NFL Draft 1st Round Reaction
The first round of the NFL draft last night was filled with surprising picks and shocking trades. Below you will find my pick by pick analysis of the NFL Draft.
Cleveland Browns (1): Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M
The Cleveland Browns made the right choice in picking Myles Garrett, the defensive end out of Texas A&M instead of forcing the pick of a quarterback here. The consensus top prospect in the draft should help the Browns build up their defensive line pairing up with Carl Nassib, Danny Shelton and Emmanuel Ogbah.
Chicago Bears (2): Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina
To move up one spot in the draft the Chicago Bears the Bears gave up their 3rd and 4th round pick in this year's draft and a 3rd for the 2018 draft. I am very critical of this pick not only because of who they picked, but what they gave up. With a team that has as many holes in their roster as the Bears it wasn't smart to trade up 1 spot while sacrificing 3 players that could start Week 1. As for Trubisky the prospect, this was a spot that was way ahead of his true value. By most experts' estimations, Trubisky was a late 1st, early 2nd round prospect. Forcing the pick here after giving Mike Glennon a 3 year 45 million dollar contract is perplexing at best.
San Francisco 49ers (3): Solomon Thomas, Defensive End, Stanford
So far, the San Francisco 49ers have won the draft by getting one of the top prospects in the draft, while also acquiring two third round picks and a fourth round pick in the next two years. Solomon Thomas will fit in for the 49ers and help a struggling run defense. With this pick the 49ers are slowly building a dominant defensive line with young players in Deforest Buckner, Arik Armstead and certainly will improve this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4): Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU
After the success of Ezekiel Elliot last year teams will be far more willing to draft a running back early in the draft instead of waiting until later rounds. Leonard Fournette should be a good fit in Jacksonville and will hopefully take some pressure off of struggling quarterback, Blaine Gabbert. With a young rising defense, free agent additions (Calais Campbell, AJ Bouye, Barry Church) and the selection of Leonard Fournette the Jaguars look to take a large step forward next year.
Tennessee Titans (5): Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western MIchigan
After trading down last year to allow the Rams to select Jared Goff the Titans received this selection. Shockingly, they took Corey Davis, the FBS All-Time leading receiver in receiving yards. Davis, the 6' 2" wide receiver should quickly be a difference maker for the Titans if he can stay healthy. The Titans definitely filled a position of need here, but may have been able to get Davis at 18.
New York Jets (6): Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU
The Jets did the smart thing here in the draft, drafting the best player available who is also a fit. Jamal Adams, arguably a top 3 talent looks to be the face of the Jets defense after the departure of Darrelle Revis. Adams, the first team All-American will be valuable to the Jets not only due to his physical skills, but also his leadership skills. His versatile skillset of being able to ballhawk, cover tight ends and a hard hitter should allow him to be a difference maker for years to come.
Los Angeles Chargers (7): Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson
The 2016 national champion wide receiver will now be paired up with Keenan Allen creating one of the best WR duos in the league. The 6' 3" playmaker should see a lot of playing time early on and being in the pass happy Chargers offense he should have great production in his first few years. Although this is a bit early for Williams to get picked, it will be worth it if he can turn into the red zone threat at the wideout position the Chargers have been missing since Vincent Jackson signed with the Buccaneers in 2012.
Carolina Panthers (8): Christian McCaffrey, Running Back/Wide Receiver, Stanford
The standout running back from Stanford will now be teamed up with 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. What makes McCaffrey such an interesting prospect is his versatility, being able to return punts kicks, run the ball, and line up in the slot as a wide receiver. HIs ability to play the wide receiver spot was best displayed at his pro day where he participated in wide receiver drills, clearly impressing the Panthers. If the Panthers are going to have a resurgence next year it largely be part of the Stanford product. If used properly, McCaffrey can be a perennial pro bowl player that creates matchup issues across the board.
Cincinnati Bengals (9): John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington
The 3rd wideout off the board in the top 10 picks, John Ross, the fastest man in the draft with his 4.22 40 yard dash could be a special player lined up next to Pro Bowl wide receiver AJ Green. Coming into the NFL with a similar frame and skillset as Desean Jackson, Ross can truly be a special player. The only concern with Ross is his injury history having torn his meniscus in both of his knees and a torn acl in his left knee. If he can avoid any severe injuries down the line he could be a special player.
Kansas City Chiefs (10): Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech
In an already strange NFL draft filled with shocking picks, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up 16 picks to draft Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the possible successor to Alex Smith. In the process to do this they gave the Buffalo Bills their 1st and 3rd round picks in this draft and a 1st next year. The Chiefs made a bold move here, but must think highly of Mahomes if they were willing to sacrifice so much. Mahomes, generally graded as a late 1st, early 2nd round talent is one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft with great arm strength and elite mobility, however sometimes struggles with decision making and has sloppy footwork. Due his skillset he will be a boom or bust player, but I am hopeful that he will be able to fix his issues under head coach, Andy Reid, a coach who has been able to turn Brett Favre, a similar player coming out of college in his 6 years coaching in Green Bay.
New Orleans Saints (11): Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State
In the past few years it has been no secret that the Saints have had one of the worst defenses in the league, often holding back future Hall of Fame quarterback, Drew Brees. Although Latimore is very talented and can be considered as one of the prospects with the most potential there is a reason he slipped all the way to the 11th pick. This reason being his injury and inexperience. In his career at Ohio State he was only able to play in 16 games, while missing 21 games due to hamstring injuries. Whether or not Lattimore hamstring holds him back will likely indicate whether or not Lattimore is successful.
Houston Texans (12): Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Clemson
The Texans jumped up 13 picks to draft their quarterback of the future. After trading away Brock Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns the Texans were only left with Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden as their quarterbacks. With these two leading the team it was clear that it would be very hard for them to advance far in the playoffs, despite having one of the top defensive units. The 2017 National Championship quarterback will likely be starting Week 1. Although the Texans drafted their quarterback of the future it is still shocking that Watson came off the board at 12 and even more surprising that 3rd quarterback came off the board at twelve despite having much lower draft grades. Just like the Chiefs, the Texans made a bet on a quarterback by giving up this year's first round pick along with next years too. This is simply a pick that they can't miss on.
Arizona Cardinals (13): Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple
Haason Reddick, the fast rising linebacker out of temple is an exciting pick for the Arizona Cardinals. Despite Arizona's struggles last year they could bounce back with their defense regaining their swagger. Paired up with Chandler Jones and Deone Bucannon Arizona will now have another playmaker in one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL. The Cardinals made the right choice in not forcing a player in a position of need, but rather taking the true best player available.
Philadelphia Eagles (14): Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee
With the selection of Derek Barnett in the 1st round the Eagles continue to bolster their defensive line. Barnett will join Bennie Logan to make a dominate defensive line tandem. Barnett's high level of production in the SEC should give Eagle's fans hope for the future. In his 3 years at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville Barnett surpassed Eagles legend Reggie White for the most sacks in school history. In the past two years Barnett put up 19 sacks against SEC competition leading many to think that his play will translate at the next level.
Indianapolis Colts (15): Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State
Malik Hooker, one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft exemplifies what it means to be a ball hawk. In the 2016 season he recorded 7 interceptions, which was tied for the second best in the nation. Although Hooker is one of the best safeties in the draft he must improve his tackling to become a top tier safety. This is a good pick here for the Colts, a team that has consistently needed more defensive talent since Luck's arrival in 2012 who may have finally found a longterm solution at safety.
Baltimore Ravens (16): Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback, Alabama
Marlon Humphrey should help revitalize the Baltimore defense that they have been known for during the past decade and a half. While paired up in a secondary with Eric Weddle and Jimmy Smith, Humphrey should be able to be a difference maker immediately. One thing that is often overlooked when drafting Marlon Humphrey is his ability to make force fumbles as he forced 3 fumbles in his last year at Alabama.
Washington Redskins (17): Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Redskins got great value in Jonathan Allen at number 17. Just one month ago Jonathan Allen was a consensus top 5 pick, but has fell in the draft due to injury concerns with his shoulder. When watching his college tape he immediately pops off the screen dominating offensive lineman. His versatility should prove useful in the NFL as he can play both defensive end and defensive tackle. If Allen doesn't get hampered by shoulder injuries he should be able to be a high end defensive lineman.
Tennessee Titans (18): Adoree' Jackson, Cornerback, USC
Going into the first day of the draft it was pretty much expected that the TItans would target a wide receiver and a cornerback. They ended up coming away with players at both of these positions, but picked both of them ahead of their draft grade. Adoree' Jackson is a boom or bust player who can return punts and kicks, play a little bit of offense and be a true number 1 cornerback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19): O.J. Howard, Tight End, Alabama
O.J. Howard was viewed as one of the best tight end prospects of the past decade. He was oftentimes projected as a top 10 pick in the draft, but slid during the draft. With the offseason addition of Desean Jackson and the existing offensive weapons in Jameis WInston, Doug Martin, and Mike Evans, Howard should be able to get opportunities to be open. Ultimately, Tampa Bay was one of the best possible destinations for him and he should be a dominant force for years to come.
Denver Broncos (20): Garrett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah
Even in 2015 when the Broncos went on their Super Bowl 50 run their offensive line was a weak spot of the team. WIth two young quarterbacks on the roster in Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch it is essential that the Broncos protect the quarterback. In Bolles they get the best offensive tackle in the draft, a player who should be able to start from day one. The only concern about Bolles is the fact that he turns 25 next month.
Detroit Lions (21): Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida
With the loss of Stephen Tulloch and Deandre Levy in the past two years the Detroit Lions need a linebacker that can lead the defense. Davis, known for his high work ethic and leadership is a player that every coach would like on their team. The only concern with Davis is that he may be a one year wonder as he didn't start at linebacker until this past year.
Miami Dolphins (22): Charles Harris, Linebacker, Missouri
Charles Harris is a good pass rusher that the Dolphins need in the future with Cam Wake playing at the age of 35. Harris brings flexibility to the Dolphins as he can play 3-4 outside linebacker or defensive end in a 4-3 system. Last year, Harris recorded 9 sacks in the SEC and should be a dominant force lined up next to Suh.
New York Giants (23): Evan Engram, TIght End, Ole MIss
Similar to O.J. Howard Evan Engram should be able to get a lot of looks in an offense already filled with weapons. He is a player that can start day 1 and be a threat in an offense that already has Brandon Marshall, Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Engram's 4.42 speed and 36 inch vertical should create a mismatch on opposing linebackers.
Oakland Raiders (24): Gareon Conley, Corneback, Ohio State
After rising up on draft boards in the months leading up to the draft Conley fell this week after a rape accusation. As a result of this numerous teams simply took him off their board, however, in the past days he has contacted teams assuring them of his innocence. Before the Raiders drafted him they made him take a polygraph test. In his past season he only allowed a 37% completion rate when targeted showing his potential as a shutdown corner.
Cleveland Browns (25): Jabrill Peppers, Safety/Linebacker, Michigan
Jabrill Peppers, one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft got picked up by the Cleveland Browns. It is surprising to see them take him this early as it was reported he may fall due to having a diluted drug test at the combine. I would imagine that the Browns would be able to take him with the 1st pick in the second round, but they would have had to be willing to risk the possibility that a team like the Steelers picks him up. Depending on what position Peppers plays he could be a game changing defender, but is ultimately a boom or bust selection at 25.
Atlanta Falcons (26): Takkarist McKinley, Defensive End, UCLA
The Falcons added another fast young defender to add to their upcoming defense under Dan Quinn. With the Falcons pairing Mckinley with Vic Beasley the Falcons should have a more terrifying pass rush than last year. If Atlanta's defense plays like they did in the playoffs they could easily have a top 5 defense and make it deep into the playoffs again.
Buffalo Bills (27): Tre'Davious White, Cornerback, LSU
The four year LSU corner was grown every year at LSU culminating with an All-SEC selection at the end of his senior year. WIth the loss of Stephon GIlmore in free agency to division rival, New England Patriots the Bills must find a replacement if they want to improve from last year.
Dallas Cowboys (28): Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan
The All-BIg Ten defensive end finished his college career with 9.5 sacks in his senior year. The Cowboys desperately need a pass rusher to help their defense take the next step in making the Cowboys a Super Bowl contender. The main concern with Taco Charlton is his inconsistency, but under the right coaching staff he could become a special player.
Cleveland Browns (29): David Njoku, Tight End, Miami
With their third first round pick the Browns gain a another offensive weapon. Surprisingly, the Browns have had a solid draft so far drafting players with real upside and not overreaching too much Njoku will help the Browns create some offense in a team that is aiming to replace the offensive threat Terrell Pryor was last year. WIth a 37.5 vertical jump Njoku will be a true red zone threat.
Pittsburgh Steelers (30): T.J. Watt, Linebacker, Wisconsin
TJ Watt is a player that will perfectly fit in Pittsburgh as a 3-4 linebacker. With James Harrison only getting older the Steelers look to find his eventual replacement. In Watt's senior year at Wisconsin he was a first team All-Big Ten player racking up an impressive 11.5 sacks. With the high level coaching the Steelers have Watt could grow into an elite level player.
San Francisco 49ers (31) Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama
Reuben Foster, or as Roger Goodell would say Reuben Froster, is one of the larger steals thus far in the draft. A player that was considered a top 10 talent early on in the draft process on in the draft, but fell due to character issues, the 49ers walk away with two players that have top 10 talent.
New Orleans Saints (32) Ryan Ramczyk, Tackle, Wisconsin
In a rather surprising pick, the Saints picked Ramczyk, the junior out of Wisconsin, as a possible successor to Zach Strief, who turns 34 at the end of the seasons. This was a smart pick by the Saints drafting the best player available instead of reaching for someone with higher bust potential.
