2017 NFL Draft Grades
The 2017 draft has been filled with just as much chaos as years prior. Teams were trading up for quarterbacks like it was going out of style, and top 10 locks fell as low as 31. In other words, business as usual on draft night. Now it's time to see how each team did on draft night. These grades are based on value, positional need, and scheme fit. Time to break out the report cards.
ROUND 1
1-1: Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
There was only one choice for the #1 pick. Not to mention Cleveland may have rioted if they didn't take him. A generational talent, Garrett has all the tools and athletic ability one could dream up in a defensive end. Garrett will start immediately on the Browns' defensive line and start racking up the sacks. Grade: A+
1-2: Chicago Bears: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
Let's be honest, Ryan Pace got fleeced by John Lynch. The Bears gave up 4 picks, including 3 this year, to move from 3 to 2 to select a quarterback months after giving Mike Glennon a 3 year contract with 18 million guaranteed. However, i'm not so down on this pick. Trubisky was my clear QB1 this year. If Chicago was intent on taking their QB of the future, they got this year's best. A year of tutelage under John Fox won't hurt, either. Grade: B-
1-3: San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
What a first draft for John Lynch! They acquired 3 extra picks in exchange for waiting 10 more minutes to pick who they were going to pick at 2 anyway. The 3rd straight Pac-12 defensive lineman San Francisco has drafted, Thomas' off the charts potential and plug and play potential make him a perfect fit for the 49ers. Grade: A
1-4: Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
The Jaguars had other, more pressing needs they could have address at 4. However, it's almost impossible to argue with the selection of Fournette. A battering ram that can upend grown men and run with the speed of backs 40 pounds lighter, Fournette will likely get the bulk of the carries over 3rd year question mark TJ Yeldon and Chris Ivory. Fournette looks as if he'll end up with 1,000 yards every year. Grade: A-
1-5: Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The injury concerns and drops are certainly there with regards to Davis. Even with those question marks, Davis is a phenomenal talent with the ability to make highlight reel catches and create after the catch. Marcus Mariota is probably overjoyed to get a legit #1 wide receiver in Davis. My WR1 this year, The Titans make a solid selection at 5. Grade: B+
1-6: New York Jets: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
As a Jets fan, I was ecstatic when Adams somehow fell to pick #6. The best defensive player in this draft not named Myles Garrett, Adams could start instantly on the Jets at either safety or nickelback. A physical, sure tackler with great ball skills and leadership abilities, Adams is as sure of a safety prospect as I have seen in years. Lady Luck smiled on the Jets. Grade: A
1-7: Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Chargers have a solid corps of receivers, at least in a vacuum. In reality, Keenan Allen is an injury risk, Tyrell Williams needs another to prove last year wasn't a fluke, and Travis Benjamin has a potential out in his contract. Williams is a sure handed, ultra physical wideout that should start opposite Allen and/or Williams. Though Los Angeles has other more pressing needs, Williams fits nicely in their offense. Grade: B
1-8: Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
With Leonard Fournette gone, McCaffrey was the next best option at running back. A versatile, elusive back that runs routes like a wide receiver, McCaffrey gives Carolina's offense a guy who can do it all on offense. Mike Shula is probably going to utilize a two back system with the power back Jonathan Stewart and the speedy McCaffrey to really give defenses a headache. Pair it with Cam Newton and you've got an offense worth talking about. Grade: A-
1-9: Cincinnati Bengals: John Ross, WR, Washington
Breaking the combine record for the 40 yard dash will make your draft stock soar. Even though his injuries don't look very good, Ross is lightning quick and sure handed, and should start immediately from the slot. The Bengals' defense needs some talent, but the AJ Green-John Ross-Tyler Boyd combo would make the Cincinnati offense one of the best should Andy Dalton return to his best this year. Grade: B+
1-10: Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
Moving from 27 to 10 for a quarterback requires a steep price, but Mahomes could make it pay off. Easily chucking it 70 yards through the air, his arm allows him to make several throws in tight windows that make your jaw drop. His mechanics and footwork are a mess, but an offensive genius like Andy Reid seems like the perfect guy to rework him. Sitting for a year or two behind Alex Smith and then assuming the starting role for Kansas City looks like the plan, and Mahomes is talented enough to be worth every pick. Grade: B
1-11: New Orleans Saints: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
New Orleans needed defensive talent, and the probably needed to pinch themselves upon seeing Lattimore here at 11. The consensus #1 corner, Lattimore's speed, agility, and ball skills are NFL quality. He should enter the Saints' camp as their #1 cornerback, and should man that spot for a while. What a pick by the Saints. Grade: A
1-12: Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
While many approved of Houston's trade up for Watson, i'm not sold. First off, it seemed as if they didn't want Watson on the Texans, they just didn't want him on the Browns. Second, Watson has some major flaws, like his average arm and high INT total. Third, there was still a chance he could have fallen at 25. While Watson has the talent and accuracy to be a perennial Pro Bowler, he is very much a boom or bust prospect. Grade: C+
1-13: Arizona Cardinals: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
With Tony Jefferson with the Ravens, Deone Bucannon playing out of position, and the top 3 quarterback prospects gone, Arizona grabbing defensive reinforcements is a nice idea. Reddick can play multiple positions, has great intangibles, and supreme athleticism. Reddick may not be a sexy pick, but looks like he'll be an extremely effective player at the next level. Grade: B+
1-14: Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
The notoriously hard to please Philadelphia fans have to be pretty happy. With Connor Barwin no longer on the team, Barnett seems like a Barwin clone that can defend the run exceptionally well. His non stop motor and ability to make the big play should make Eagles fans gravitate towards him. Barnett and the rest of the Eagles front 7 look poised for a big year. Grade: A-
1-15: Indianapolis Colts: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
I was damn near pounding the table for someone to take Hooker. The Colts made one of the best picks of the round by taking him. Their secondary was awful last year, and Hooker is going to elevate it immediately. The range and ability when the ball is in the air is unmatched in this class and is truly special. Hooker has drawn comps to All Pro players, and he may end up there himself based on his talent. Grade: A
1-16: Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The hyper-athletic and fast Humphrey is a perfect example of Baltimore's age-old strategy of gambling on value and potential regardless of position. With the wideouts gone, their secondary is a spot that needed a draft pick used on it. Humphrey is a high ceiling player with sure tackling skills. If he clicks, the Ravens just stole a phenomenal talent, but that is a big if. Grade: B+
1-17: Washington Redskins: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
The injury concerns dropped a top 5 talent down to 17. Allen is a bonafide stud defensive lineman that can line up anywhere. The Redskins needed a defensive lineman in either Round 1 or Round 2, and they couldn't pass up a talent like Allen in this range. Allen, if healthy, is an absolute monster on the line that will make teams passing on him rue the day they didn't pencil him in on the draft card. Grade: A
1-18: Tennessee Titans: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
I didn't have Jackson as a 1st round player, but I see what people believe is first round ability. Insanely athletic, fast, and instinctive, Jackson has overcome his size limitations and become a viable shutdown corner. Likely having to start in the slot, Jackson won't be the best immediate solution for Tennessee's cornerback woes, but might work out in the long run. Grade: B-
1-19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
Jameis Winston is a very happy man right now. Howard, a big blocking tight end with 4.5 speed, looks like one of the safest picks at any position in this draft. Howard somehow lasted until 19, and Tampa Bay didn't hesitate to give the offense another tool to play with. Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Doug Martin, and Howard. Wow, what a group of skill position players. Grade: A
1-20: Denver Broncos: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
It was obvious that Denver needed an offensive lineman, and they swung for the fences with Bolles' athleticism. A rookie who will start the year at 25, Bolles is still a bit unrefined, but looks as if he has the tools to learn quickly and become a dominant lineman in the near future. His story is straight out of Hollywood, but his talent could soon overshadow that rough upbringing. Grade: B+
1-21: Detroit Lions: Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
The Lions' linebacking corps were the bane of many a Detroit fan. Adding a stalwart middle linebacker like Davis is just what they needed. A late riser, Davis is immediately better than Tahir Whitehead or Josh Bynes. Above average in both coverage and the run game, Teryl Austin needs a guy like Davis to run his defense effectively. Grade: B+
1-22: Miami Dolphins: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Mario Williams is gone, and Cameron Wake might need to work on getting his AARP membership in order. The Dolphins needed to get younger on the line, and Harris fits the bill. Insanely refined, Harris can do more than get to the quarterback, as he projects to a future 3 down lineman in the NFL. An already great defensive line just got a little bit tougher to handle. I would have gone inside linebacker, but this is certainly a nice pick. Grade: B+
1-23: New York Giants: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
The Giants current crop of tight ends needed to be upgraded. While Engram is certainly an upgrade, I question his fit in their offense. According to PFF, the Giants used an in-line blocking tight end 79% of the time last year. While this may change with the 234 pound Engram, his major blocking deficiencies don't warrant a 1st round selection, even with his stellar speed and route running. Grade: C
1-24: Oakland Raiders: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
While I cannot say for sure that Conley is innocent in his case, several new developments have helped his case. Not only did a TMZ video surface showing Conley's accuser with him in a bar earlier than when she stated they met in the police report, but 3 independent witnesses have parroted Conley's account. Throw in the passed polygraph, and it's easy to see who Oakland believes he is innocent. If he is cleared, the Raiders just stole a ball hawking, physical, shutdown corner who can play right away. Grade: A-
1-25: Cleveland Browns: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan
This might be one of the biggest gambles in the 1st round. Peppers is an obvious athletic marvel and can play anywhere in the secondary, plus some linebacking positions. This plug and play mentality will lead Peppers to great success his 1st year in Cleveland. However, he's going to have to stick somewhere, and 1 INT in 3 years of college football leaves me with doubts about his ability to stick at safety full time in the NFL. Grade: C+
1-26: Atlanta Falcons: Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Dan Quinn gets his man. Atlanta's defense is about speed, speed, and did I mention speed? McKinley is a perfect speed rusher that draws comparisons to many of the pass rushers Quinn gathered during his time in Seattle. With the Falcons' pass rush outside of star Vic Beasley yawn-inducing, the Beasley-McKinley tandem is going to make Sundays for NFC South tackles very hard. Grade: A-
1-27: Buffalo Bills: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
After getting another 1st round pick next year in their trade with Kansas City, Buffalo was in position to steal a corner in a deep class at pick #27. White should be the Bills' starting slot corner, and could evolve into a starter on the outside. Sean McDermott loves his cornerbacks, and White's potential won him over. Grade: B+
1-28: Dallas Cowboys: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
The Cowboys needed a legit, 3 down pass rusher to keep retooling their defense to allow it to catch up with their offense. Charlton has double-digit sack potential due to his power-speed combo. Rod Marinelli likes to move his lineman around, and they love guys like Charlton that can move around in several spots. Dallas couldn't have done much better. Grade: B+
1-29: Cleveland Browns: David Njoku, TE, Miami
The Browns have already sent Gary Barnidge his pink slip. A few minutes of Njoku's tape make it clear why they did this. A wide receiver in a tight end's body, Njoku has the skills to make tough catches in traffic and make a play with the ball in his hands. He is also an improving blocker. If Njoku becomes an NFL caliber blocker, Cleveland will have hit a home run here. Grade: A-
1-30: Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
Pittsburgh looks as if it deploy the youngest Watt as an edge rusher. With Bud Dupree's progress concerning and James Harrison being damn near 40, this was needed. Watt can be used in several schemes and fill several roles from inside linebacker to 3 down rusher. On a defense that has been shredded lately, a player of Watt's caliber could help. I would have gone for a defensive back, however, because that area is head and shoulders above any other unit in terms of questionable play. Grade: B
1-31: San Francisco 49ers: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
It's John Lynch's world, we're all just living in it. Through either voodoo magic or the best beginner's luck ever, the 49ers landed a top 5 talent at pick 31. Foster is a monster of a linebacker that plays with reckless abandon on the field. His smarts are not discussed enough, as he called the plays for Nick Saban's defense. NaVarro Bowman and the next incarnation of Navarro Bowman playing next to each other seems too good to be true for 49ers fans. Grade: A+
1-32: New Orleans Saints: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Ramczyk has everything that would lead you to believe that he will be a successful NFL tackle. His awareness, power, and flexibility all bode well for him. I just don't like the fit with him and the Saints. Terron Armstead and Andrus Peat are already locked in as starters. Unles they plan to move on from one soon, Ramczyk will have to sit for a while. Grade: C+
ROUND 2
2-33: Green Bay Packers: Kevin King, CB, Washington
The Packers started out Round 2 with a bang. Ted Thompson goes for both value and fit early on. A big, rangy, physical corner, King has the potential to be a Pro Bowl selection with regularity. Green Bay just grabbed a #1 corner with their 2nd round pick. Grade: A-
2-34: Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
Talent wise, the Jaguars picked a mauling offensive tackle with athletic ability that is off the charts. While Robinson is still a solid value and a likely Day 1 starter, the character concerns are there. If his head is on straight, Jacksonville made a solid choice. Grade: B
2-35: Seattle Seahawks: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
The effort of McDowell was a big talking point. His effort declined when his Spartans limped to a 3-9 finish. On a contender like the Seahawks, the powerful, versatile McDowell is the archetypal Kris Richard defensive tackle. Seattle always seems to end up with studs like McDowell. Grade: A-
2-36: Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker, S, Washington
A player whose style mimics that of Tyrann Mathieu, the instinctive Baker always seems to be around the ball. He should start right away at safety. Him, Tyrann Mathieu, and Patrick Peterson is the kind of secondary that could launch the Cardinals back into the playoffs. Grade: B+
2-37: Buffalo Bills: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
With 158 catches in just 12 games, Jones is deadly effective from the slot. Sure handed and quick out of his breaks, Jones is a receiver geared to thrive in both the modern NFL and the Bills' offense. Buffalo has to be pleased they could pair him and Sammy Watkins together. Grade: A
2-38: Los Angeles Chargers: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
Somehow, a player with the talent of Lamp fell to the 2nd round. Los Angeles was wise to snatch him up. With Philip Rivers getting older and their offensive line needed a revamp, Lamp was the best possible guy they could have added. His power, ferocity, and pass blocking skill will translate well. I love Lamp for the Chargers. Grade: A
2-39: New York Jets: Marcus Maye, S, Florida
While adding a safety the day after trading for Jamal Adams may seem redundant, there may be a method to this. With Calvin Pryor potentially on the move, Maye is a versatile, tough player who fits better in Todd Bowles' defense. A solid, if not sexy, pick for the Jets. Grade: B
2-40: Carolina Panthers: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State
Having helped out Cam Newton by giving him Christian McCaffrey in the 1st round, adding Samuel makes the Carolina offense as deadly as they've ever been. A replacement for Ted Ginn, Samuel's insanse speed and ability to create after the catch are special. The Panthers will be fun to watch. Grade: A-
2-41: Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Cook's slide ends in Minnesota. The Vikings added Latavius Murray, and have paired the more classic, power back Murray with the electric, speed back in Cook. Character concerns are a major red flag, as is his fumbling issue. When he holds onto the ball, he is a phenomenal talent thats contribute instantly. Grade: B+
2-42: New Orleans Saints: Marcus Williams, S, Utah
Conventional wisdom would have the Saints take the best player available to aid their defense. However, they reached for Williams. Though he has excellent ball skills, his tackling is suspect. Him and Vonn Bell might pair nicely, but there were other safeties I personally liked over Williams. Grade: C+
2-43: Philadelphia Eagles: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
Jones would have been a lock for the top 15 if he didn't injure his Achillies during his pro day that will keep him out for a month at least. If he can return to the Sidney Jones of old, the Eagles just stole a #1 cornerback. Agile, quick, and instinctive, Jones is everything in a corner the Philadelphia corners lack right now. Grade: A-
2-44: Los Angeles Rams: Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
A similar player to Evan Engram, Everett is a better blocker and a fine receiver in his own right. Be it split out wide or in-line, Everett will be a nice target for Jared Goff. His size and blocking limitations are questionable, but are less of a concern in the Rams' offense than for Engram on the Giants. Grade: B
2-45: Chicago Bears: Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
A tight end from Ashland in the 2nd round? A guy who played against Saginaw Valley State and Ohio Dominican last year? Believe it. Shaheen is the real deal. 6'6" and 280 pounds with plus speed and a big catch radius. No matter who the QB is, Shaheen will be a nice target. Grade: A-
2-46: Indianapolis Colts: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
I was really high on Wilson this year. He is tough, skilled when the ball is in the air, and plays with a very fluid style. Wilson can really make things happen the few times a QB takes a chance at him. The Colts defense got beat up last year several times. Adding Wilson to Indianapolis is a match made in heaven. Grade: A
2-47: Baltimore Ravens: Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
Bowser's tape is incredibly fun to watch. Not only does he show an explosive burst off the snap, good rip and swim moves, and competitive toughness, but he can also drop into coverage. Terrell Suggs is getting up there in age, and Kalamei Correa is moving inside. Bowser is going to be a delight fir the Ravens: Grade: A
2-48: Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
Everyone has seen that awful, cringe-worthy video of Mixon's assault. The team that picked him needs to provide a culture that would dissuade Mixon from falling back onto a criminal path. Going to the Bengals might be the worst place for him to land, as Vontaze Burfict and Pacman Jones are prominent voices in that locker room. From a football perspective, Mixon's power and speed combo could be extremely effective if he keeps his head on straight. Grade: B-
2-49: Washington Redskins: Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama
Anderson will never blow you away with athleticism. Having said that, he is a smart player that works hard and always seems to end up at the ball. I would have liked to see the redskins address the middle linebacker or safety positions, but adding a player like Anderson provides adequete pass rush reinforcement. Grade: B-
2-50: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M
The Bucs needes a safety to finally complete the rebuilding of their secondary. Evans is an exciting player to watch, and he has a penchant for creating turnovers. With Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes entrenched at the cornerback spots, adding a versatile player with athleticism in Evans vastly improves Tampa Bay's defense. Grade: B+
2-51: Denver Broncos: Demarcus Walker, DE, Florida State
I would have preferred Denver address the wide receiver or tight end positions here. Even with that in mind, it's easy to see what they liked about Walker. Big, fast, and some who plays everywhere on the line, Walker reminds some of Cameron Wake, someone new head coach Vance Joseph knows well. Grade: B
2-52: Cleveland Browns: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
I'm very surprised Kizer made it to pick 52. A very raw prospect who will likely take a redshirt year, Kizer's arm strength, touch, and size make him an intriguing prospect. I trust quarterback whisperer Hue Jackson to negate many of Kizer's flaws. With a year of preparation, Kizer may be the quarterback who ends the seemingly endless turnover cycle in Cleveland. Grade: A-
2-53: Detroit Lions: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
This may have been my least favorite pick of the second round. Tabor showed off 1st round talent, but character concerns, poor interviews, and painfully slow 40 times have severely chopped his stock down to size. Some of his tape was impressive, but his inconsistent play and poor measureables are cause for concern, and they don't warrant a 2nd round selection. Grade: C-
2-54: Miami Dolphins: Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State
A perfect pick by the Dolphins. The proverbial yin to the Kiko Alonso's less physical, speedy yang, McMillan plays with the ferocity of a lion who smells blood. That toughness is paired with advanced reading of offenses and awareness. A home run by the Dolphins. Grade: A
2-55: New York Giants: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
I'm not sold on the Giants' Evan Engram selection, but I love the Tomlinson pick. A braniac who turned down Harvard for Alabama, Tomlinson is as tough as they make them with an improved pass rush to boot. With Jonathan Hankins now a Colt, Tomlinson is a similar player and a natural replacement. Grade: A-
2-56: Oakland Raiders: Obi Melifonwu, S, UConn
An athletic freak that more closely resembles a Madden Create-A-Player than a UConn safety, Melifonwu could start at money linebacker, safety, or cornerback. His athleticism, ball skills, and leadership made the Raiders drool. Gareon Conley, Karl Joseph, and Melifonwu are signaling that it won't be so easy to throw on the Raiders for years to come. Grade: A-
2-57: Houston Texans: Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
Another guy i though had no chance to even make it to Round 2, Cunningham represents a great value for Houston. Versatile, quick, and a sure tackler, Cunningham was a nuisance for even the most seasoned an SEC running back or wide receiver. WIth Brian Cushing in decline, Cunningham is in line to take the mantle away. Grade: A-
2-58: Seattle Seahawks: Ethan Pocic, C, LSU
The Seahawks desperately needed some offensive lineman. Pocic isn't the best interior lineman they could have grabbed here. That being said, he is still a solid center with the athleticism to stick at various spots on the line. That ability makes the Pocic look better in my eyes. Grade: B
2-59: Kansas City Chiefs: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
Kansas City needed a player more ready to play now, as they are a contending team. Kpassagnon is raw, but has all the tools to be a star defensive end or defensive tackle. With Dontari Poe in Atlanta, their defensive line lost some size and punch. Kpassagnon, if he works out, would rectify both of those problems, but that is a very big if. Grade: B-
2-60: Dallas Cowboys: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
Dallas has aced this draft so far. A 1st round talent available at pick #60, Awuzie is a hyper-tough corner with the surest tackling skills of any cornerback in this draft. Morris Claiborne, Brandon Carr, and Barry Church all have new homes. Awuzie looks like the catalyst to for changing the identity of the Cowboys' defense. Grade: A
2-61: Green Bay Packers; Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State
Big, sporting great range, and a nice tackler, Jones is the second piece Ted Thompson has added to their laughable secondary. Jones gives Dom Capers a piece he can move around and fit into several packages. another secondary piece may look redundant, but Green Bay needs it. Grade: B+
2-62: Pittsburgh Steelers: Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
The Steelers have an excess of perimeter speed, but lack a true possession receiver. Smith-Schuster lacks great speed, but has the catch in traffic ability and route running ability to be a very nice #3 receiver and a compliment to Martavis Bryant and Antonio Brown. Pittsburgh's offense will be fun to watch. Grade: B+
2-63: Buffalo Bills: Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
Humungous, strong, and a guy who plays with a mean streak, Dawkins is almost a mirror image of Richie Incognito, a man who he might start alongside. Tyrod Taylor was constantly running for his life last year. Dawkins' massive frame and potential to be a long-time starter in the NFL make him a very attractive pick. Grade: A-
2-64: Carolina Panthers: Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan
An underrated stud lineman, Moton absolutely destroyed MAC competition. Moton has the frame, long arms, and technique to be a star in the league. Cam Newton needs to be kept upright if the Panthers are to be successful. Putting Moton in Carolina looks like a great selection at this time. Grade: A
ROUND 3
3-65: Cleveland Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte
Ogunjobi has the raw power and ability to slide around all over the line are invaluable assets for Cleveland. Though Danny Shelton will start, Ogunjobi will get some time. I would have preferred to have seen a cornerback or wide receiver here, however. Grade: B
3-66: San Francisco 49ers: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
The San Francisco cornerback room is devoid of a true alpha dog. Witherspoon might just be that. Though I have questions about his ability outside of the slot, Witherspoon's tape shows a guy who can flat play. John Lynch makes another nice pick. Grade: B+
3-67: New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Sean Payton loves backs that can pair with a power back and make plays. Give Kamara a crease, and he can break it. He is also the best receiving running back in the draft not named Christian McCaffrey. Look for Kamara, who i said the Saints should have got in Round 2, to serve as a 3rd down back this year and have a vastly increased role in year 2. Grade: A
3-68: Jacksonville Jaguars: Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois
Smoot was, at one time viewed as a 1st round pick, didn't land in an ideal spot in Jacksonville: They still have big plans for former #3 overall pick Dante Fowler, and last years' 3rd round pick Yannick Ngakoue recorded 8 sacks last year. Smoot has value at this point, but I don't like the fit. Grade: C+
3-69: Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
A perfect pick for Jared Goff. A super precise route runner with sure hands and a large catch radius, Kupp is a high 2nd round value player that lingered until the 3rd. With 73 TDs in 4 years, Kupp should immediately become the new #1 target in Los Angeles. Grade: A
3-70: Minnesota Vikings: Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State
The Minnesota offensive line was the butt of many a joke last year, especially on the interior. Elflein is the epitome of a plug and play offensive lineman. Versatile, tough, and a leader, Elflein will stick at guard or center in the NFL. This was one of the best picks of Round 3. Grade: A
3-71: Los Angeles Chargers: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
The Chargers have made it clear their desire to keep aging quarterback Philip Rivers propped upright. Forrest Lamp was a home run in round 2. Feeney is a great run blocker that could succeed in a zone blocking scheme, but his selection is a bit redundant when they have other needs they could have filled. Grade: B-
3-72: Tennessee Titans: Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
Marcus Mariota's new and improved group of receivers consisting of 1st round pick Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, and the hyper-athletic Taylor has to put a smile on his face. A great route runner that attacks the ball, Taylor has the look of a very good #2 wide receiver. Grade: B+
3-73: Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
The Bengals needed an edge bender in this draft. Willis was a late riser that Cincinnati was not hesitant to take in the 3rd round at all. Explosive, gritty, and active in the run game, Willis should produce quickly given his diverse physical toolbox. Solid pick here. Grade: A-
3-74: Baltimore Ravens: Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
Ozzie Newsome has shown he knows how to build a defense. Though Baltimore has used several picks on interior lineman, Baltimore had to jump at the chance to grab a plyer who looks like Newsome's dream defensive tackle. Wormley's pass rush and run stuffing abilities should allow him to get playing time with the Ravens. Grade: B+
3-75: Atlanta Falcons: Duke Riley, ILB, LSU
I have to give Dan Quinn credit for building the fastest defense in the NFL, but Riley's selection is a bit of overkill. Deion Jones, who is essentially the same player, is firmly entrenched as the starter. Riley can play, but they essentially drafted the same player while neglecting their secondary or offensive line. Grade: C+
3-76: New Orleans Saints: Alex Anzalone, ILB, Florida
Anzalone's talent warrants a higher selection. Injuries in college decimated Anzalone's stock. A healthy Anzalone is a vice grip as a tackler and someone who can easily drop back into coverage. With Manti Te'o and Stephone Anthony starting alongside Anzalone, the Saints have built an above average linebacking corps. Grade: A-
3-77: Carolina Panthers: Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M
I like the Hall pick from a need standpoint. However, I think the Panthers reached. Many of Hall's sacks came as a result of the defense having their hands full with Myles Garrett. Hall's talent is there, but Carolina passed on more valuable pass rushers, in my opinion. Grade: C+
3-78: Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
If only Williams could stay away from drugs. A 1st round talent, Williams is insanely explosive, bends like Gumby, and oozes Pro Bowl potential. Williams is a steal at pick #78. Him and Tyus Bowser coming off the edge is nightmare-inducing. Grade: A
3-79: New York Jets: ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama
The big play receiver this past season at Alabama, Stewart brings physicality and explosiveness. He is just as good at grinding out tough yards and making contested cataches as he is breaking a slant route for a long touchdown. With Eric Decker a major injury risk, Stewart figures to be a big part of the Jets' offense. Grade: A-
3-80: Indianapolis Colts: Tarrell Basham, DE, Ohio
Indianapolis has virtually no pass rush last year. Added a player like Basham changes that instantly. Though there were other rushers I would have liked to have seen come off the board earlier, Basham's motor and smarts can't be denied. Chris Ballard has done very well in his first draft as GM. Grade: B
3-81: Washington Redskins: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Moreau would have gone much higher had his pec injury sustained during his pro day not happened. A former running back, Moreau brings that same lateral agility and physicality to the cornerback position, allowing him to easily jam receivers at the line. Look for Washington to put last years' 3rd round pick Kendall Fuller in the slot and pair Moreau with Josh Norman on the outside. Grade: A-
3-82: Denver Broncos: Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech.
Denver needed a slot wideout with the ability to stretch the field. Henderson is the best slot wideout in this class not named John Ross. Blindingly fast and tougher to bring down than he's given credit for, henderson joines an already impressive duo of wide receivers. Whoever is under center will find him often. Grade: A
3-83: New England Patriots: Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State
The Patriots don't necessarily need anything, and yet they still managed to grab a pass rusher with the talent of Rivers. Having dominated FCS competition, Rivers has the quickness and power to make the jump to the NFL. Belichick has the know how to get the most out of Rivers, though the FCS talent gap is a question that needs answering. Grade: B
3-84: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
Tampa Bay seems to be building a psuedo-Air Raid offense built on chucking it down the field. Godwin's 4.42 40 time caught the eyes of many. His large catch radius was such a valuable asset for a QB it made Christian Hackenberg look somewhat competent Godwin fits what the Bucs are trying to do offensively. Grade: A-
3-85: New England Patriots: Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
Having never given up a sack at Troy, Garcia's pedigree is well known. He has all the physical tools to be a successful NFL tackle. While it is unknown if Garcia is better served at tackle or guard due to his shorter arms, but Dante Scarnecchia will be excited to get his hands on him. Grade: A-
3-86: Kansas City Chiefs: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
Jamaal Charles was released in the offseason after the Chiefs decided his injuries grew too numerous. His successor manifests in Hunt. An absolute bowling ball, Hunt's elusive nature is just what Andy Reid wants in his running backs. Hunt is a good value pick and a nice fit. Grade: B+
3-87: New York Giants: Davis Webb, QB, Cal
Keep it here for more updates throughout the draft!
