NFL Draft Day 1 Recap
With our very first article, the guys at Three And Out are going to share their views and thoughts on what each first-rounder will add to their team. As we all know the NFL Draft is one way of adding to the roster that those feisty front offices are hoping to build. Some go with the best available, some go with their team’s needs. No matter who they pick or what route they choose to go, we at Three And Out are here to pick apart or praise those beloved draft picks.
1st Pick: Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett DE-OLB Texas A&M
Rob: Hard to miss on this pick, Garrett is the best player in this draft. Cleveland is getting a day one starter here. There are some concerns on effort but I don’t think it’s much to be concerned about. Overall great pick to a team that needs playmakers.
Tyler: Easy pick in my opinion. Best overall player in the draft going to a team in desperate need of playmakers. Garrett has the talent to be a long time starter in the NFL.
Kyle: The Browns are getting an absolute stud in Garrett. With Greg Williams coming in as the new defensive coordinator, Myles Garrett needs to kick it in gear and give effort every play for the whole play to truly thrive as a pro. Things are exciting in Cleveland hoping to add more than a 1 to the win column.
2nd Pick: Chicago Bears (from San Francisco 49ers)
Mitchell Trubisky QB North Carolina
Rob: I knew someone was going to trade up to grab him. But I didn’t know who and I for sure did not see the Bears trading up just one spot to grab him. A bit of head scratcher here with so many other talented players left on the board. For a guy who only started 13 games I think this is a bit high.
Tyler: This pick made no sense to me. No need for Chicago to move up 1 spot to take a qb with only 13 career starts. Also what gives with Glennon now? And where is Chicago going to address it's porous D? Lots of questions in the Windy City.
Kyle: I never saw this move coming as Chicago made a statement to Cleveland and other interested teams in the one year starter out of North Carolina. They told everyone that they believe in him and his ability plus his potential to take him at the number two overall spot.
3rd Pick: San Francisco 49ers (from Chicago Bears)
Solomon Thomas DE Stanford
Rob: This is a great pick here, Solomon Thomas was the guy they wanted and they traded down to get him. Adding 3rd and 4th round picks this year and a third round next year. He will be an excellent fit in one of the league’s worst defenses.
Tyler: Lynch looking like a seasoned pro in his first draft as GM. Great move to get the player you wanted as well as a host of picks from Chicago. Thomas is a great player and will hopefully help bring back playing great D in San Francisco.
Kyle: The 49ers got their guy and a few extra picks in exchange for giving up one overall spot. Solomon Thomas will prove to be a great fit in San Francisco and help that horrid defense.
4th Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette RB LSU
Rob: Leonard Fournette can thank Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley for making running backs break into the top 10 again. Leonard Fournette is a mean powerful runner who punished defenses in college. I don’t love this pick but if Fournette can produce the way he did in college for the Jaguars they are getting a heck of football player.
Tyler: Fournette is a very physical runner, welcomes contact and bursts through arm tackles. I feel that he isn't going to have as many home run plays as he did at LSU. I'm not completely sold on this pick but the Jaguars do need playmakers if they intend on winning anytime soon.
Kyle: I’m not sold on Fournette being the best running back in the draft. I see him as just a power back with not much else to offer in a pass happy league. Best case scenario, he is a distraction away from Blake Bortles.
5th Pick: Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams)
Corey Davis WR Western Michigan
Rob: This is the most complete receiver in the draft. While he did not participate in the combine clearly this did not deter teams from him. This did come as a bit of a surprise though a lot of the mock drafts did not have receivers going very early. Davis will be a great weapon to add to Mariota’s arsenal.
Tyler: The Titans start the WR run with who I thought was the most complete receiver in the draft. His combination of size and speed, as well as his ability to pluck the ball out of the air should make Davis a favorite target of Marcus Mariota.
Kyle: Tennessee has landed a stud in a receiver. Arguably the best in the draft. At 6’3” the guy has great quickness to break away from corners and safeties but Davis needs to sharpen his open pass catching skills.
6th Pick: New York Jets
Jamal Adams S LSU
Rob: Very surprised to see him fall out of the top 5. He’s been compared to Earl Thomas. If he is as good as Earl Thomas the Jets are getting a future hall of famer here at 6. Adams is the best defensive back in this class.
Tyler: The Jets probably didn't expect Adams to be there at 6, but pounced on the opportunity to get him when they saw him fall. His coverage skills as well as leadership potential could translate to All-Pro status in the years to come. One of the surest picks in the draft.
Kyle: Jamal Adams will be the best thing this Jets’ secondary has seen since Darrelle Revis’ haydays. His love for the sport and pure skill alone sets him apart in a strong defensive back class. New York got themselves a real player here.
7th Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams WR Clemson
Rob: The Chargers needed to add another weapon to their middle of the road offense. With this pick they can push to be a top 10 offense. While Williams can lack separation from defensive backs his hands make up for the lack of separation. Great pick here for the Chargers.
Tyler: Williams is a great receiver. Should he have gone 7th? Maybe not. I don't think the chargers wanted to wait on a top tier WR and thus reached for him. His size alone will give defenses a lot to worry about as he has an answer for which ever position group covers him. Decent pick.
Kyle: The Chargers worked out Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams together this past week and decided to give their veteran field general a 6’1” receiver. Williams adds real value to weak depth and injury laden wideouts for the Chargers. A great replacement for the long lost Vincent Jackson.
8th Pick: Carolina Panthers
Christian McCaffrey RB Stanford
Rob: McCaffrey is a special player, the Panthers are getting a very dynamic player. While there are some concerns with how many touches he had in college I think he will be able to stay healthy. Watching him play with Cam Newton will be very entertaining. If he can stay healthy I think he is in the running for offensive rookie of the year.
Tyler: McCaffrey to me was the best RB coming out this year. His game translates to.the NFL perfectly. With the ball in his hands he is very dangerous and with the addition of McCaffery, the Panthers can hopefully get back to being one of the top offenses in the NFL.
Kyle: I have fallen in love with McCaffrey’s skill set and ability to mismatch with defenders. With that said, I’m not completely sold on where he fits in Carolina but taking a skill player at 8 overall the Panthers will find a way to get him involved. I’d say he’s good for 22-25 touches a game. (12-15 carries, 4-6 receptions, and a few returns)
9th Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
John Ross WR Washington
Rob: This guy is a burner, fastest man ever to run a 40-time at a 4.22. Every time he touches the ball teams will have to fear if he will break it for a touchdown. Has some health concerns with previously tearing his ACL,Meniscus and Labrum. If he can stay healthy Andy Dalton has another great weapon.
Tyler: Speed, speed, speed. John Ross broke the record for fastest 40 time and saw his draft stock skyrocket. We knew some team would take him in the 1st and the Bengals get a lethal weapon to go alongside AJ Green and Tyler Eifert. Only question with Ross is his health. 3 surgeries in 3 years. If he can stay on the field this is a great pick.
Kyle: 4.22 40-time… blazing speed is Ross’ greatest attribute. He can turn a mid range slant into a catch and run touchdown just on speed alone. He needs to work on his hands but will be a great distraction away from A.J. Green for Andy Dalton to get back into the swing of things.
10th Pick: Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo Bills)
Patrick Mahomes QB Texas Tech
Rob: Probably one of the bigger surprises of the draft. A lot of the scouting reports are very high on Mahomes but he is not NFL ready coming from an Air Raid offense. Getting to sit behind Alex Smith he should be able to learn the offense.
Tyler: Definitely a surprise to see Mahomes get drafted ahead of Watson. The Chiefs have been struggling with mediocre QB play for years. Now they have a guy who can develop and be ready to be a starter in a few seasons.
Kyle: I really don’t think the Chiefs needed to trade up to grab the gun slinger out of Texas Tech. I think they could’ve sat on it and taken him at 27. But Kansas City is where Mahomes needs to be to learn behind the efficient Alex Smith and Andy Reid.
11th Pick: New Orleans Saints
Marshon Lattimore CB Ohio State
Rob: This is very good fit for the Saints. Lattimore was mocked in the top 10. The Saints lost a lot of high scoring games last season hopefully Lattimore can turn that around for them. Lattimore was an elite corner for the Buckeyes, as far as the other Buckeye corners in the NFL right now I think he is in some good company.
Tyler: Great pick. Lattimore is a plug-n-play, day 1 starter. The Saints used to rely on scoring 40 points a game to win, now they can start to solidify their 32nd ranked defense and hopefully make a few more runs before Brees retires.
Kyle: New Orleans defense needs help in the NFC South with the Falcons high powered offense, the Panthers versatile offense, and the Buccaneers up and coming offense. Adding a top tier defensive back only helps them in those inevitable shootouts in NFC South divisional play.
12th Pick: Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns through Philadelphia Eagles)
Deshaun Watson QB Clemson
Rob: The most accomplished quarterback in this draft class. This guy is a winner and had an incredible year last year. Was surprised to see he was the 3rd QB taken. The Texans are getting a guy who will come in day 1 and compete for the starting spot, he is hungry.
Tyler: I really like this pick. Watson is a leader and the Texans already have plenty of weapons on offense. A lot of people thought they were a QB away from making a deep playoff run last season and Watson gives them the opportunity to do just that.
Kyle: Taking Deshaun Watson here at 12, after trading up is my first “reach” of the draft. Watson was a turnover machine at Clemson but had an amazing ending to his career leading his team to a championship. However, I don’t see how the rookie will fit in with the Texans scheme.
13th Pick: Arizona Cardinals
Haason Reddick OLB Temple
Rob: Excellent fit for the two. Arizona’s defense was really hurting last season and as of yet their first rounder last year, Robert Nkemdiche, has yet to make an impact. Expect to see the Cardinals defense rebound this year.
Tyler: Great story and great fit for a defense looking to get back to its winning ways. Reddick is great at getting after the QB and he will do a lot of that for the Cardinals.
Kyle: The linebacker/defensive end out of Temple is one of those “under the radar” guys who truly is a playmaker on the defensive side. If he can continue to change the offensive coordinator’s gameplan, he’ll indeed be a great addition in Arizona. A former walk on to first rounder is one of the most impressive stories you’ll hear out of the draft this year.
14th Pick: Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings)
Derek Barnett DE Tennessee
Rob: Bust Alert! Barnett has some inflated stats, he may have Reggie White’s all time sack record, but keep in mind this is an era of the spread offense. White did it in a power run era. He is very slow of the line of scrimmage a very raw player. His 40 time was a 4.88 for a pass rusher that’s too slow.
Tyler: Barnett is a decent pick. He plays a little slow and that is not going to do him any favors at the next level. If he can learn and adapt to the speed of the NFL he will flourish, however I don't see that happening.
Kyle: Derek Barnett, defensive end out of Tennessee passed Reggie White in all time sacks. The man is already in good company and also just drafted to Philadelphia under a top notch defensive coordinator by the name of Jim Schwartz. I expect his name to be called a lot in Lincoln Financial Field.
15th Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Malik Hooker S Ohio State
Rob: This guy is a ballhawk. The Buckeye defensive backs single handedly won them games last year. He compares to Ed Reed. This is an excellent pick for the Colts to think that he fell out of the top 10 is crazy. Provided he doesn’t have any more issues with his hamstrings expect him to be in the running for defensive rookie of the year.
Tyler: With only 1 year as a starter, Hooker us somewhat of a raw player. But what a year it was. Many thought Hooker could go top 5 but injury concerns and other teams moving up saw him drop to 15. Great pickup for the Colts.
Kyle: Indianapolis got our first “steal” of the draft. Hooker, who was projected to go in the top 10 falls to the half defenseless Colts at 15. Chris Ballard has added 8 defensive players since he has taken the job as GM so it is clear that he sees the defense needs help and is adding quality players like Barkevious Mingo, Jabaal Sheard, and now the ball hawk Malik Hooker. Only concern with Hooker is his tackling ability.
16th Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Marlon Humphrey CB Alabama
Rob: First Bama player off the board a bit of surprise right here. Bama players always come out of the draft banged up. The Ravens are in need of a corner that can shut down the AFC North receivers, the Ravens have been absolutely torched by AJ Green.
Tyler: The Ravens took a safe pick and drafted a solid overall corner. Plenty of career starts so experience isn't an issue. Should be a day one starter in a depleted secondary.
Kyle: The Ravens had Gareon Conley take a lie detector test due to his recent accusations and he passed but apparently the front office wasn’t comfortable enough to take the risk so they went with the safe pick here. My thing on Alabama players is that they don’t have much upside due to constantly being worked and beaten down in the physical practices under Nick Saban.
17th Pick: Washington Redskins
Jonathan Allen DE Alabama
Rob: This is a guy who fell due to injuries and depth at his position. Many teams felt that his talent gap wasn’t wide enough to pick him over a thin offensive pool. If he can stay healthy this guy should have been a top 5 pick. Redskins get a real work horse. Expect good things from Allen.
Tyler: His shoulder is a bit of a concern but as long as he can stay healthy, Allen is a perfect fit for the Redskins.
Kyle: How the Redskins got a perfect fit defensive lineman at number 17?! It is beyond me… Allen plugs in right where the defense needs him. Great pick up by Washington.
18th Pick: Tennessee Titans
Adoree’ Jackson CB USC
Rob: A few health concerns expected to see him go a little later but a can't miss returner. Isn’t a day one starter but can for sure develop quickly into a starter.
Tyler: USC isn't churning out NFL talent like it used to but Jackson is an exception to that trend. He has the ability to be a quality starter in this league, and the Titans are officially out of the rebuild mode and entering contention.
Kyle: One of the most versatile and agile players in the draft. Jackson has returned 8 kicks or punts for touchdowns as a Trojan, 4 in one year! The guy will play hard wherever you put him. The Titans are looking like they’re ready to take that next step.
19th Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
O.J. Howard TE Alabama
Rob: Another Bama player that fell, this is very good pick for Tampa Bay. Could develop into a top 5 TE in the league. A huge surprise since there was a such a run offense that he would fall this far. Expect him to be in the running for offensive rookie of the year.
Tyler: Love this pick. A big tall threat to go along with Mike Evans to truly be a nightmare for undersized secondaries. Tampa Bay got a playmaker who is more of a receiver than blocker.
Kyle: Tampa Bay just added a huge weapon on their offense. How do you not take a guy like O.J. Howard this late in the first round? Jameis now has a future Pro Bowler in a TE and as we know they added deep threat DeSean Jackson as well. Another steal in this draft.
20th Pick: Denver Broncos
Garett Bolles OT Utah
Rob: The first offensive lineman taken, the Broncos have been in desperate need of better offensive line play with Okung gone. Expect them to get Bolles in the mix quickly.
Tyler: Denver has its D locked up, just needs to be able to protect its QB-whoever that may be, and Bolles cements the left tackle position.
Kyle: A great story for Bolles to go from being kicked out of 5 schools and out of home. I hope it turns out great for the guy. Great play at tackle.
21st Pick: Detroit Lions
Jarrad Davis ILB Florida
Rob: Jarrad Davis has drawn comparisons to Ray Lewis, he can come in and be a day one starter. The Lions are just a few pieces away from competing for a ring, Davis will for sure contribute his share with his physicality.
Tyler: Strength, speed and ability to track down the ball and make a sure tackle. Those are the traits that Davis brings to Detroit. Any team in the league would be happy with him at linebacker.
Kyle: This guy’s penetration and hitting skills show excellent potential for the linebacker out of Florida. Standing up one of the most physical running backs in the NCAA in Bo Scarborough just shows you the true strength and will from Jarrad Davis.
22nd Pick: Miami Dolphins
Charles Harris DE Missouri
Rob: Probably the quickest pass rusher in the draft. Harris is very good already has a bag of tricks very good with his hands. Will run down ball carriers, the Dolphins get a very good player late in the first.
Tyler: Quick movement with elite speed. Has the ability to drop into coverage and cover running backs and tight ends. Great hands and plenty of upside for the Dolphins.
Kyle: Guess what? Another defensive lineman taken in the first round. Big, thick, and with a surprise in his quickness this workhorse will be great in Miami who is one of those playoff borderline teams. Another playmaker on defense may just push them over that line.
23rd Pick: New York Giants
Evan Engram TE Ole Miss
Rob: Tight End is a hot position in the league right now it’s all about creating that mismatch and that’s what Engram gives you. He doesn’t have the height difference for most tight ends. I’d say he is a tweener between Tight End and Wide Receiver. I think the pick was a little bit of a reach.
Tyler: Basically is a WR playing TE. Blocking is in question however with great route running ability and soft hands, the Giants have a great playmaker and can find blocking talent elsewhere.
Kyle: Another target for Eli Manning is just what the doctored ordered in what looks like to be a high powered offense in New York. Engram has great hands and may possibly be a future pro bowler at the tight end position.
24th Pick: Oakland Raiders
Gareon Conley CB Ohio State
Rob: This was Oakland’s biggest need and they got a great value Conley has some character concerns but it looks like everything has checked out. The Raiders are getting a shutdown corner who can come in and make an immediate impact.
Tyler: Oakland needs defensive help as they continue to make a run towards a Super Bowl. The offense is complete and clicking and Conley can help get them the ball as many times as possible.
Kyle: Conley dropped in value after the recent accusations came out. 24 NFL teams called Gareon to talk to him about what happened and the Raiders must have believed in him enough to take the risk. If it pays out it is a huge reward taking another Ohio State defensive back late in the first round.
25th Pick: Cleveland Browns (from Houston Texans)
Jabrill Peppers S Michigan
Rob: One of the most versatile players in this draft he can play just about anything you ask of him. Cleveland will need to coach him up but he will most definitely find his way on the field for the Browns.
Tyler: They say Peppers can play any position, and Cleveland may need him to. He fills an immediate playmaking need for the Browns and can cover the run, pass, return kicks and even run the ball on offense.
Kyle: Peppers is one of the most athletic guys in the draft. There is no denying that. But I’ve been hearing how great of a player this guy is but I have yet to actually see it. He’s quick as a whip and can play a lot of positions. That’s about it. Quality at one position over a quantity of positions.
26th Pick: Atlanta Falcons (from Seattle Seahawks)
Takkarist McKinley DE UCLA
Rob: The Falcons need to build on their defense after the collapse after the Super Bowl. Dan Quinn will be able to elevate his play into a possible pro bowl player. Expect quarterbacks to fear the name McKinley.
Tyler: Fulfilling a promise to his late grandmother, McKinley made it. You can feel the emotion and passion when he talks about her and you just know that will translate to his game. We all know the Falcons are fine on offense, but to avoid another meltdown a la SB51, they needed to draft defense. Great pick.
Kyle: I think everyone and their brother saw the Falcons picking up a guy on the defensive side. Instead of getting into shootouts every game, they need a guy that can put pressure on the quarterback and force bad throws. I’d say a good late first round pick here.
27th Pick: Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs)
Tre’Davious White CB LSU
Rob: A great tackler, can play all over the field but will need some coaching. Trying to fill Stephon Gilmore’s position and he will be greatly missed. White has some big shoes to fill but at 27 this was a good pick.
Tyler: Needing to replace Stephon Gilmore, the Bills selected another CB from DBU in Tre’Davious White. He brings great ball skills and ability to take away teams #1 receiver. Good pick overall.
Kyle: I’m at a loss for words on why the Bills traded their 10th pick to pass on the best corner in the draft, Marshon Lattimore. But at 27 White can’t hurt any. Let’s hope he can fill the missing piece in Buffalo’s defense.
28th Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Taco Charlton DE Michigan
Rob: One of the bigger defensive ends of this draft, more of a traditional 4-3 DE. While at Michigan he wrecked havoc on offensive lines. He may not be as quick as some of these smaller defensive ends but what he lacks in speed he makes up for in size. A very good fit for Dallas.
Tyler: Pass rush is an area that Dallas has struggled with in the past. Charlton brings a big body to eat up the run as well as athleticism and power to bring opposing QB’s plenty of reasons to worry.
Kyle: Taco Charlton goes to a young Dallas team who has plenty of momentum from a 13-3 year last year. He’ll get a ring with the Cowboys but won’t contribute much. I see this as a reach and to fill a roster spot.
29th Pick: Cleveland Browns (from Green Bay Packers)
David Njoku TE Miami
Rob: The Browns got themselves a playmaker on offense with Corey Coleman, Njoku is a nice addition to the Browns. It may have been a bit of a reach here but the Browns had some picks to burn. Overall a good value pick.
Tyler: Good pick. The Browns are essentially playing with house money and got a great TE to round out their impressive first round. Now if only Cleveland could pick up a QB to throw to Njoku.
Kyle: When I heard the commissioner call Njoku’s name I thought to myself, “Who?!” but after watching some highlights he looks like he can be another weapon for… whoever is under center for the Browns… 6% body fat is unbelievable and the Browns need another playmaker on offense. Now just to add that franchise quarterback...
30th Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
T.J. Watt OLB Wisconsin
Rob: A typical Steelers move adding a LB with a familiar football name, Watt. In a very physical division, Watt will be tested to see if he can live up to his brother’s hype. A young linebacking core for the steel curtain should be exciting to watch.
Tyler: TJ Watt can thank his brother for upping his draft stock. Not saying TJ isn't a good player, he just isn't great at anything in particular. Decent pass rusher, decent run stopper and good tackler. Without the family name I think Watt goes in the 2nd or 3rd but JJ helped a brother out.
Kyle: The Steelers are showing how it’s done on draft day with a great addition at outside linebacker in the little brother of arguably one of the best defensive players in the NFL right now. Watt was part of that stingy defense at WIsconsin and really electrified that team and stadium. He’ll look great next to the young stud Ryan Shazier next year in black and yellow.
31st Pick: San Francisco 49ers (from Seattle Seahawks through Atlanta Falcons)
Reuben Foster ILB Alabama
Rob: SOTD(Steal of the draft)! This is the steal of the draft, a thumper Foster is what you hope every linebacker to be. He can hit and he does not shy from contact. To think he almost dropped to the 2nd round is crazy. With Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster expect this defense to make some drastic changes.
Tyler: Amazing value. When evaluating their board, the 49ers had 2 of their top 3 overall players in Thomas and Foster. To think they got them both is crazy to me. Failed drug tests be damned, Foster is the most NFL ready of all defensive players and the 49ers got an absolute steal.
Kyle: After failing the drug test Reuben Foster fell out of the top 10. And then he fell more, almost all the way out of day one. Foster comes with a lot of baggage but at 31 overall, I think it’s a great add next to Solomon Thomas at 3rd overall. Look out for San Francisco. John Lynch is the new sheriff in town.
32nd Pick: New Orleans Saints (from New England Patriots)
Ryan Ramczyk OT Wisconsin
Rob: Seems you can’t go wrong with Wisconsin linemen, In a thin offensive line class Ramczyk is towards the top. Getting the second lineman taken is pretty impressive. Hopefully Ramczyk can follow the same success the rest of the Wisconsin linemen have seen.
Tyler: Hard to believe they didn't go defense again but wrapping up the first round with a solid lineman isn't a bad move. Ramczyk is the latest in a long line of great O-lineman from Wisconsin. Protecting Brees is paramount as he is the only reason the Saints have been relevant.
Kyle: Much like Rob said, you can’t go wrong with offensive lineman out of Wisconsin. Ramczyk is there to protect 38 year old Drew Brees. At 6’6” and 310 pounds it’s hard not to pass up a guy with that size to protect your future Hall of Famer at QB.
