick who will help keep Brees upright. Gardner-Johnson was a solid pickup, but it will be interesting to see how they use him, as they already have two good safeties.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
Draft Picks: LB Devin White, CB Sean Bunting, CB Jamel Dean, S Mike Edwards, Edge Anthony Nelson, K Matt Gay, WR Scott Green, DT Terry Beckner
The Bucs filled a need and got the best linebacker in the draft in White. Fans have to love the strategy of letting Arians address the offense and selecting all defense so far. Bunting, Dean and Edwards all have a chance to make an impact early in their careers.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: A
Draft Picks: TE Noah Fant, OT Dalton Risner, QB Drew Lock, DT Dre’Mont Jones, CB Isaiah Johnson, Edge Justin Hollins, WR Juwann Winfree
Denver traded down with the Steelers and still got a good tight end in Fant, who will help them a lot this season. Risner will improve the offensive line immediately and Lock is the quarterback of the future. They got extremely good value in Dre’Mont Jones, but haven’t addressed the corner position through the first two days of the draft.
Kansas City Chiefs: B
Draft Picks: WR Mecole Hardman, S Juan Thornhill, DT Khalen Saunders, CB Rashad Fenton, RB Darwin Thompson, OG/C Nick Allegretti
The Chiefs traded their first-round pick to the Chiefs for Frank Clark. It was a good trade as now they have at least one player who can get after the quarterback. Drafting Hardman was likely a bad attempt to try to find another Tyreek Hill, while Thornhill and Saunders both should be good players for years to come on their defense.
Los Angeles Chargers: B-
Draft Picks: DT Jerry Tillery, S Nasir Adderley, OT Trey Pipkins, LB Drue Tranquill, QB Easton Stick, LB Emeke Egbule, DT Cortez Broughton
Tillery is a disruptive player who can make things happen in the middle of the defensive line. Adderley could create a great safety tandem for the Chargers with Derwin James. Protecting Philip Rivers by selecting Pipkins is a good idea, but better tackles were available.
Oakland Raiders: D
Draft Picks: Edge Clelin Ferrell, RB Josh Jacobs, S Johnathan Abram, CB Trayvon Mullen, Edge Maxx Crosby, TE Foster Moreau, WR Hunter Renfrow, Edge Quinten Bell
Wow. The Raiders surprised with Ferrell, took Jacobs when they could’ve waited and took Abram despite having two solid safeties already. Mullen will help out their lackluster corners, but there were better options still available.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: B
Draft Picks: QB Kyler Murray, CB Byron Murphy, WR Andy Isabella, DE/DT Zach Allen, WR Hakeem Butler, S Deionte Thompson, WR KeeSean Johnson, OG/C Lamont Gaillard, OT Joshua Miles, Edge Michael Dogbe, TE Caleb Wilson
The Cardinals got someone to run the offense, but they gave up on Josh Rosen after one season, completely wasting their selection of him last year. They did have a solid second day though, as Murphy was a round one prospect and can line up across from Patrick Peterson. Isabella and Allen both should have impacts early on in their careers. Butler is a great talent who will also help out Murray.
Los Angeles Rams: C
Draft Pick: S Taylor Rapp, RB Darrell Henderson, CB David Long, OT Bobby Evans, DT Greg Gaines, OT David Edwards, TE Kaden Smith, S Nick Scott, LB Dakota Allen
Sean McVay’s team traded out of the first round and has yet to make a pick. Taylor Rapp presented good value, but won’t get much playing time early, as Eric Weddle and John Johnson are solid safeties. Henderson is resigned to a backup role. Long could have an impact, but Evans was selected too soon.
San Francisco 49ers: B-
Draft Picks: Edge Nick Bosa, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Jalen Hurd, P Mitch Wishnowsky, LB Dre Greenlaw, OT Justin Skule, CB Tim Harris
San Francisco got the best player in the draft at the number two pick and should be able to rush the passer better next season. They also targeted their biggest weakness by taking two day two receivers in Samuel and Hurd. Samuel was a solid selection, bu there were better options than Hurd available.
Seattle Seahawks: F
Draft Picks: Edge L.J. Collier, S Marquis Blair, WR DK Metcalf, LB Cody Barton, WR Gary Jennings Jr., OG/C Phil Haynes, S Ugochukwu Amadi, LB Ben Burr-Kirven, RB Travis Homer, DT Demarcus Christmas, WR John Ursua
The Seahawks get some credit for trading down, but they totally reached on Collier. He was a mid-round prospect at best. Blair and Barton were both reaches, but they did get an extremely good value on Metcalf, which will fill a need if Doug Baldwin is unable to play again.
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