1. Arizona: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Grade: A+
Analysis: Outstanding player to try to re-build your franchise around. Excellent fit with new head coach Kliff Kingsbury. These guys know each other well and could help each other kick start their perspective professional careers. Murray has absolutely absurd upside and potential. I think he can succeed in today’s NFL if in the right situation. He couldn’t ask for a better one than this. We’ll see what he’s got right away in week 1, guaranteed.
Best Comparison: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
2. San Francisco: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Grade: A+
Analysis: The Niners fill a need early with the best prospect in the draft. This is now a very respectable pass rush that has been built in San Fran. They have 3 edge guys that can get after the quarterback. Nick joins brother Joey Bosa in sunny California. I’m sure Nick isn’t complaining about this. If Nick maintains the commitment to training he has shown up to this point, he will join his brother has an elite pass rusher for years to come. This is a rare defensive talent.
Best Comparison: Joey Bosa, Ohio State
3. NY Jets: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Grade: A+
Analysis: Whether the 49ers took Bosa or Williams, the Jets were gonna be pretty happy with the one they were left. Williams is right on Bosa’s level in terms of being a rare defensive talent. He is an absolute beast in the middle. Jets fill a massive hole in their defensive front.
Best Comparison: Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
4. Oakland: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Grade: B-
Analysis: Oakland has taken a lot of heat for this one already. Acknowledged, this was a reach. And they passed on a player in the same position that was the best on the board overall. I wanted to give them a C for passing on a freak of nature edge rusher like Josh Allen. But I can see how they would like what they see in Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell has played in more big games than Josh Allen. He is a proven winner, and a champion. Ferrell is bigger and perhaps will provide better run defense. He also may fit the 4-3 scheme a bit better. Some say Allen will be better suited as a 3-4 OLB. I’m not sold that Ferrell is better than Allen. But I can respect that they felt that he was a better fit for the Raiders, and I think he will have a productive career.
Best Comparison: Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
5. Tampa: Devin White, ILB, LSU
Grade: A+
Analysis: Nice grab at 5. The Buccaneers fill a hole in their defense that White can fill immediately. White fits the Buccaneers scheme very well. He has excellent agility and cover skills for a linebacker, as you would expect coming out of the SEC. Expect Devin White to be a huge playmaker for Mike Smith’s defense.
Best Comparison: Deion Jones, LSU
6. NY Giants: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
Grade: F
Analysis: There are too many reasons that this is a bad pick. First of all, this is a player that you could almost certainly get with your upcoming 17th pick. Why would you waste this one?! The Giants could’ve had Josh Allen or Ed Oliver! If they wanted to draft the best possible quarterback for the future with this pick, they probably should have went with Dwayne Haskins. Haskins is just far more proven. It’s unsure if Daniel Jones is even ready to be a starter, and he may not be for the next year or two. He might be a career backup! There is too little evidence that Daniel Jones is capable of being a franchise QB to use this pick on him. Awful pick!
Comparison: Eli Manning at his very worst
7. Jacksonville: Josh Allen, DE/OLB, Kentucky
Grade: A-
Analysis: Although the Jaguars may have more pressing needs than D. End, this was probably the right pick. Allen is a steal at this spot. He will fit into the rotation well with a lack of depth on the roster at the position. Jacksonville will need to use other picks or roster moves to strengthen the interior of their D-Line, and their offensive line. But adding a defensive playmaker like Josh Allen will be worth passing on Ed Oliver if Allen is able to perform as he is expected to in the NFL.
Comparison: Khalil Mack, Buffalo
8. Detroit: TJ Hockenson, TE, Iowa
Grade: A+
Analysis: Matt Stafford is like the Convicts football team in The Longest Yard before Caretaker came along…he ain’t got no brothers! The Lions has to go get Stafford some help! TE is among a bunch of offensive needs that the Lions have. Hockensen was the best offensive weapon on the board. They couldn’t have found Stafford a more reliable guy to come in and make plays right away. Expect Hockensen to be a TE1 this year and be a great asset to Matt Stafford. Hockensen also will contribute as a run blocker. They knocked out two needs with one player!
Comparison: Jon Heuerman, Ohio State
9. Buffalo: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Grade: A+
Again, another team fills a need with the best player available. Buffalo is in desperate need of interior D-linemen. Well they got a stud here in Ed Oliver! Oliver was one of the most dominant players in college football last season. I have no reason to think Oliver won’t help Buffalo out significantly. This guy has potential to be one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the game.
Comparison: Warren Sapp, Miami
10. Pittsburgh: Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan
Note: Traded up from #20 with Denver.
Grade: A+
Analysis: I was mocking Devin Bush to the Steelers at #20 for a long time. He was a guy that was clearly identified early in the draft process a potential choice for this pick. But as draft day grew closer, it became more and more clear that Devin Bush wasn’t going to be on the board at #20. With defensive talent flying off the board, the Steelers would need to trade up if they were going to get the guy they wanted. Denver, in need of offense, saw the ability to go ahead and trade down so they could add a pick and fill another need. Devin Bush is just the kind of playmaker the Steelers need to build their defense around. Gritty like Pitt City, Bush should be a very good fit with the Steelers. Great job being aggressive by the Steelers!
Comparison: Lawrence Timmons, Florida State
11. Cincy: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Grade: B
Analysis: I like this pick for the Bengals. (To be clear though, I don’t like the Bengals.) The only reason I don’t love it is because I think that passing on Rashan Gary here may have been a mistake. Gary could’ve been an immediate menace in the middle for the Bengals next to Geno Atkins. But they do fill a need for depth on the offensive line, and this is a safe pick. The Bengals don’t need Williams to come in and be an every down guy. They could rotate him in early on, and give him the chance to earn the Right Tackle job from Bobby Hart. Williams could become a reliable tackle, but I just don’t see him as highly of an asset to the Bengals as Gary would be.
Comparison: Cordy Glenn, Georgia
12. Green Bay: Rashan Gary, 3-4 DE, Michigan
Grade: A+
Analysis: Packers fill a need with the best player on the board. Gary’s versatility makes him a great asset on any defensive line. The Packers get a physical presence that should fit their scheme perfectly.
Best Comparison: Leonard Williams, USC
13. Miami: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
Grade: A+
Analysis: Some will say the Dolphins failed by not picking Haskins here. I will not. It doesn’t matter who’s at quarterback if he doesn’t have a defense to back him up or weapons to throw to. Ryan Fitzpatrick will suit the Dolphins better as they rebuild their roster. I don’t think this would’ve been a good place for Haskins to go. Instead, the Dolphins fill a need with the best defensive player available. Christian Wilkins, welcome to Miami!
Best Comparison: Ndamokung Suh, Nebraska
14. Atlanta: Chris Lindstrom, OG/C, Boston College
Grade: B
Analysis: This was the safe pick by Atlanta. There were probably defensive linemen on the board that seem to have higher ceilings than Lindstrom. And Cody Ford pops off the tape a little more in terms of filling the Falcons’ desperate need of interior offensive linemen. But with the ability to play center or guard, Lindstrom’s versatility may play well for the Falcons. And maybe his toughness lands him a steady NFL career like many blue-collar linemen are able to. I would’ve dipped my hand in that SEC defensive gold mine if I were the Falcons. They didn’t get the best value they could have out of the #14 pick. But it wasn’t terrible.
Best Comparison: Weston Richburg, Colorado State
15. Washington: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Grade: A+
The Redskins get their quarterback of the future at the highest possible value. Haskins is a guy that can play right away if need be, but the Redskins have enough experience at QB to keep him on the bench until he is ready to start. Haskins falls right in their laps- without a doubt no worse than the second best QB prospect in this draft. I think Haskins showed incredible talent and ability to win football games in his one season as the Buckeyes’ starter, and all throughout his scouting process. I think Haskins will be a highly productive pro QB that the Redskins can build their future around. Can’t wait to watch Haskins and the Redskins make the New York “Football” Giants pay for passing on him. Although, I don’t know how much actual football they’re really gonna be playing up in East Rutherford next year. Yikes!
Best Comparison: Geno Smith, West Virginia
16. Carolina: Brian Burns, DE/OLB, Florida State
Grade: B
Carolina successfully fills a need with a top player on the board. But just for physical ability reasons, Montez Sweat would be a more desirable edge rusher in my mind. Burns has already put on some weight but needs to continue to do so while trying to maintain the same speed and agility he showed off the edge at FSU. But nonetheless, they still get pretty good value out of Burns at 16. Not bad Panthers.
Best Comparison: Quinton Coples, North Carolina
17. NY Giants- Dexter Lawrence, NT, Clemson
Grade: C
Analysis: Giants fill a need a nose tackle with a massive nose tackle. But this pick would’ve made a lot more sense if you had given your offense any kind of help through this draft! And you passed on very high value players at 6 in several positions of need. This does little to make up for the horrid pick they made earlier. Dexter, sorry you gotta go to that shithole.
Comparison: Danny Shelton, Washington
18. Minnesota: Garrett Bradbury, C, NCST
Grade: A
Analysis: Was probably about time for Bradbury to come off the board. Vikings fill a need at center. Bradbury should be able to start right away. He’s what you look for in an interior lineman in this league.
Comparison: Alex Mack, California
19. Tennessee: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Grade: B+
Analysis: Tennessee fills a major need with the best player on the board. Nicely done. In case you haven’t noticed, the defensive line talent in this draft is unreal. Although Simmons’ upside is high, he appears to be a high-risk pick.
Comparison: Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
20. Denver: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Note: DEN swapped down from #10 with PIT
Grade: A+
Analysis: Nice job by the Broncos. Knowing that their biggest needs are on offense, Denver realized they were in a good spot to trade down and pick up in an extra second round pick that they would eventually use on their QB of the future. But for now, Denver provides its most pressing need for Joe Flacco in a pass catcher. Fant is the best one on the board at this point. Can split out to the slot and produce from that spot. Fits perfectly in Denver. His shortcomings as a blocker can be nullified by the presence of Jon Heuerman, one of the best run blocking TEs in the league, who re-signed this season. I think Fant is a great fit in Denver, and they get great value out of him at 20, as he is the best offensive player on the board.
Comparison: Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
21. Packers: Darnell Savage Jr., S, Maryland
Note: Traded up from #30 with SEA
Grade: B
The Packers add another tough defender to a defense that is beginning to look well put together. Savage should be ready to play right away. He is a smart and aggressive football player that will make big plays for your defense with his ball hawking abilities at free safety. Savage may need to put on 10-15 pounds. I’m not sure he was worth trading up for. He may have still been on the board at 30. I think the Packers have too many needs to be trading up like this. They fill another one here, but will they get the offensive help they need in this draft?
Philly: Andre Dillard, OT/G, Washington State
Note: Traded up from #25 via Baltimore
Grade: A-
Analysis: Philly adds depth to their offensive line. Dillard may or may not earn a starting spot as a rookie. But he is versatile and seems like a great fit in Philly, who gets good value out of him at this spot. But they had to trade up to do so. I’m not a big fan of sacrificing picks to move up a few spots. But in this case, Philly has so few needs, they can afford to go out of there way to get the one player they want. This added depth up front offensively could prove crucial late in the season for the Eagles.
Comparison: Andrus Peat, Stanford
23. Houston: Tytus Howard, OT, Alcon State
Grade: A
Analysis: Some May say this was a little early for Tytus Howard. I disagree. I think experts were rating him a little too low. This is our first FCS player off the board. I think Tytus Howard was the Best RT prospect on the board and could step in and start at that spot right away. He has all the intangibles to be a well balanced run and pass blocker. I think he will be a dependable player for the Texans. In my opinion, he’s probably lower risk than most of the OT prospects on the board. And as a former high school QB, I’d say he’s naturally more athletic as well.
Player Comparison: Eugene Monroe, Virginia
24. Oakland: Josh Jacobs, RB, Oklahoma
Grade: A
Analysis: The Raiders, having 3 first round picks, went ahead and used one of those to get the best running back in the draft at in my opinion a reasonable spot. Some may say Jacobs doesn’t have first round value as a runningback. But as much as teams were starting to trade up and down, someone may have looked to move up to get Jacobs before 27 if they passed on him here. I think Jacobs is primed for a long, successful career. He will likely get the bulk of the carries for Jon Gruden and help lift his offense right away. This is probably the best pick they could’ve made here, getting another proven winner.
Player comparison: Mark Ingram, Alabama
25. Baltimore: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Grade: A+
Analysis: Great fit for the Ravens offense! This guy is the definition of a weapon. And don’t mistake him as just a little speedster. This guy has outstanding route running skills and has the intangibles to be an elite receiver. He couldn’t ask for a better playing situation in Baltimore. He and Lamar Jackson should compliment each other nicely. Brown is a versatile playmaker that they can get the ball to in a variety of ways. I’d hate to compliment another AFC North team, but the Ravens couldn’t have gotten this one more right.
Player Comparison: DeSean Jackson, California
26. Washington: Montez Sweat, OLB, Mississippi State
Note: Washington traded back up into the first round for a second pick via the Colts.
Grade: A+
Analysis: With one last elite level pass rush prospect on the board (somewhat surprisingly) the Redskins went ahead and make their move on a guy that absolutely blew scouts away at the combine. I mean a 4.41 at 260 pounds?! Come on now… This guy has a very high ceiling and should have the ability to come in and get after the quarterback right away. Passing on this guy at 15 was probably the plan for the Redskins had Haskins not fallen to him. They had pressing needs in finding a future quarterback and adding to their pass rush. Choosing between those two at 15 was likely tough, but they made the right choice, and then manage to get back into the first round and grab the other prospect they identified. Washington May have benefited from luck getting Haskins and Sweat at the spots they did, but they couldn’t have asked for the first round to go any better. Great job of identifying prospects that will fit well in DC, and actively building through the draft by the Redskins.
Player Comparison: Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
27. Oakland: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Grade: C
Analysis: Abram is a good looking safety that plays fast and can lay the lumber. The Raiders fill a need with this pick in the defensive backfield if Abram can produce right away. But it is unsure if Abram is going to be ready start right away. He needs to add some weight to his frame. I had Abram as a second rounder, and the Raiders could’ve filled this need with a bunch of talented safeties if not Abram himself in the second round. Abram should help the Raiders roster out. But with the additions of Karl Joseph and LaMarcus Joyner at safety, I think a corner would have been more valuable with this pick. There has yet to be one drafted. If I were the Raiders, I would’ve identified my favorite corner here, and grabbed him. You’ve got your choice of Byron Murphy, Rock Ya-Sin, DeAndre Baker, and Greedy Williams. I think any one of these guys would have had a more immediate impact than Abram.
Player Comparison: T.J Ward, Oregon
28. LA Chargers: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Grade: A+
Analysis: Love this pick! Tillery has tons of upside, not only as a DT but in life as well. Tillery will immediately contribute immediately as a pass rusher on occasions, and just eating up blockers for Chargers LBs to make plays. Another team fills a need at DT with one of the best players on the board.
Player Comparison: Gerald McCoy, Texas A&M
29. Seattle: LJ Collier, DE, TCU
Note: SEA traded down to 30 to take GB’s pick before moving up one spot via KC.
Grade: A
Analysis: With pass rushers beginning to become scarce in this draft, the Seahawks are able to trade down to get their replacement for Frank Clark. Collier seems like a great fit in Seattle. I had Collier as high second round pick. I would not have liked this pick at 21. But with them being able to trade down and fill their biggest need given the scarcity upcoming at the position, I absolutely love this pick!
Player Comparison: Frank Clark, Michigan
30. NY Giants: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Note: After KC let Seattle move ahead of them to think about what they wanted, they fully trade the pick away to the Giants.
Grade: C
Analysis: Baker will help out in the Giants backfield. But you can’t keep throwing away your opportunities to upgrade your offensive line and pass catching options after drafting a QB of the future that is widely unproven. If the Giants did give away picks to get Baker, I’d be okay with this. But the Giants are putting together a laughable draft and are quickly becoming a laughable franchise. Sorry DeAndre, this is about where you deserve to go, but nobody deserves to play for the Giants right now.
Player Comparison: Tre’Davious White, LSU
31. Atlanta: Mitch McGary, OT, Washington
Note: LA Rams traded away their first round pick for the Falcons to get back in the action.
Grade: C
Analysis: The Falcons reach again to help build the line in front of Matt Ryan. This was by far their biggest need, but there are still plenty of RT prospects on the board. There was no need to trade up to get this guy in my opinion. The Falcons would find their right tackle at some point. McGary could step in and start right away, and he and Lindstrom may both work out in completing the Falcons O-Line. But I don’t think they’re getting the most value again.
Player Comparison: Nate Solder, Colorado
32. New England: K’Neal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Grade: A+
Analysis: Nice pick up for Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. The last WR the Patriots have selected in the first Round was the great Terry Glenn out of Ohio State. This guy could be that caliber of receiver and sustain a great career with the Patriots. They get a big, strong, rangy receiver that runs great routes and has excellent ball skills. They don’t really have a big target like Harry right now, so they can definitely use him right away. If they didn’t pick him, Arizona likely would have with the first pick in round 2. Great addition for the Super Bowl Champs!
Player Comparison: AJ Green, Georgia
partiallybiased.com 