Movie quote of the day:
“Knights of Columbus, that hurt.”
— Ron Burgundy, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (2004)
It feels like the 2024 NFL Draft ended just as quickly as it came. I did pretty well in my own mock draft. I finished with eight correct picks in the first round, which was a new personal best, and the same result as NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and a better result than ESPN’s Matt Miller. I even posted a new personal best when it comes to correctly predicting the position teams would draft (17) and tied my record for the correct number of players selected in the first round (28). I was on a heater, to say the least. It’s even more impressive when you consider that I’m not as plugged in as those guys.
My biggest takeaway from this draft is just how offensively driven the game is becoming. That’s nothing I didn’t already know, but it feels like this was the first time to see it come to fruition through the draft. The first 14 picks of the first round were used on offensive players, including six quarterbacks in the top 12. There were also 23 offensive players taken in the first round, which is a new record. I think that speaks volumes to how the game is being played at the collegiate level.
I’m intrigued to see how the players in this draft class pan out in the NFL, maybe even more so than usual. This draft class was historically great on the offensive side of the ball, particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. I want to see if these players live up to the hype at the next level. I also want to see if the defensive players can exceed expectations, because this class wasn’t highly regarded on that side of the ball.
This is the eighth year in a row that I’ve given draft grades for every team. I think I’m finally figuring out to evaluate the way these teams construct their rosters. It’s still pretty subjective, though.
Draft grades:
Arizona Cardinals
Selections: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Round: 1 Pick: 4), DL Darius Robinson (Round: 1 Pick: 27), CB Max Melton (Round: 2 Pick: 43), RB Trey Benson (Round: 3 Pick: 66), IOL Isaiah Adams (Round: 3 Pick: 71), TE Tip Reiman (Round: 3 Pick: 82), CB Elijah Jones (Round: 3 Pick: 90), S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Round: 4 Pick: 104), Edge Xavier Thomas (Round: 5 Pick: 138), T Christian Jones (Round: 5 Pick: 162), WR Tejhaun Palmer (Round: 6 Pick: 194), CB Jaden Davis (Round: 7 Pick: 226)
Despite having 12 picks, I’m a little underwhelmed with Arizona’s draft. I wasn’t crazy about Robinson as a prospect, so drafting him in the first round felt like a reach. I also didn’t think the value was there for Adams and Reiman in the third round. The Cardinals still managed to get good players in the second round and on Day 3, along with arguably the best player of the draft in Harrison.
Grade: B+
Atlanta Falcons
Selections: QB Michael Penix Jr. (Round: 1 Pick: 8), DL Ruke Orhorhoro (Round: 1 Pick: 35), Edge Bralen Trice (Round: 3 Pick: 74), DL Brandon Dorlus (Round: 4 Pick: 109), LB JD Bertrand (Round: 5 Pick: 143), RB Jase McClellan (Round: 6 Pick: 186), WR Casey Washington (Round: 6 Pick: 187), DL Zion Logue (Round: 6 Pick: 197)
I actually don’t hate Atlanta’s decision to draft Penix. Having a succession plan at quarterback is never a bad thing. However, I’m not crazy about an almost 24-year-old sitting the bench for the next few years. The Falcons did a great job bolstering their defensive front in selecting Orhorhoro, Trice, and Dorlus. Atlanta really could’ve used some help at cornerback, though.
Grade: C+
Baltimore Ravens
Selections: CB Nate Wiggins (Round: 1 Pick: 30), T Roger Rosengarten (Round: 2 Pick: 62), Edge Adisa Isaac (Round: 3 Pick: 93), WR Devontez Walker (Round: 4 Pick: 113), CB T.J. Tampa (Round: 4 Pick: 130), RB Rasheen Ali (Round: 5 Pick: 165), QB Devin Leary (Round: 6 Pick: 218), IOL Nick Samac (Round: 7 Pick: 228), S Sanoussi Kane (Round: 7 Pick: 250)
Baltimore went in a different direction than what I thought it’d go in the draft. The Ravens have needed depth at cornerback and offensive tackle for years, and they used three of their first five picks on those positions. Wiggins might turn into the best cornerback in this draft class. Baltimore also got great value by selecting Isaac, Walker, and Tampa in the third and fourth rounds.
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills
Selections: WR Keon Coleman (Round: 2 Pick: 33), S Cole Bishop (Round: 2 Pick: 60), DL DeWayne Carter (Round: 3 Pick: 95), RB Ray Davis (Round: 4 Pick: 128), IOL Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (Round: 5 Pick: 141), LB Edefuan Ulofoshio (Round: 5 Pick: 160), Edge Javon Solomon (Round: 5 Pick: 168), T Tylan Grable (Round: 6 Pick: 204), CB Daequan Hardy (Round: 6 Pick: 219), IOL Travis Clayton (Round: 7 Pick: 221)
For the most part, I have zero issue with Buffalo’s decision to trade back so many times. The Bills needed to round out their roster. They’re getting good players in Coleman, Bishop, Carter, and Davis. Van Pran-Granger might compete for the starting center spot, too. My issue with Buffalo is its decision to trade with Kansas City in the first round, which knocks this grade down a bit.
Grade: B
Carolina Panthers
Selections: WR Xavier Legette (Round: 1 Pick: 32), RB Jonathan Brooks (Round: 2 Pick: 46), LB Trevin Wallace (Round: 3 Pick: 72), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (Round: 4 Pick: 101), CB Chau Smith-Wade (Round: 5 Pick: 157), DL Jaden Crumedy (Round: 6 Pick: 200), LB Michael Barrett (Round: 7 Pick: 240)
Despite not having many picks, I thought Carolina came away with some good players. Legette gives the Panthers a No. 1 receiver on the perimeter. Brooks will immediately be in the running back rotation. Sanders gives Carolina a presence in the middle of the field. I’m still surprised that the Panthers didn’t draft an edge rusher to replace Brian Burns. That dings their grade a bit.
Grade: C+
Chicago Bears
Selections: QB Caleb Williams (Round: 1 Pick: 1), WR Rome Odunze (Round: 1 Pick: 9), T Kiran Amegadjie (Round: 3 Pick: 75), P Tory Taylor (Round: 4 Pick: 122), Edge Austin Booker (Round: 5 Pick: 144)
It’s hard to not do well in the draft when you have two picks in the top 10. Williams has a chance to be the best quarterback Chicago has ever had. I think Odunze could be the best wide receiver in this draft class. Amegadjie and Booker were solid picks after the first round. I loathe drafting specialists before the sixth round, though. I have to knock the Bears for that.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Bengals
Selections: T Amarius Mims (Round: 1 Pick: 18), DL Kris Jenkins (Round: 2 Pick: 49), WR Jermaine Burton (Round: 3 Pick: 80), DL McKinnley Jackson (Round: 3 Pick: 97), TE Erick All (Round: 4 Pick: 115), CB Josh Newton (Round: 5 Pick: 149), TE Tanner McLachlan (Round: 6 Pick: 194), Edge Cedric Johnson (Round: 6 Pick: 214), S Daijahn Anthony (Round: 7 Pick: 224), IOL Matt Lee (Round: 7 Pick: 237)
I thought Cincinnati did a great job of hitting on its needs. Mims is a project at offensive tackle, but the Bengals are a good spot for him because he won’t be asked to start right away. I love Cincinnati’s decision to beef up the interior of its defensive front by drafting Jenkins and Jackson. Burton gives them a needed No. 3 receiver. All and Newton are worth taking a chance on, too.
Grade: B+
Cleveland Browns
Selections: DL Michael Hall Jr. (Round: 2 Pick: 54), IOL Zak Zinter (Round: 3 Pick: 85), WR Jamari Thrash (Round: 5 Pick: 156), LB Nathaniel Watson (Round: 6 Pick: 206), CB Myles Harden (Round: 7 Pick: 227), DL Jowon Briggs (Round: 7 Pick: 243)
I don’t know what to make of Cleveland’s draft. The Browns didn’t have many picks, which I try not to hold against a team when giving grades. I like the Hall and Thrash selections, but this draft still leaves a lot to be desired. It’s unclear if Zinter will play this season after breaking his tibia and fibula back in November, so using a third-round pick on him was unnecessary.
Grade: C+
Dallas Cowboys
Selections: T Tyler Guyton (Round: 1 Pick: 29), Edge Marshawn Kneeland (Round: 2 Pick: 56), IOL Cooper Beebe (Round: 3 Pick: 73), LB Marist Liufau (Round: 3 Pick: 87), CB Caelen Carson (Round: 5 Pick: 174), WR Ryan Flournoy (Round: 6 Pick: 216), T Nathan Thomas (Round: 7 Pick: 233), DL Justin Rogers (Round: 7 Pick: 244)
Drafting a project like Guyton tells me that Dallas plans to move Tyler Smith to left tackle, and Beebe will take Smith’s spot at guard. That’s a smart move by the Cowboys. Kneeland will provide immediate depth along the defensive front. Carson might be a gem in the fifth round. I also think people are overreacting to Dallas not picking a running back. I think the Cowboys had a pretty good draft.
Grade: B-
Denver Broncos
Selections: QB Bo Nix (Round: 1 Pick: 12), Edge Jonah Elliss (Round: 3 Pick: 76), WR Troy Franklin (Round: 4 Pick: 102), CB Kris Abrams-Draine (Round: 5 Pick: 145), RB Audric Estimé (Round: 5 Pick: 147), WR Devaughn Vele (Round: 7 Pick: 235), IOL Nick Gargiulo (Round: 7 Pick: 256)
Denver addressed its biggest needs with its first four picks, but I don’t like the players it drafted. Nix, Elliss, Franklin, and Abrams-Draine are all undersized players with low ceilings. I just don’t think their physical limitations mesh well in a cold weather city like Denver. My favorite pick by the Broncos was probably Estimé, who came in the fifth round. I’m not crazy about this draft.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions
Selections: CB Terrion Arnold (Round: 1 Pick: 24), CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Round: 2 Pick: 61), T Giovanni Manu (Round: 4 Pick: 126), S/RB Sione Vaki (Round: 4 Pick: 132), DL Mekhi Wingo (Round: 6 Pick: 189), IOL Christian Mahogany (Round: 6 Pick: 210)
Detroit doubled down at cornerback, which was its biggest need. The Lions moved up to get arguably the best cornerback in this draft class in Arnold, and even Rakestraw is a good player despite not testing well. Detroit also found maulers of offensive linemen in Manu and Mahogany. Wingo was a steal in the sixth round. I thought this was another terrific draft by Brad Holmes.
Grade: A-
Green Bay Packers
Selections: T Jordan Morgan (Round: 1 Pick: 25), LB Edgerrin Cooper (Round: 2 Pick: 45), S Javon Bullard (Round: 2 Pick: 58), RB MarShawn Lloyd (Round: 3 Pick: 88), LB Ty’Ron Hopper (Round: 3 Pick: 91), S Evan Williams (Round: 4 Pick: 111), IOL Jacob Monk (Round: 5 Pick: 163), S Kitan Oladapo (Round: 5 Pick: 169), T Travis Glover (Round: 6 Pick: 202), QB Michael Pratt (Round: 7 Pick: 245), CB Kalen King (Round: 7 Pick: 255)
Brian Gutekunst did an excellent job bolstering the middle of Green Bay’s defense, which was the team’s biggest weakness. The Packers got two immediate starters in the second round in Cooper and Bullard. First-round pick Morgan should provide depth at offensive tackle. I didn’t think Green Bay got great value with some of its Day 3 picks. That’s why this grade isn’t higher.
Grade: B
Houston Texans
Selections: CB Kamari Lassiter (Round: 2 Pick: 42), T Blake Fisher (Round: 2 Pick: 59), S Calen Bullock (Round: 3 Pick: 78), TE Cade Stover (Round: 4 Pick: 123), LB Jamal Hill (Round: 6 Pick: 188), RB Jawhar Jordan (Round: 6 Pick: 205), DL Solomon Byrd (Round: 7 Pick: 238), DL Marcus Harris (Round: 7 Pick: 247), IOL LaDarius Henderson (Round: 7 Pick: 249)
For a young team that could’ve used a great draft, I didn’t think Houston did that well. In hindsight, I think the Texans should’ve kept their first-round pick. I think Lassiter is more of a nickel than a boundary cornerback at the next level. Bullock is an undersized safety that can’t tackle. I like the Fisher pick, but he’s a project. I don’t know how much Houston improved after this draft.
Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts
Selections: Edge Laiatu Latu (Round: 1 Pick: 15), WR Adonai Mitchell (Round: 2 Pick: 52), T Matt Goncalves (Round: 3 Pick: 79), IOL Tanor Bortolini (Round: 4 Pick: 117), WR Anthony Gould (Round: 5 Pick: 142), LB Jaylon Carlies (Round: 5 Pick: 151), S Jaylin Simpson (Round: 5 Pick: 164), CB Micah Abraham (Round: 6 Pick: 201), DL Jonah Laulu (Round: 7 Pick: 234)
Chris Ballard put together another solid draft for Indianapolis. The Colts have needed to bolster their pass rush for years and it got Latu, who might be the best edge rusher in this draft class. Mitchell was a steal in the second round. The Colts added depth to their offensive line by picking Goncalves and Bortolini. My issue is that Indianapolis waited until the sixth round to draft a cornerback.
Grade: B+
Jacksonville Jaguars
Selections: WR Brian Thomas Jr. (Round: 1 Pick: 23), DL Maason Smith (Round: 2 Pick: 48), CB Jarrian Jones (Round: 3 Pick: 96), T Javon Foster (Round: 4 Pick: 114), DL Jordan Jefferson (Round: 4 Pick: 116), CB Deantre Prince (Round: 5 Pick: 153), RB Keilan Robinson (Round: 5 Pick: 167), K Cam Little (Round: 6 Pick: 212), Edge Myles Cole (Round: 7 Pick: 236)
Jacksonville got off to a good start by trading back and still getting a great player in Thomas. However, I don’t think the value was there for Smith in the second round. Jones is likely a nickel in the NFL and not a boundary cornerback, which is what the Jaguars needed. I don’t know if Foster or Jefferson will be difference makers. This draft feels like a mixed bag for Jacksonville.
Grade: C+
Kansas City Chiefs
Selections: WR Xavier Worthy (Round: 1 Pick: 28), T Kingsley Suamataia (Round: 2 Pick: 63), TE Jared Wiley (Round: 4 Pick: 131), S Jaden Hicks (Round: 4 Pick: 133), IOL Hunter Nourzad (Round: 5 Pick: 159), QB Kamal Hadden (Round: 6 Pick: 211), IOL C.J. Hanson (Round: 7 Pick: 248)
I’m actually don’t love Kansas City’s decision to trade up to get Worthy. He should fit in well with the Chiefs’ offense, but I worry about his frame (165 pounds) in cold weather. I thought Kansas City’s next three picks were outstanding, though. Suamataia has a ton of upside at offensive tackle. Wiley could develop into a solid tight end. Hicks was also a steal in the fourth round.
Grade: B+
Las Vegas Raiders
Selections: TE Brock Bowers (Round: 1 Pick: 13), IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson (Round: 2 Pick: 44), T Delmar Glaze (Round: 3 Pick: 77), CB Decamerion Richardson (Round: 4 Pick: 112), LB Tommy Eichenberg (Round: 5 Pick: 148), RB Dylan Laube (Round: 6 Pick: 208), S Trey Taylor (Round: 7 Pick: 223), CB M.J. Devonshire (Round: 7 Pick: 229)
Tight end wasn’t a need, but I’ll never fault a team for drafting the best player available. Bowers will make an impact with the Raiders. Powers-Johnson can start right away in the interior of their offensive line. Richardson, Eichenberg, and Devonshire are Day 3 picks that fill needs. I’m surprised that Las Vegas didn’t draft a quarterback. That puts a lot of pressure on Gardner Minshew.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Chargers
Selections: T Joe Alt (Round: 1 Pick: 5), WR Ladd McConkey (Round: 2 Pick: 34), LB Junior Colson (Round: 3 Pick: 69), DL Justin Eboigbe (Round: 4 Pick: 105), CB Tarheeb Still (Round: 5 Pick: 137), CB Cam Hart (Round: 5 Pick: 140), RB Kimani Vidal (Round: 6 Pick: 181), WR Brenden Rice (Round: 7 Pick: 225), WR Cornelius Johnson (Round: 7 Pick: 253)
I really like what the Chargers did over the weekend. After getting Alt, they probably have the best offensive tackle duo in the league. McConkey will be a favorite target for Justin Herbert, with his separation ability. Colson, Eboigbe, Still, Hart, and Vidal fill roster needs that have been neglected for years. Getting Rice and Johnson in the seventh round were steals, too.
Grade: A
Los Angeles Rams
Selections: Edge Jared Verse (Round: 1 Pick: 19), DL Braden Fiske (Round: 2 Pick: 39), RB Blake Corum (Round: 3 Pick: 83), S Kamren Kinchens (Round: 3 Pick: 99), Edge Brennan Jackson (Round: 5 Pick: 154), DL Tyler Davis (Round: 6 Pick: 196), K Joshua Karty (Round: 6 Pick: 209), WR Jordan Whittington (Round: 6 Pick: 213), IOL Beaux Limmer (Round: 6 Pick: 217), T KT Leveston (Round: 7 Pick: 254)
I thought the Rams crushed it in the draft. After losing Aaron Donald this offseason, they focused on improving their defensive front by taking Verse, Fiske, Jackson, and Davis. Corum will be a great pair with Kyren Williams in the backfield. Kinchens didn’t test well, but he’s worth taking a chance on in the third round. The Rams also got terrific value for Limmer in the sixth round.
Grade: A
Miami Dolphins
Selections: Edge Chop Robinson (Round: 1 Pick: 21), T Patrick Paul (Round: 2 Pick: 55), RB Jaylen Wright (Round: 4 Pick: 120), Edge Mohamed Kamara (Round: 5 Pick: 158), WR Malik Washington (Round: 6 Pick: 184), S Patrick McMorris (Round: 6 Pick: 198), WR Tahj Washington (Round: 7 Pick: 241)
Miami did well despite not having many picks. The Dolphins added some depth to their pass rush by getting Robinson. Paul will provide depth at left tackle behind Terron Armstead, who’s struggled to stay healthy. Raheem Mostert could be a free agent next year, so drafting Wright in the fourth round makes sense. Miami even got some depth at wide receiver on Day 3.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Vikings
Selections: QB J.J. McCarthy (Round: 1 Pick: 10), Edge Dallas Turner (Round: 1 Pick: 17), CB Khyree Jackson (Round: 4 Pick: 108), T Walter Rouse (Round: 6 Pick: 177), K Will Reichard (Round: 6 Pick: 203), IOL Michael Jurgens (Round: 7 Pick: 230), DL Levi Drake Rodriguez (Round: 7 Pick: 232)
Minnesota traded nine total draft picks (three of them in the second and third rounds this year and next year) to get McCarthy and Turner. That’s a lot of draft capital for a project at quarterback and an edge rusher with a low ceiling. This team that already didn’t have much depth and now it won’t have enough picks to change that. I like the Jackson pick in the fourth round, though.
Grade: C+
New England Patriots
Selections: QB Drake Maye (Round: 1 Pick: 3), WR Ja’Lynn Polk (Round: 2 Pick: 37), T Caedan Wallace (Round: 3 Pick: 68), IOL Layden Robinson (Round: 4 Pick: 103), WR Javon Baker (Round: 4 Pick: 110), CB Marcellas Dial (Round: 6 Pick: 180), QB Joe Milton (Round: 6 Pick: 193), TE Jaheim Bell (Round: 7 Pick: 231)
New England emphasized the offensive side of the ball, which was needed. I don’t think Maye is ready to start right now, but he has a high ceiling and has the traits to be a franchise quarterback. Polk and Baker should make an immediate impact as pass catchers. I think Wallace is an underrated prospect. There was a lot of pressure on New England and I think it did pretty well.
Grade: B+
New Orleans Saints
Selections: T Taliese Fuaga (Round: 1 Pick: 14), CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Round: 2 Pick: 41), QB Spencer Rattler (Round: 5 Pick: 150), WR Bub Means (Round: 5 Pick: 170), LB Jaylan Ford (Round: 5 Pick: 175), DL Khristian Boyd (Round: 6 Pick: 199), T Josiah Ezirim (Round: 7 Pick: 239)
New Orleans had a glaring need at offensive tackle and it drafted Fuaga, who might kick inside to guard. The Saints probably should’ve drafted another tackle before the seventh round. There’s a lot riding on Fuaga to acclimate quickly. I like the rest of New Orleans’ draft, though. McKinstry will provide depth at cornerback and Rattler is worth the risk in the fifth round.
Grade: B
New York Giants
Selections: WR Malik Nabers (Round: 1 Pick: 6), S Tyler Nubin (Round: 2 Pick: 47), CB Andru Phillips (Round: 3 Pick: 70), TE Theo Johnson (Round: 4 Pick: 107), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Round: 5 Pick: 166), LB Darius Muasau (Round: 6 Pick: 183)
The Giants focused on patching up their roster after losing quality players this offseason. Nubin, Johnson, and Tracy will serve as replacements for Xavier McKinney, Darren Waller, and Saquon Barkley. Drafting Nabers finally gives the Giants a dynamic pass catcher. I even like the Phillips pick in the third round. My only issue with this draft is that the Giants neglected the offensive line.
Grade: B+
New York Jets
Selections: T Olu Fashanu (Round: 1 Pick: 11), WR Malachi Corley (Round: 3 Pick: 65), RB Braelon Allen (Round: 4 Pick: 134), QB Jordan Travis (Round: 5 Pick: 173), RB Isaiah Davis (Round: 5 Pick: 173), CB Qwan’tez Stiggers (Round: 5 Pick: 176), S Jaylen Key (Round: 7 Pick: 257)
Joe Douglas hit on the Jets’ biggest needs early in the draft. Fashanu will be a long-term answer at left or right tackle, and can learn from Tyron Smith. Corley is a versatile wide receiver. I was surprised that the Jets drafted two running backs, considering Breece Hall still has two years on his rookie contract. I also think they could’ve used more help along the offensive line.
Grade: B-
Philadelphia Eagles
Selections: CB Quinyon Mitchell (Round: 1 Pick: 22), CB Cooper DeJean (Round: 2 Pick: 40), Edge Jalyx Hunt (Round: 3 Pick: 94), RB Will Shipley (Round: 4 Pick: 127), WR Ainias Smith (Round: 5 Pick: 152), LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Round: 5 Pick: 155), IOL Trevor Keegan (Round: 5 Pick: 172), WR Johnny Wilson (Round: 6 Pick: 185), IOL Dylan McMahon (Round: 6 Pick: 190)
Howie Roseman did Howie Roseman things once again in the draft. Philadelphia needed to improve its secondary and it did that by selecting Mitchell and DeJean, who were two of the top cornerbacks in this draft class. Hunt could turn into an adequate replacement for Haason Reddick. Getting Smith, Trotter, and Keegan in the fifth round was great value, too.
Grade: A
Pittsburgh Steelers
Selections: T Troy Fautanu (Round: 1 Pick: 20), IOL Zach Frazier (Round: 2 Pick: 51), WR Roman Wilson (Round: 3 Pick: 84), LB Payton Wilson (Round: 3 Pick: 98), IOL Mason McCormick (Round: 4 Pick: 119), DL Logan Lee (Round: 6 Pick: 178), CB Ryan Watts (Round: 6 Pick: 195)
I thought Pittsburgh nailed the draft despite not having that many picks. The Steelers needed to improve their offensive line and they drafted three prospects that might start right away in Fautanu, Frazier, and McCormick. Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson filled needs on Pittsburgh’s roster and were great value in the third round. This is back-to-back great drafts by Omar Khan.
Grade: A
San Francisco 49ers
Selections: WR Ricky Pearsall (Round: 1 Pick: 31), CB Renardo Green (Round: 2 Pick: 64), IOL Dominick Puni (Round: 3 Pick: 86), S Malik Mustapha (Round: 4 Pick: 124), RB Isaac Guerendo (Round: 4 Pick: 129), WR Jacob Cowing (Round: 4 Pick: 135), IOL Jarrett Kingston (Round: 6 Pick: 215), LB Tatum Bethune (Round: 7 Pick: 251)
With the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, it makes sense for San Francisco to draft Pearsall and Cowing. The 49ers needed a cornerback opposite of Charvarius Ward and Green can fill that role. Mustapha might be a hidden gem. Guerendo will be a great pair with Christian McCaffrey. San Francisco did much better in the draft this year than it did last year.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
Selections: DL Byron Murphy II (Round: 1 Pick: 16), IOL Christian Haynes (Round: 3 Pick: 81), LB Tyrice Knight (Round: 4 Pick: 118), TE AJ Barner (Round: 4 Pick: 121), CB Nehemiah Pritchett (Round: 5 Pick: 136), IOL Sataoa Laumea (Round: 6 Pick: 179), CB D.J. James (Round: 6 Pick: 192), T Michael Jerrell (Round: 6 Pick: 207)
Seattle addressed two of its biggest needs with its first two picks. Murphy will be a difference maker in the interior of the defensive line and Haynes will start right away at guard. Barner will be a good blocking tight end, too. However, I’m not crazy about the rest of the Seahawks’ draft. I don’t think the value was there for Knight. I also don’t like that Seattle neglected an edge rusher.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selections: IOL Graham Barton (Round: 1 Pick: 26), Edge Chris Braswell (Round: 2 Pick: 57), S Tykee Smith (Round: 3 Pick: 89), WR Jalen McMillan (Round: 3 Pick: 92), RB Bucky Irving (Round: 4 Pick: 125), IOL Elijah Klein (Round: 6 Pick: 220), TE Devin Culp (Round: 7 Pick: 246)
Teams typically don’t draft centers in the first round, but it makes sense for Tampa Bay after losing Ryan Jensen this offseason. Braswell will make provide depth at edge rusher, which was needed. Smith, McMillan, and Irving are good players that fill both immediate and future roster needs. I think Jason Licht did a good job, but I’m surprised that he neglected the cornerback position.
Grade: B+
Tennessee Titans
Selections: T JC Latham (Round: 1 Pick: 7), DL T’Vondre Sweat (Round: 2 Pick: 38), LB Cedric Gray (Round: 4 Pick: 106), CB Jarvis Brownlee (Round: 5 Pick: 146), WR Jha’Quan Jackson (Round: 6 Pick: 182), S James Williams (Round: 7 Pick: 242), Edge Jaylen Harrell (Round: 7 Pick: 252)
Despite having a top 10 pick, I don’t like what Tennessee did this past weekend. Latham felt like a reach in the top 10, and he’s likely going to be a guard or right tackle in the NFL. There were a ton of red flags surrounding Sweat throughout the draft process and the value wasn’t there to pick him early in the second round. I think the Titans are the biggest loser of the draft.
Grade: C-
Washington Commanders
Selections: QB Jayden Daniels (Round: 1 Pick: 2), DL Jer’Zhan Newton (Round: 2 Pick: 36), CB Mike Sainristil (Round: 2 Pick: 50), TE Ben Sinnott (Round: 2 Pick: 53), IOL Brandon Coleman (Round: 3 Pick: 67), WR Luke McCaffrey (Round: 3 Pick: 100), LB Jordan Magee (Round: 5 Pick: 139), S Dominique Hampton (Round: 5 Pick: 161), Edge Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Round: 7 Pick: 222)
I thought this was a fine draft by Washington, but I didn’t think it was great. Daniels was my least favorite quarterback in this draft class. Sinnott is probably more of an H-back than a tight end, and the value wasn’t great for him. I really like the Newton and Sainristil selections, though. I’m also surprised that the Commanders didn’t use more draft capital to get better in the trenches.
Grade: B
All Things Sports from a Millennial 