Blake Friedman | Twitter: @BFriedman23
Every year, NFL fans have moments of joy and panic as they watch their franchise draft the future of their organization to (hopefully) lead them to a Super Bowl title. After a couple of days, we digest what happened during those three days and take a look at how each team made out. Now, these draft grades are pending the performance of these players, but especially players selected in the first three or four rounds. Rounds 5-7 are somewhat darts that GMs hope stick to provide depth to their rosters. Let's see how each team panned out in this year's post-NFL Draft grades.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Round 1, pick 8: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Round 3, pick 72: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Round 4, pick 114: Leki Fotu, DT, Utah
Round 4, pick 131: Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
Round 6, pick 202: Evan Weaver, LB, California
Kliff Kingbsury's war room may have stolen the show during the NFL Draft, but the Cardinals walked away with Isaiah Simmons, arguably one of the top prospects in this year's class, and were able to tackle getting some help to protect QB Kyler Murray in Josh Jones. Isaiah Simmons will be an immediate impact for an Arizona defense that ranked 28th in points allowed in 2019. His versatility to attack the line of scrimmage and defend in the open field will help tremendously.
Josh Jones was projected in many mocks to go late in the first round into the second, so grabbing him in the third should be something for the Cardinals to be excited about. Arizona used the rest of their picks to address defensive needs in hopes that with the addition of newly acquired WR DeAndre Hopkins, the offense can hold its own while the defense keeps them in games.
GRADE: B+
ATLANTA FALCONS
Round 1, pick 16: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Round 2, pick 47: Marlon Davidson, DE, Auburn
Round 3, pick 78: Matt Hennessy, C, Temple
Round 4, pick 119: Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
Round 4, pick 134: Jaylinn Hawkins, S, California
Round 7, pick 228: Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse
The Falcons lost veteran cornerback Desmond Trufant to free agency, so right away the team addressed a serious need in the secondary by drafting Clemson's A.J. Terrell in the first round. The NFC South has gotten significantly more competitive after Tom Brady's decision to join the Buccaneers, bringing along TE Rob Gronkowski who is coming out of retirement. The Falcons will need to lock down on the defensive side of the ball and that continued with their second pick with Marlon Davidson out of Auburn.
Matt Hennessy was a nice snag in the third round who will look to become Alex Mack's successor at the center position, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him plugged into the offensive line right away at a guard position.
GRADE: B
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Round 1, pick 28: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Round 2, pick 55: J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Round 3, pick 71: Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Round 3, pick 92: Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Round 3, pick 98: Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Round 3, pick 106: Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
Round 4, pick 143: Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan
Round 5, pick 170: Broderick Washington Jr., DT, Texas Tech
Round 6, pick 201: James Proche, WR, SMU
Round 7, pick 219: Geno Stone, S, Iowa
The virtual draft offered a unique perspective on how teams operated while they were on the clock. Every time the cameras were on head coach John Harbaugh, he was ecstatic with his team's pick. It started with grabbing LB Patrick Queen out of LSU late in the first round. The Ravens, throughout their history, have been known to have elite players at the linebacker position, and after the Chargers traded up to grab Kenneth Murray, Queen was the next best available.
Day 2 started off with a bang when Ohio State's J.K. Dobbins slipped to Baltimore. A perfect fit, he will be implemented right away in an offense that fits his elusive skillset. On top of that, the Ravens addressed more interior defensive line depth by selecting Justin Madubuike out of Texas A&M, who was a steal at 71.
A name to pay close attention to is WR James Proche. The SMU receiver was selected late on Day 3 in the sixth round and has the burners to get off the ball and become a potential vertical threat in an already potent Ravens offense.
GRADE: A
Buffalo Bills
Round 2, pick 54: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Round 3, pick 86: Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Round 4, pick 128: Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
Round 5, pick 167: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Round 6, pick 188: Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern
Round 6, pick 207: Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Round 7, pick 239: Dane Jackson, CB, Pitt
Let's start our way from the bottom and work our way up. The Buffalo Bills selected Georgia QB Jake Fromm in the fifth round, which to many, was an interesting selection seeing that Josh Allen is their franchise QB. However, a late-round QB pick could be beneficial pending an injury to Allen during the regular season.
The Bills addressed their WR need, adding to newly acquired wideout Stefon Diggs in free agency. Grabbing A.J. Epenesa and Zack Moss in the second and third rounds were solid picks as well. Both are experienced football players that are ready to make an immediate impact on the field. Moss compliments Devin Singletary in the backfield as the bruiser, while Singletary continues to be a duel-threat in the Bills offense.
GRADE: B+
Carolina Panthers
Round 1, pick 7: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Round 2, pick 38: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Round 2, pick 64: Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Round 4, pick 113: Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Round 5, pick 152: Kenny Robinson, CB, West Virginia
Round 6, pick 184: Bravvion Roy, DL, Baylor
Round 7, pick 221: Stanley Thomas-Oliver III, CB, Florida International
There is no typo here. The Carolina Panthers used all seven of their draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. This makes them the first team in the common draft era to select all defensive players with all of their picks.
First-year head coach Matt Rhule knew coming in the defense needed re-tooling. So he and his staff tackled that by getting stronger upfront while adding potential in their secondary. Derrick Brown is an absolute beast in the trenches (See here). Not only does he win up front, his speed allows him to get to the outside to disrupt quick passes and outside runs.
Yetur-Gross Matos out of Penn State offers massive length to get around tackles and wreak havoc in the backfield. Jeremy Chinn was also a terrific pick up late in the second round adding depth to a secondary that struggled to stop the passing game in 2019.
GRADE: A-
Chicago Bears
Round 2, pick 43: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Round 2, pick 50: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Round 5, pick 155: Trevis Gipson, EDGE, Tulsa
Round 5, pick 163: Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern
Round 5, pick 173: Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
Round 7, pick 226: Arlington Hambright, G, Colorado
Round 7, pick 227: Lachavious Simmons, G, Tennessee State
The Bears had to wait until Day 2 to get into the action and with their first selection, they drafted one of the better TEs in the draft in Cole Kmet. Just a few picks later, Chicago addressed the defense by drafting Jaylon Johnson, who fell right around where he should have and has the potential to be a very good CB in the NFL. All in all, it wasn't a very exciting draft for Chicago, and that could be because of the lack of a first-round pick.
GRADE: B-
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 1, pick 1: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Round 2, pick 33: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Round 3, pick 65: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Round 4, pick 107: Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Round 5, pick 147: Khalid Kareem, DE, Notre Dame
Round 6, pick 180: Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas
Round 7, pick 215: Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue
After posting one of the greatest college seasons ever, it's no surprise Joe Burrow is headed back to his home state as the franchise QB for the Bengals. It didn't take long for head coach Zac Taylor to get his young QB another weapon in Tee Higgins with the first pick in the second round. One of the bigger issues with the Bengals draft is their lack of addressing the offensive line. They selected Hakeem Adeniji in the sixth round, as he will be more of a project before he gets into the starting lineup.
If you're a Bengals fan, rejoice. You got your quarterback and now this season will be used to get Burrow comfortable in the offense and next year's draft will be utilized to address needs to protect Burrow and continue to build a solid defense.
GRADE: B+
Cleveland Browns
Round 1, pick 10: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Round 2, pick 44: Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Round 3, pick 88: Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri
Round 3, pick 97: Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Round 4, pick 115: Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
Round 5, pick 160: Nick Harris, C, Washington
Round 6, pick 187: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
The draft board was kind to the Cleveland Browns as Jedrick Wills out of Alabama fell right into their lap at No. 10 overall. The Alabama offensive tackle was graded as one of the top 3 offensive linemen in this year's draft and that was a dire need for the Browns after this past season. With the addition of Jack Conklin in free agency, QB Baker Mayfield should be able to sleep a little better at night knowing he will have time to throw the ball in the pocket.
The Browns also added some safety depth when they drafted Grant Delpit in the second round adding to an already youthful secondary.
Harrison Bryant seems to be a solid player and was good value for Cleveland in the fourth round. Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones fell all the way into the sixth round, and even though not a lot of people are high on him, the Browns couldn't pass on him given the selection.
GRADE: B+
Dallas Cowboys
Round 1, pick 17: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Round 2, pick 51: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Round 3, pick 82: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
Round 4, pick 123: Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa
Round 5, pick 146: Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Round 5, pick 179: Bradlee Anae, DE, Utah
Round 7, pick 231: Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison
Arguably the steal of the draft knocked on the door of Jerry Jones' secret lair on his yacht when WR CeeDee Lamb fell to No. 17 in the first round. Lamb adds another weapon to an already explosive Cowboys offense.
Dallas also addressed a need at the cornerback position after losing Byron Jones to free agency when they drafted Trevon Diggs. Dallas' defense is still the weak side of the ball, but if Dak and company can put up 35+ points per game, it will be tough for teams to get a win.
One of the team's later picks came in the fifth round when they drafted Tyler Biadasz out of Wisconsin. He was named the country's best center last season and will be groomed to be the future center for Dallas after the shocking retirement of Travis Frederick.
GRADE: A-
Denver Broncos
Round 1, pick 15: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Round 2, pick 46: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
Round 3, pick 77: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
Round 3, pick 83: Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, LSU
Round 3, pick 95 (from 49ers): McTelvin Algim, DT, Arkansas
Round 4, pick 118: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Round 5, pick 178: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
Round 6, pick 181: Netane Muti, G, Fresno State
Round 7, pick 252: Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
Round 7, pick 254: Derrek Tuszka, DE, North Dakota State
Speed. Speed. Speed. That's what GM John Elway wanted to address in the first two rounds of the draft by selecting Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, two wide receivers that cause nightmares for defensive coordinators. With Denver putting their trust in QB Drew Lock it was important for him to have the weapons available to make him successful under center.
Denver also drafted another speedy TE in Albert Okwuegbunam who will pair well with Noah Fant in the fast-paced offense. If the Broncos want to compete with the defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs, going the direction they went in was the right call.
GRADE: A-
Detroit Lions
Round 1, pick 3: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Round 2, pick 35: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Round 3, pick 67: Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame
Round 3, pick 75: Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
Round 4, pick 121: Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky
Round 5, pick 166: Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
Round 5, pick 172: Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State
Round 6, pick 197: John Penisini, DT, Utah
Round 7, pick 235: Jashon Cornell, DE, Ohio State
Matt Patricia and the Lions needed to address the secondary right away after losing Darius Slay in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. They were able to pick up veteran Desmond Trufant, but getting a young, talented corner was the play when they selected Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick. Okudah can match up with any receiver and stick with him. He's on-ball instincts were seen during his time at Ohio State and he will be CB1 right away in Detroit.
The Lions wasted no time at the start of the second round when Georgia RB D'Andre Swift was still on the board. Providing Matt Stafford an elusive running back can open up the offense that was sub-par in 2019.
Grade: B
Green Bay Packers
Round 1, pick 26: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Round 2, pick 62: AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College
Round 3, pick 94: Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Round 5, pick 175: Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
Round 6, pick 192: Jon Runyan, G, Michigan
Round 6, pick 208: Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Round 6, pick 209: Simon Stepaniak, OT, Indiana
Round 7, pick 236: Vernon Scott, S, TCU
Round 7, pick 242: Jonathan Garvin, DE, Miami
The biggest head-scratcher of the 2020 NFL Draft was when the Packers selected QB Jordan Love with the No. 26 pick in the first round. Love offers massive potential with one of the strongest arms in the draft and mobility that reminds some of Patrick Mahomes. However, the Packers still of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. So what does this mean? Are they pushing Rodgers out or are they planning for the next 5 years. Either way, the 2019 Packers were one game away from Super Bowl LV and they did not grab a single WR in one of the deepest WR classes in draft history.
Boston College's A.J. Dillon seemed like a stretch in the second round, especially when they already have a talented back in Aaron Jones.
The Packers can still find some receivers that teams are looking to shop before the 2020 season, but as it stands now, the Packers team has not upgraded through this draft.
GRADE: D
Houston Texans
Round 2, pick 40: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Round 3, pick 90: Jonathan Greenard, LB, Florida
Round 4, pick 126: Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina
Round 4, pick 141: John Reid, CB, Penn State
Round 5, pick 171: Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
The Texans had one of the more boring draft classes this year. After trading DeAndre Hopkins they also did not address any WR needs. Instead, they looked to get deeper on defense with Ross Blacklock being their first pick in the second round. Even though a draft is boring, doesn't mean it can't be successful. Blacklock has the potential to be a defensive rookie of the year. TCU head coach Gary Patterson says that he has an 'unbelievable ceiling'.
Other solid picks for the Texans were Jonathan Greenard and John Reid. Both players can have immediate roles in the defense that will need to hold its own to win a good number of games.
GRADE: C+
Indianapolis Colts
Round 2, pick 34: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
Round 2, pick 41: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Round 3, pick 85: Justin Blackmon, S, Utah
Round 4, pick 122: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Round 5, pick 149 (from Lions): Danny Pinter, OL, Ball State
Round 6, pick 193: Robert Windsor, DT, Penn State
Round 6, pick 211 (from Jets via Chiefs): Isaiah Rodgers, CB, UMass
Round 6, pick 212 (from Patriots): Dezmon Patmon, WR, Washington State
Round 6, pick 213 (from Patriots): Jordan Glasgow, S, Michigan
The Colts brought in veteran QB Philip Rivers on a one-year deal, which in other terms, means win-now mode. Head coach Frank Reich now has a couple of weapons he can work with to help Rivers with his new team.
Indy traded their first-round pick for DT DeForest Buckner to bolster their defensive line and went offense with their first two picks. Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor are two veteran players that have the potential to be explosive in a Frank Reich offense. Taylor struggles in the passing game, but that won't be a problem for Marlon Mack. Expect Taylor to be more of a bruiser, but a major role in the offense.
The Colts also snagged QB Jacob Eason to solidify their QB room. Eason would be third on the QB depth chart under Jacoby Brissett, but depending on his growth it wouldn't be surprising if the Colts take calls from teams in need of a quarterback and put Brissett on the market.
GRADE: B+
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1, pick 9: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Round 1, pick 20: K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Round 2, pick 42: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Round 3, pick 73: DaVon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Round 4, pick 116: Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s University at Minnesota
Round 4, pick 137: Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
Round 4, pick 140: Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
Round 5, pick 157: Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn
Round 5, pick 165: Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Round 6, pick 189: Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
Round 6, pick 206: Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech
Round 7, pick 223: Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis
The Jaguars came into the NFL Draft with a lot of draft capital and came out using a lot of them. After Okudah went off the board at No. 3, the Jags needed to get the next best corner in CJ Henderson out Florida. Some believe he's just below the belt when compared to Okudah, but it was a need Jacksonville needed to address.
Later on, in the first round, Jacksonville wanted to bring back its 'Sacksonville' identity. K'Lavon Chaisson is an impressive pass rusher who will be a problem for offensive lineman for the next decade.
The first offensive selection gave QB Gardner Minshew some help on the outside when they drafted Laviska Shenault. The big body receiver can overpower cornerbacks with his size and frame, but the knock-on him is his injury history.
Overall, Jacksonville is in rebuild mode and this was a good start to get back to where they want to be.
GRADE: B
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 1, pick 32: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Round 2, pick 63 (from 49ers): Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
Round 3, pick 96: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Round 4, pick 138: L’Jarius Sneed, S, Louisiana Tech
Round 5, pick 177: Mike Danna, DE, Michigan
Round 7, pick 237 (from Broncos via Patriots): Thakarius Keyes, CB, Tulane
When a team comes off a Super Bowl season, it's always interesting to see how a team can improve after proving they are the best. That's the beauty of the NFL: Teams rise and fall in a matter of a year. Head coach Andy Reid knows this more than most and understands he can still get more out of his offense. That's why the Chiefs selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire to be another threat for Patrick Mahomes.
Willie Gay Jr. is a solid second-round pick to bolster the Chiefs defense. It shouldn't shock any that the Chiefs should not miss a beat in 2020.
GRADE: B+
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 1, pick 12: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Round 1, pick 19: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Round 3, pick 80: Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, Kentucky
Round 3, pick 81: Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Round 3, pick 100: Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Round 4, pick 109: John Simpson, G, Clemson
Round 4, pick 139: Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
Some would say Henry Ruggs III being the first WR selected was a shock, but not for Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock. The Raiders also addressing speed on the offensive ball to compete with their divisional rival Kansas City Chiefs. Ruggs had the fastest 40-time in the NFL Combine and will look to fly on the field as a massive vertical threat.
Damon Arnette taken at No. 19 was a bit of a surprise, but Ohio State has consistently groomed talented cornerbacks in the NFL.
The Raiders continued to address offense in the third round selecting two more receivers in Lynn Bowden Jr. and Bryan Edwards. Does the question remain who will be throwing to these wideouts? Derek Carr or Marcus Mariota?
GRADE: B
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 1, pick 6: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Round 1, pick 23: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Round 4, pick 112: Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA
Round 5, pick 151: Joe Reed, WR, West Virginia
Round 6, pick 186: Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
Round 7, pick 220: K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Former Oregon QB Justin Herbert stays on the West Coast as the Chargers hope the found their next franchise quarterback after the departure of Philip Rivers. We'll never know if the Chargers were higher on Herbert or Tua, but based on no reports of LA wanting to trade up for Tua, it looks like Herbert was their guy the whole time.
The Chargers weren't done in the first round. They traded back up to get one of most athletic players in the draft when they picked Kenneth Murray. He joins an elite defense that could be a huge advantage for a rookie QB. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers go with Tyrod Taylor first until they feel Herbert is ready. Taylor is used to this after starting for the Browns but ultimately getting injured opening the window for then-rookie Baker Mayfield.
MASSIVE STEAL ALERT: KJ Hill.
GRADE: A-
Los Angeles Rams
Round 2, pick 52: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Round 2, pick 57: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Round 3, pick 84: Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
Round 3, pick 104: Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Round 4, pick 136: Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Round 6, pick 199: Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State
Round 7, pick 234: Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor
Round 7, pick 248: Sam Sloman, K, Miami (OH)
Round 7, pick 50: Tremayne Anchrum, G, Clemson
Are we starting to see the fall of the Los Angeles Rams? The trade for Jalen Ramsey will hurt them in the immediate future with no first-round picks this year or in 2021. The Rams drafted Cam Akers to be Todd Gurley's replacement to get a cheaper option in the backfield.
Van Jefferson and Terrell Lewis could be promising players down the road, but it's too early to tell what impact they will have in their rookie season.
Head coach Sean McVay has a lot of work to do offensively with no true future assets available to get any better.
GRADE: C+
Miami Dolphins
Round 1, pick 5: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Round 1, pick 18: Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Round 1, pick 30: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Round 2, pick 39: Robert Hunt, G, Louisiana-Lafayette
Round 2, pick 56: Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
Round 3, pick 70: Brandon Jones, S, Texas
Round 4, pick 111 (from Texans): Solomon Kindley, G, Georgia
Round 5, pick 154 (from Jaguars through Steelers): Jason Strowbridge, DE, North Carolina
Round 5, pick 164 (from Eagles through Cowboys): Curtis Weaver, DE, Boise State
Round 6, pick 185: Blake Ferguson, C, LSU
Round 7, pick 246 (from Chiefs): Malcolm Perry, WR, Navy
Five picks in the first two rounds. Five. That's what the Dolphins had in this year's draft and besides QB Tua Tagovaiola, they used it to bolster both their offensive and defensive lines. If healthy, Tua was arguably neck-and-neck with Joe Burrow as the first overall pick. The Dolphins are taking a risk, but we need to remember there are many moments in history where they bet against some QBs and it didn't turn out so well (Drew Brees).
Miami used their second first-round pick to protect their future franchise QB which is a smart move by the front office.
Raekwon Davis can be a nice piece for the defensive line that is still trying to find its identity. No one expects the Dolphins to flipped the switch overnight, but by getting Tua, it wouldn't be surprising if he takes the league by storm.
GRADE: A-
Minnesota Vikings
Round 1, pick 22: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Round 1, pick 31: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Round 2, pick 58: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Round 3, pick 89: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Round 4, pick 117: D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina
Round 4, pick 130: James Lynch, DL, Baylor
Round 4, pick 132: Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Round 5, pick 169: Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
Round 5, pick 176: K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami
Round 6, pick 203: Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
Round 6, pick 205: Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
Round 7, pick 225: Kenny Willekes, DE, Michigan State
Round 7, pick 244: Nathan Stanley, QB, Iowa
Round 7, pick 249: Brian Cole, S, Mississippi State
Round 7, pick 253: Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
The Vikings wasted no time to address the massive hole in Stefon Diggs after he left for Buffalo in free agency. With Justin Jefferson on the board at 22, it was a no brainer for Minnesota. He has a large build and possesses the ball very well. It will be interesting to see how he matches up against NFL corners. LSU's Joe Brady schemed Jefferson to get open in a zone defense and let Burrow find him in the holes.
Jeff Gladney was also a no brainer. The Vikings secondary was poor in 2019 and it's important for Mike Zimmer to find his defensive identity again.
Ezra Cleveland is a great pick at where they got him in the draft and will help Cousins stay on his feet in the pocket.
GRADE: A
New England Patriots
Round 2, pick 37: Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne
Round 2, pick 60: Josh Uche, OLB, Michigan
Round 3, pick 87: Anfernee Jennings, OLB, Alabama
Round 3, pick 91: Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Round 3, pick 101: Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech
Round 5, pick 159: Justin Rohrwasser, PK, Marshall
Round 6, pick 182: Michael Onwenu, G, Michigan
Round 6, pick 195: Justin Herron, OT, Wake Forest
Round 6, pick 204: Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming
Round 7, pick 230: Dustin Woodard, C, Memphis
The Patriots had 10 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft and not one of them addressed the quarterback position. In fact, Bill Belichick's first pick was a safety out of Division II football who has a terrific upside. They also drafted a kicker out of Marshall. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up. Whatever Bill knows, it's something no mock or analyst could ever predict.
New England's secondary is mostly intact but it's their front seven that was hurting after free agency. Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings are two picks that make sense for the Patriots. Both players a freaky athletic and can play in the open field, but also get down in the three-point stance if need be.
Barring any pending moves, it looks like Jared Stidham will be the new QB in New England and without any big playmakers, it's hard to see massive success in his first full year under center.
GRADE: B-
New Orleans Saints
Round 1, pick 24: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
Round 3, pick 74: Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Round 3, pick 105: Adam Trautman,TE, Dayton
Round 7, pick 240: Tommy Stevens, QB, Mississippi State
It was a relatively quiet draft down in the Bayou, but it shouldn't impact their play on the field. QB Drew Brees will be back and he will have a stud right in front of him. The Saints used their first-round pick to draft Cesar Ruiz, who is the best center in this year's draft.
They waited until the third to get a steal with Zack Baun who brings versatility at the linebacker position. Let's not forget that the Saints also signed QB Jameis Winston making their QB room very intriguing especially when they also drafted Tommy Stevens who, in some ways, is a Taysom Hill 2.0.
GRADE: B
New York Giants
Round 1, pick 4: Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
Round 2, pick 36: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Round 3, pick 99: Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut
Round 4, pick 110: Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Round 5, pick 150: Shane Lemieux, G, Oregon
Round 6, pick 183: Cameron Brown, LB, Penn State
Round 7, pick 218: Carter Coughlin, LB, Minnesota
Round 7, pick 238: T.J. Brunson, ILB, South Carolina
Round 7, pick 247: Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota
Round 7, pick 255: Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia
Dave Gettleman and first-year head coach Joe Judge had an interesting decision to make when it came to the No. 4 overall pick. Isaiah Simmons, one of the best prospects on the board, and an immediate need for the Giants defense were there. However, the team decided to do whatever they could to protect their franchise QB, Daniel Jones. Selecting Andrew Thomas wasn't;t the sexiest pick, but the smart one. He was one of three OT that could've fallen at No. 4 and the Giants should be thrilled to snag their next generational pass protector.
Xavier McKinney slipped into the second round and the Giants snagged him to bolster their secondary. He was a projected first-round pick, so getting him at No. 36 is excellent value.
A majority of their draft went toward the defensive side of the ball, which is the wise decision. It will take time for Joe Judge to find an identity with a young QB, but building in the trenches was the right move for a quarterback who struggled to stay on his feet last season.
GRADE: B+
New York Jets
Round 1, pick 11: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Round 2, pick 59: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Round 3, pick 68: Ashtyn Davis, S, California
Round 3, pick 79: Jabari Zuniga, DE, Florida
Round 4, pick 120: Lamical Perine, RB, Florida
Round 4, pick 125: James Morgan, QB, Florida International
Round 4, pick 129: Cameron Clark, OT, UNC Charlotte
Round 5, pick 158: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Round 6, pick 191: Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
This was the first draft under GM Joe Douglas and overall it was pretty solid. Mekhi Becton, the 6'7 370 lb. monster from Louisville fell into their lap and will be a huge upgrade for their offense and Sam Darnold.
With the addition of Breshad Perriman, the Jets traded down to gain more draft capital and get (what could have been) their man guy all along: Denzel Mims. Douglas did an excellent job in the first two rounds by getting Darnold not only protection but another target he can throw to.
LaMichael Perine was an interesting choice in the fourth round, but it's understandable not knowing what Leveon Bell's future holds in New York. Douglas also addressed a need for the backup QB position in James Morgan and selected CB Bryce Hall in the fifth round to build the secondary depth.
For his first draft, Douglas nailed all the team's needs while also showing the ability to negotiate and have serious connections with general managers across the league.
GRADE: A-
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1, pick 21: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Round 2, pick 53: Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Round 3, pick 103: Davion Taylor, OLB, Colorado
Round 4, pick 127: K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Round 4, pick 145: Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
Round 5, pick 168: John Hightower, WR, Boise State
Round 6, pick 196: Shaun Bradley, LB Temple
Round 6, pick 200: Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Miss
Round 6, pick 210: Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Round 7, pick 233: Casey Toohill, OLB, Stanford
The Eagles were the slowest offense in the NFL in 2019 and still made the playoffs. That's a testament to QB Carson Wentz and head coach Doug Peterson for playing the hand they were dealt. TCU WR Jalen Reagor could have shocked some in the first round, but he is a freak athlete with somewhat small height, but a large build. He could be what the Eagles are looking for to compliment DeSean Jackson on the outside.
The real shocker was GM Howie Roseman selecting QB Jalen Hurts in the second round. Speculation is that this is an insurance policy. If so, it's an expensive one at that with other players available at No. 53. It's no secret Wentz has struggled to stay healthy. The team has made the playoffs three straight years, and he's played nine offensive snaps in those playoff runs. Perhaps, Hurts can be used in a newly energized offense with some later Philly picks being more speedy wideouts.
Their sleep pick could be K'Von Wallace. He provides more depth at the secondary position and can help when an extra DB is needed on the field. Jim Schwartz will have some fun with him.
GRADE: B-
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 2, pick 49: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Round 3, pick 102: Alex Highsmith, LB, Charlotte
Round 4, pick 124: Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Maryland
Round 4, pick 135: Kevin Dotson, G, Louisiana
Round 6, pick 198: Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland
Round 7, pick 232: Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska
The Steelers gave their first-round pick to the Dolphins in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick which is already paying off. With Pittsburgh's history of wide receiver evaluation, it's no surprise Notre Dame's Chase Claypool is head to the Steel City. Due to his size and length, it will be interesting if he's a WR/TE hybrid.
Alex Highsmith and Kevin Dotson were all good value pick for the Steelers as they look to keep their LB core strong and build up their offensive line in what could be Ben Roethlisberger's final years.
GRADE: B
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1, pick 14: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Round 1, pick 25: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Round 5, pick 153: Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia
Round 6, pick 190: Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
Round 7, pick 217: Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee
The 49ers are coming off a Super Bowl loss, and a painful one at that, giving up a late 4th quarter lead, something Kyle Shanahan is all too familiar with. They traded down from 13 to 14 when the Bucs wanted to get Tristian Wirfs to protect Tom Brady and they were able to fill the void by getting Javon Kinlaw after DeForest Buckner was traded away for that pick.
It was a great move by GM John Lynch who grabbed a great interior defensive tackle and will be paying a cheap price for him compared to Buckner who was looking for a new contract.
According to Shanahan, WR Brandon Aiyuk was his favorite in the entire class and when he kept falling in the first round, they had to go back up and get him.
GRADE: B
Seattle Seahawks
Round 1, pick 27: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Round 2, pick 48: Darrell Taylor, DE, Tennessee
Round 3, pick 69: Damien Lewis, G, LSU
Round 4, pick 133: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
Round 4, pick 144: DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami
Round 5, pick 148: Alton Robinson, DE, Syracuse
Round 6, pick 214: Freddie Swain, WR, Florida
Round 7, pick 251: Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
For the first time in years, the Seahawks did not trade out of the first round. They selected Jordyn Brooks out of Texas Tech who has superstar potential.
It wasn't a very exciting draft for Seattle fans, but one player they can get excited about is Colby Parkinson. The 6'7 tight end can be a new red zone target for Russell Wilson and allow him to toss it up and let him go get it.
GRADE: C+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1, pick 13: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Round 2, pick 45: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
Round 3, pick 76: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Round 5, pick 161: Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
Round 6, pick 194: Khalil Davis, DL, Auburn
Round 7, pick 241: Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple
Round 7, pick 245: Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana
The Buccaneers already won the free agency sweepstakes by getting not only Tom Brady but also Rob Gronkowski who has come out of retirement to play with the Hall of Fame quarterback.
They wasted no time by getting Brady the protection he needs to get the ball out to his talented weapons. Tristian Wirfs fell to Tampa after they traded up one spot.
Antoine Winfield Jr. could be the best pick out of this entire draft class providing a spark at the safety position and he will join his former Minnesota teammate Tyler Johnson. Johnson may be down in the depth chart for receivers, but he can make big-time plays during the season to help Tampa's chance at a Super Bowl title.
GRADE: B+
Tennessee Titans
Round 1, pick 29: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
Round 2, pick 61: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Round 3, pick 93: Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Round 5, pick 174: Larrell Murchison, DT, NC State
Round 7, pick 224: Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
Round 7, pick 243: Chris Jackson, S, Marshall
The Titans are coming off an AFC title game from last season and giving QB Ryan Tannehill an extension to be their guy for the immediate future. First-round pick OT Isaiah Wilson will fill the need for Jack Conklin who left in free agency.
Kristian Fulton was also a solid selection at pick No. 61, who one some boards, could've gone in the first round.
Drafting Darrynton Evans in the third round is interesting. They must be really on him even with Derrick Henry as RB1. It will be intriguing to see how they run the ball and the percentage of touches Henry gets. With the Titans franchise tagging Henry it wouldn't shock me if his volume decreases a bit to get most out of him.
GRADE: B-
Washington Redskins
Round 1, pick 2: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Round 3, pick 66: Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis
Round 4, pick 108: Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
Round 4, pick 142: Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
Round 5, pick 156: Keith Ismael, C, San Diego State
Round 5, pick 162: Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan
Round 7, pick 216: Kamren Curl, S, Arkansas
Round 7, pick 229: James Smith-Williams, EDGE, NC State
The No. 1 draft prospect found a new home in D.C. Ohio State's Chase Young is MUST WATCH television when he is on the field. Critics will talk about his last few games as a Buckeye not being great, but that's because teams were not taking the risk for one-on-one battles. He is by far the best player in the 2020 NFL Draft class.
The Redskins also got two sleepers that can make some noise. Antonio Gibson played the role of running back and wide receiver at Memphis offering some versatility. Antonio Gandy-Golden is a player that could be a household name in two years. He can win at the line of scrimmage and find the ball with ease giving the Redskins an offensive weapon that can produce week in and week out.
Comentarios