NFL 2020 Draft has been flying by. The first day came and went and the second day went even faster. There has been a lot of surprising picks throughout the first two days. Here are round three grades.
65. Cincinnati Bengals: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
At some point, the Cincinnati Bengals needed to address a position that they have either missed out on early in the draft or not taken the right prospect at in linebacker. Logan Wilson came onto the scene late as a potential day two pick and has great tape though he played at Wyoming. Wilson should start right away next to Germaine Pratt and form a nice young linebacker duo. The Bengals should not be embarrassed by their linebackers anymore.
Grade: A
66. Washington Redskins: Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis
Antonio Gibson is the definition of a flex player. He will either play wide receiver or running back, he might even play a little bit of both. What is concerning is that the Redskins drafted him as a “running back”. Gibson can be a dangerous player, but may not get carries in Washington. They already have Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice, Bryce Love, J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber on their roster. Ron Rivera is trying to find a Christian McCaffrey in Washington, which is understandable, but adding another running back to a claustrophobic running back room isn’t smart. At wide receiver, he could be a second or likely third receiver for Dwayne Haskins.
Grade: C+
67. Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
This is actually a great story. Julian Okwara’s brother Romeo Okwara is also a Detroit Lion so the two will be playing together on the same team next season. Julian will likely compete with his brother for snaps at defensive end or might rush the passer as a linebacker like Devon Kennard did last year.
Grade: B+
68. New York Jets(via New York Giants): Ashtyn Davis, S, California
After drafting their biggest needs at left tackle and wide receiver earlier the Jets drafted a player who played the position of their biggest strength safety. Jets fans should be concerned. They love their safety tandem of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, who are two of the best at their position. But that might also be a problem because now the Jets are getting to the point that they have to pay them both and teams don’t like paying one safety at market price let alone two. Ashtyn Davis is such a raw player but his crazy athleticism and speed gives him huge potential. Gregg Williams can do a lot with him, but the best case scenario might have to convert Davis to slot corner if they retain Adams and Maye. Hopefully for Davis’ sake Williams and this coaching staff are around long enough to mold Davis into the defensive back that he has the potential to be. If not he could faze out and become a special teams player. Overall, this does feel like Adams and Maye insurance though.
Grade: C
69. Seattle Seahawks (via Carolina Panthers): Damien Lewis, G, LSU
Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have wowed the league in recent years, but Russell Wilson has truly been amazing for some time now. Since the Seahawks have been to their last Super Bowl they seem to be struggling to fortify the offensive line. This offseason Seattle has brought in a couple veterans to keep competing for starting jobs in Seattle. Besides left tackle, all offensive line positions are available. Lewis protected the most valuable player in college football this past year extremely well and now will be protecting one of the most valuable players in the league. Lewis could start at guard for the Seahawks as soon as next season.
Grade: B+
70. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Jones, S, Texas
After trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick the Dolphins had a void at safety. Brandon Jones played well at Texas. He couldn’t boost his stock at the combine due to injury so that hurt his stock. Jones’ ceiling is a starting a safety, but if better options present themselves he could be replaced or overlooked next year at the position.
Grade: B
71. Baltimore Ravens: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
It seems like every year the Ravens draft a notable defensive line prospect between this point and early day three. But this pick isn’t fair. Justin Madubuike was the fourth-ranked defensive tackle and 53rd ranked player. He could have been selected in the top-40. There is a reason why Mel Kiper loves Justin Madubuike so much. He can play all over the defensive line which the Ravens will love and he plays it well. His first season he could be rotating in with Derek Wolfe, Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams. But next year, expect him to be a starter on the Ravens defensive line. This could end up being one of the steals of the draft.
Grade: A
72. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Jones, Tackle, Houston
Talk about steals! How did Josh Jones land in the Cardinals’ laps here in the third round. Recently it came out that Josh Jones might fall out of the first round, which is understandable. There are four elite tackle prospects in this year’s draft, so tackles were going to get pushed down the board, but many did not think this far. This only makes the DeAndre Hopkins trade look that much better, because now they got Isaiah Simmons in the first round, (essentially) DeAndre Hopkins in the second round and now an early second round talent and potential starter at right tackle. He’s going to be their long term starter at right tackle.
Grade: A
73. Jacksonville Jaguars: Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Davon Hamilton will join the rotation of defensive tackles. Hamilton will compete with Abry Jones and Rodney Gunter next to Taven Bryan. If Hamilton plays the way he did at Ohio State early in the year, he could get starting reps early and could hold down the second defensive tackle slot in their starting line up. The is another nice piece they add to their young rebuilding defense.
Grade: B
74. New Orleans Saints (via Cleveland Browns): Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
A discrete story of day two was the fall of Zack Baun. It was likely because of the failed drug test at the combine because of a diluted sample. As this came out, it was reported that it wouldn’t affect his stock, but there is no reason for this fall Zach Baun was supposed to be a round one player and lands here at 74. It was shocking that with a need at linebacker the Browns didn’t stay here and snag him. Of course the Saints gets Baun here. The Saints didn’t have a second round pick and get a great player in the second round. Baun is like Clay Matthews or Kyle Van Noy because he has the versatility to play inside and outside, he can also rush the passer and he does it all. The Saints get another above average starter in the middle rounds for their defense and fill a need at linebacker.
Grade: A
75. Detroit Lions (via Indianapolis Colts): Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
The Detroit Lions lost Graham Glasgow in free agency and now have a void at guard. Jonah Jackson should be a plug and play right away to fill that void. The Lions took advantage of the fact that the offensive line class has been underrated and has started to slip. Jacksons is a great value and fills a need for the Lions
Grade: A-
76. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
It was reported that the Buccaneers wanted to address running back day two of the draft. The Buccaneers missed out at the running backs that could start and contribute right away. Ke’Shawn Vaughn will likely split carries with Ronald Jones next season. He could possibly get named the starter over Jones if he doesn’t develop as a player this year. There were better running backs on the board, but this was a position the Buccaneers needed to address.
Grade: B-
77. Denver Broncos: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
The Broncos addressed offense early and often in the draft, so they finally address defense, as they took a cornerback. The Broncos got a depth player at cornerback after addressing the need for cornerback in free agency. Ojemudia won’t contribute right away and better cornerbacks were available.
Grade: C+
78. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
Though the Falcons’ entire starting offense is made up of former first round picks, the Falcons could use depth or could have taken potential starter on the offensive line. Matt Hennessy makes a case for the second best center in the draft, he will be a starter for the Falcons some day possibly soon. He will likely compete with James Carpenter for starting left guard next season or could be the eventual replacement for Alex Mack who is 34.
Grade: A-
79. New York Jets: Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
For the second year in a row, the New York Jets address their need for an edge rusher in the third round with an edge rusher from Florida. Jachi Polite is a name that stings Jet fans. There is usually a major problem when a team cuts their third round pick the year before their rookie season and that is what happened to Polite. He has bounced around the league since. Zuniga is an upside player who played well in 2018 and dealt with injuries in 2019 that caused him to slip. Here in New York he should have a fair chance to start, could possibly take a back seat for a little bit, but is a very nice complimentary edge rusher for Jordan Jenkins.
Grade: A-
80. Las Vegas Raiders: Lynn Bowden Jr, WR/RB*/QB, Kentucky
Lynn Bowden Jr. is a very interesting prospect. This past season he played receiver, but due to injury had to move back to quarterback. The intriguing thing about the pick is that the Raiders drafted him to be a running back. Josh Jacobs has been dealing with a shoulder injury so he could be a nice change of pace scat back. Bowden could play all over the field. He”ll play his best in the slot as a wide receiver. Jon Gruden could have some fun and have Bowden throw some passes.
Grade: B+
81. Las Vegas Raiders (Chicago Bears): Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Counting Bowden, this would be the third receiver the Raiders have taken. The Raiders needed wide receiver help, but taking three this early in the draft is a little much. It feels crazy to say, but there are a lot of mouths to feed now in Vegas. Edwards, Bowden and Henry Ruggs join Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow and recently signed Nelson Agholor, not to mention their tight ends. The Raiders plan was to get enough weapons to compete with the Chiefs, but the Raiders can’t maximize the potential of all these receivers right away. Bryan Edwards is a good player, If Edwards get healthy he could eventually replace Tyrell Williams as the number two outside receiver for Vegas. The landing spot just doesn’t fit after what they have on the roster and what they have already done in the draft.
Grade: B-
82. Dallas Cowboys: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
This feels like deja vu from when the Cowboys drafted Maliek Collins, who just left for the Raiders, in 2016. Both were considered potential first round picks before the season and just never took the next step just got passed by all the players who raised their stock this year. Gallimore in an NFL starter when it is all said and done. In Dallas he will rotate with Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe early and often. By year two he should be a full time starter and could be one of the better interior defensive lineman in the league when it is all said and done that is how high his ceiling is.
Grade: A-
83. Denver Broncos (via Pittsburgh Steelers): Lloyd Cushenberry III, G/C, LSU
This is a fantastic pick for the Denver Broncos! They just got their starting center next season and a potential Pro Bowler early in his career. Cushenberry had fantastic character and could be a potential leader for a very young Broncos team. Cushenberry will be the Broncos starting center for the next 10-12 years and could have one of the best careers out of anybody in this draft when it is all said and done.
Grade: A
84. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
The Los Angeles Rams like to make flashy picks and they also don’t mind taking some risks. Terrell Lewis plays like a first round edge rusher, many could argue that he is the best edger rusher in the draft after K’Lavon Chaisson and Chase Young. Injuries are Lewis’ biggest issues but if he can heal up and stay healthy. Lewis could be easily the second best pass rusher on this roster behind Aaron Donald.
Grade: A
85. Indianapolis Colts (via Detroit Lions from Philadelphia Eagles): Julian Blackmon, CB/S, Utah
This feels like a Chris Ballard Colts’ pick. The Colts always take a versatile defensive back that has the potential to start for them. That is exactly what Blackmon is. He will either play in the slot or safety for them. This past year Blackmon transitioned to safety and played well. This also makes sense considering the Colts were shopping former first round pick Malik Hooker.
Grade: B+
86. Buffalo Bills: Zack Moss, RB, Utah
This speaks to the Bills’ comfortability with Devin Singletary as a workhorse running back. They wouldn’t take Zack Moss here if they don’t expect him to contribute right away. Moss also is a completely different back than Singletary, he is a a power back and will be featured as a goal line or power run situations. He will take the role that Frank Gore had last season and could likely be splitting snaps 50/50 with Singletary.
Grade:B+
87. New England Patriots: Anfernee Jennings, EDGE/LB, Alabama
This feels like a Patriots pick, an Alabama pass rusher in the middle rounds. Anfernee Jennings was made to play in Bill Belichick’s defense. Like Josh Uche, Jennings has the versatility to play linebacker and defensive end. He should be an outside linebacker in New England. He could be a starter for them down the road for the Patriots but could play valuable snaps as soon as next season.
Grade: B+
88. Cleveland Browns (via New Orleans Saints): Jordan Elliot, DT, Missouri
The Cleveland Browns seem to have a thing for large defensive tackles. That is not highly unusual because they are usually very productive. Jordan Elliot is a space eater that can stuff the run but also has some potential to be a pass rusher at the next level. The production wasn’t there at Missouri, but he has all the traits to be a team’s starting defensive tackle and rack up 4-7 sacks a year from the interior as well. Elliot will rotate with Larry Ogunjobi, Sheldon Richardson and Andrew Billings at the position, who also share extremely similar traits to Elliot.
Grade: B+
89. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
The upside to this pick is huge and even though Vikings drafted Jeff Gladney in the first round, Minnesota needed to double down at cornerback to try to fill the void left by Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander’s departures. The combine didn’t do Dantzler any favors. He dropped down boards because of his slow 40 time. But that is also what happened to Alexander a few years ago. Dantzler has the tape to show he is a starting NFL corner.
Grade: A
90. Houston Texans: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
Whitney Mercilus is getting up there in age and need to address the void left by Jadeveon Clowney. Greenard won’t replace any of these guys production but can play opposite Mercilus and be the Texans future and edge rusher until they address it later on.
Grade: B+
91. New England Patriots (via Las Vegas Raiders from Houston): Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
After the (initial) retirement of Rob Gronkowski the Patriots did the bare minimum to replace him. They brought in 38-year-old, 16-year vet Benjamin Watson out of retirement. That went as well as people expected, the Patriots did not put a dent into filling Gronk’s production. Tight end needed to be addressed and Devin Asiasi seems like a perfect fit for New England considering he is a pass catching tight end. Asiasi will have a role right away with the Patriots and be a nice target for Jarrett Stidham next season.
Grade: A-
92. Baltimore Ravens: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Last year the Baltimore Ravens drafted Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin in the first and third round to give Lamar Jackson an upgrade at outside receiver and here they get Jackson his slot receiver in Devin Duvernay. He is another nice weapon for Lamar Jackson who seemed to be lacking a true number one receiver. Duvernay will be more than just a security blanket in the middle for Lamar Jackson, he will have a large part in the Ravens offense next year.
Grade: A
93. Tennessee Titans: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Darrynton Evans is the opposite of Derrick Henry or really what the Titans like to do on offense. He is a speed and agile running back who will make his living off screen passes and off outside runs. He will be a complement to Derrick Henry. He will be a change of pace back and assumes the role that Dion Lewis couldn’t establish for himself once Henry developed into the running back he is today. This is also insurance for Derrick Henry who is on a franchise tag and has not worked out a long term extension with the team yet. Evans gives the Titans a capable runner on the roster incase something were to happen to Henry.
Grade: B
94. Green Bay Packers: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
If the Packers haven’t showed the world what their plan is on offense in the near future they did now. The Packers drafted a blocking tight end who might very well be a fullback at the next level. Green Bay wants to run the ball, run it often and run it effectively. This feels like a reach grabbing Deguara here and it is hard to give the Packers great grades when they keep ignoring the wide receiver position. However Deguara, does fit the philosophy that Green Bay has on offense right now.
Grade: C+
95. Denver Broncos (via San Fransisco 49ers): McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
The Denver Broncos did need to add depth to their defensive line even after trading for Jurrell Casey. McTelvin Agim will be just that until he gets his shot in Denver. He will get his time to show that he could potentially start for the Broncos but he will have to rotate with Mike Purcell, Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones for playing time.
Grade: B
96. Kansas City Chiefs: Lucas Niang, T, TCU
This is a good pick now, but could be a great pick later. Lucas Niang has all the tools to be a starting right tackle in the NFL. The Chiefs have one of the best right tackles in football in Mitchell Schwartz. But the Chiefs are lacking a quality back up tackle. Niang could be a high end back up that could potentially see the starting job in Kansas City if Schwartz’s contract becomes too expensive as he ages.
Grade: B+
97. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans): Jacob Philips, LB, LSU
Jacob Philips might not have had the publicity as teammates K’Lavon Chaisson or Patrick Queen but he was a vital piece of LSU’s National Championship defense. Philips will compete with B.J. Goodson for a starting spot next to Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki. There were better linebackers than Philips are still on the board, but overall it is a quality pick that fills a need.
Grade: B
98. Baltimore Ravens: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
After drafting Patrick Queen in the first round the Baltimore Ravens add another linebacker here in Malik Harrison. Both Queen and Harrison are so fast and athletic that both should be the Ravens’ day one starters at middle linebacker. Malik Harrison should’ve been selected a lot higher than this point. Harrison won”t get handed the starting middle linebacker job next to Queen, but he will be the favorite to win it.
Grade: A
99. New York Giants: Matt Peart, Tackle, UConn
Jason Garrett’s influence is really being shown in this year’s draft. Throughout Garrett’s time in Dallas he built up the teams offensive line to one of the best units in the league. That is what he is trying to do in New York. Matt Peart might be the Giants’ long term answer at right tackle. But not next season. Peart needs to get acclimated to the NFL game and once they eventually move on from Nate Solder they can move Andrew Thomas to the left side and Peart to the right.
Grade: B
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Tanner Muse, S/LB, Clemson
Tanner Muse could either play safety or linebacker in the NFL. He won’t crack the starting lineup at any of the positions anytime soon. Muse will play special teams early in his career.
Grade: C
101. New England Patriots (via New York Jets from Seattle Seahawks): Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
When the Patriots traded up to get before the Steelers, it looked like the Patriots were taking Jacob Eason. Keene could’ve dropped because he is a blocking tight end, but the Patriots’ recognized his value and selected him around the appropriate range. Expectations are going to be high for their two new tight ends because of who was selected in one draft by the Patriots. Keene will become a very important part of the Patriots’ offense.
Grade: B+
102. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
This is a perfect range Alex Highsmith. He is a small school prospect that had fantastic production at Charlotte. It might take him some time to get him used to dealing with NFL level offenses. But he can be a great addition to one of the best defenses in the league in Pittsburgh. If Highsmith has a great rookie season or Bud Dupree falls off, the Steelers could move on from Dupree who is on the franchise tag and move Highsmith into the starting line up.
Grade: B+
103. Philadelphia Eagles: Davion Taylor, LB/S, Colorado
The trend in this year’s draft are scouts noticing more versatile players who can play both the linebacker and safety positions. Now Isaiah Simmons isn’t the first to do it, Mark Barron, Telvin Smith, Deone Buccanon and Jabrill Peppers are a few guys who have transitioned or could have transitioned between the two positions. Davion Taylor is one of these hybrid defenders that could try to fill one of the Eagles needs at safety or linebacker.
Grade: B
104. Los Angeles Rams: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Terrell Burgess looks like the Rams response to letting go of Nickell Robey-Coleman. Burgess was a safety that was a former cornerback much like his Utah teammate Julian Blackmon. Burgess might play a lot of time at slot corners but will also back up Taylor Rapp and John Johnson.
Grade: B
105. New Orleans Saints (via Minnesota Vikings): Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Wow…Adam Trautman was the top tight end on most people’s boards. He is a small school player being from Dayton, but after lighting up the senior bowl it was not expected for him to be the fifth tight end selected. Jared Cook has been filling the void well acting as Drew Brees’ number two receiver, but he’s 33 and a free agent after this season. People like Trautman so much because they believe he has George Kittle-like upside. If that is the case this could be a pick, this pick could be talked about for the next 4-8 years. Trautman is the tight end of now and future for the Saints.
106. Baltimore Ravens: Tyree Phillips, Tackle/Guard, Mississippi State
Tyree Phillips played tackle at Mississippi State, but will convert to guard in the NFL. This is great for the Ravens, because they have a huge hole at guard, especially after the retirement of Marshal Yanda. Philips won’t be able to fill that void because Yanda was one of the best in the league, but he could be a starter at the position.
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