https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...eams-2019-patriots-giants-raiders/3594666002/
NFL draft grades 2019: Patriots' class among best, Giants' haul confounds
Time for my least favorite aspect of
NFL draft season — the reactionary, postmortem grades NFL readership seems to demand the minute after
Mr. Irrelevant has been announced.
PSA — this is a largely pointless drill, and a legitimate report card can't fairly be issued until 2022. But I'll play along and submit my annual, way-too-early, impromptu evaluations before all of these players have even set foot onto a pro practice field. Please note, I strive to assess each club's class holistically, assessing the players on merit
and the associated costs of trades past and present that shape each group.
Onward ...
TRACKER: Round 1 |
Round 2-3 |
Round 4-7
(Teams listed alphabetically by city within each grade tier.
)
Cleveland Browns: A
You reel in a player the caliber of
WR Odell Beckham Jr., especially in his prime, at the cost of your first rounder (plus a bit more), then you probably deserve an A grade. When you also snatch
CB Greedy Williams and ILB Mack Wilson, potentially both immediate starters (and good ones), then you've gone above and beyond.
Miami Dolphins: A
First-round DT Christian Wilkins is a highly productive, talented and versatile player and one likely to emerge as a strong locker room voice, all things this rebooting franchise badly needs. Third-round G Michael Deiter was another nice pickup for a team that had deteriorated in the trenches. But the
trade for QB Josh Rosen looks like a heist. Not only did the Dolphins
obtain a capable passing prospect for the next four years, they only have to pay about a third of his total salary. Factor in the acquisition of the Saints' 2020 second rounder, and Miami's new regime is off and running nicely.
New England Patriots: A
Sure appears like another impressive haul.
First-round WR N'Keal Harry's skills seem perfectly suited to where Tom Brady is in the twilight (right?) of his career. All of the Day 2 picks (CB Joejuan Williams,
OLB/DE Chase Winovich, RB Damien Harris and, maybe, OT Yodny Cajuste) all appear poised to contribute immediately to a team that lost key players in free agency. And successions plans, perhaps, at quarterback (
Jarrett Stidham) yet almost certainly at punter, Jake Bailey evidently so alluring that Bill Belichick was able to overlook the fact he's
not left-footed.
MOST QUESTIONABLE PICKS: Rashan Gary is a risk for Packers
San Francisco 49ers: A
DE Nick Bosa was widely regarded as the top player coming out this year and bolsters what should be a nasty Niners D-line. Spending next year's second rounder on a trade for
established pass rusher Dee Ford looks like a bargain considering what his former team, Kansas City, subsequently
surrendered for Frank Clark. WRs Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd should added needed zip to a passing game that got a disproportionate amount of its 2018 dividends from TE George Kittle.
BELL: Nick Bosa must prove he's learned from Colin Kaepernick remark, offensive comments
Arizona Cardinals: A-
QB Kyler Murray in the first, CB Byron Murphy and WR Andy Isabella in the second, DE Zach Allen in the third, WR Hakeem Butler in the fourth, S Deionte Thompson in the fifth — sure felt like GM Steve Keim just knocked down pick after pick after pick. And if Murray operates this offense as well as everyone expects him to and embarks on the NFL version of an Allen Iverson career? If that happens, then we can forgive what seemed the fairly ham-handed handling of Rosen's situation.
Buffalo Bills: A-
Landing
DT Ed Oliver at No. 9 may prove a steal for an underrated defense that may now garner deserved attention with ability like this to produce more highlights. After that, GM Brandon Beane returned to his offseason task of upgrading the supporting cast around second-year QB Josh Allen, adding a quality blocker (Cody Ford) a needed tight end (Dawson Knox) and an infusion of youth and ability (Devin Singletary) to an antiquated running back room. This club
might be sneaky good in 2019.
Chicago Bears: A-
It was light on quantity (5 selections), but it brought them Khalil Mack. Period. Third-round RB David Montgomery seems much better designed for this offense than departed predecessor Jordan Howard. WR Riley Ridley came relatively cheaply in Round 4.
Jacksonville Jaguars: A-
Josh Allen was sitting there at No. 7, and the Jags didn't flinch even though they probably had more pressing needs elsewhere. But as Jon Gruden says, good pass rushers are "hard to find." And getting Florida OT Jawaan Taylor in Round 2, a player many mock drafts projected to Jacksonville in the first round, was a coup. Might have been nice to see them get a receiver in the middle rounds, but that's a nitpick.
Washington Redskins: A-
Pre-draft reports out of the nation's capital forecast a draft night train wreck. But the 'Skins not only averted the rumored disaster, they showed atypical patience and potentially walked away with two first-round blue chippers in
QB Dwayne Haskins and OLB Montez Sweat. Maybe the only person who didn't appreciate this draft was last year's second rounder, injured RB Derrius Guice. But who can fault Washington for its new Bryce Love insurance policy? Even late picks like fifth-round C Ross Pierschbacher and sixth-round WR Kelvin Harmon could contribute early and often.
JONES: Opinion: Dwayne Haskins comes with questions for Redskins as first-round pick
Dallas Cowboys: B+
They spent what turned out to be the 27th pick at last year's trade deadline for WR Amari Cooper. Tough to say there was anybody that good available at that spot, right? Second-round DT Trysten Hill could be a highly disruptive player between DEs Demarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn. Hate to debate too much regarding third-round G Connor McGovern given this team's penchant for trotting out a strong O-line, but did Dallas wait to long to get the safety team brass openly coveted?
Indianapolis Colts: B+
GM Chris Ballard seems to be establishing his own reputation as a master draft board manipulator, ultimately picking thrice in the second round, where CB Rock Ya-Sin, LB Ben Banogu and swift WR Parris Campbell only seem to brighten this rising team's horizon. Perhaps the most meaningful player of Ballard's bounty next season will be fourth rounder Khari Willis, who projects as a perfect safety foil to Malik Hooker.
New York Jets: B+
GM Mike Maccagnan has a pretty solid track record for sticking to his board and taking the best available player — doing so for Leonard Williams, Jamal Adams and Sam Darnold through the years ... though he wouldn't have been in position for any of those players if the Jets were better on the field, but I digress.
Alabama DT Quinnen Williams, the third overall pick this year and the best player of the whole bunch according to some draft experts, is the latest in that mold and should make a high-potential player like third-round edge rusher Jachai Polite better. And don't forget, this year's second rounder was swapped in the trade that produced Darnold last year.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
GM John Schneider began the week with a league-low four draft picks but added 11 players to his roster by the time the event concluded. Without the Seattle context, first-round DL L.J. Collier and second-round S Marquise Blair both seem overdrafted. However Schneider gets another pass given his acute feel for this roster's needs. Getting
WR D.K. Metcalf with the final pick of Round 2 may ultimately prove larcenous given how well his specific abilities should meld with this offense and the way QB Russell Wilson operates. The deal of Clark brings a second rounder in 2020.
Tennessee Titans: B+
Charlotte G Nate Davis was the pick of the draft in Round 3. (OK, I'm getting carried away. But make no mistake, Davis is a high-quality addition for a team that wants make its bones on the ground.) Ole Miss' A.J. Brown will arguably emerge as this draft's premier wideout after a stellar stint in Oxford and looks like a great value choice at No. 51. Last, but certainly not least, first-round DT Jeffery Simmons could be another cagey choice by GM Jon Robinson. Simmons' ACL injury may shelve him in 2019, but his ability was worth the investment of the 19th overall choice.
Baltimore Ravens: B
Understandable that newly promoted GM Eric DeCosta would continue customizing this offense for second-year QB Lamar Jackson. The combo of Round 1 WR Marquise Brown and Round 3 WR Miles Boykin brings a nice dose of speed and size, respectively, and should dovetail nicely with what Jackson currently provides as a raw passer. The question may be whether DeCosta did enough to reload the gutted front seven of a defense that ranked No. 1 overall in 2018, especially given a fourth-round running back (talented Justice Hill) seems like a luxury. Round 6 QB Trace McSorley is a great fit behind Jackson and might be able to contribute in other areas. This year's second rounder was used in the trade for Jackson last year.
Los Angeles Chargers: B
No bells, whistles or trades, just steady Eddie right down the fairway. First-round DT Jerry Tillery and second-round S Nasir Adderley have huge opportunities to flourish as they parachute into a defense with the potential to be exceptionally good.
Minnesota Vikings: B
The offensive line (and run game in general) got needed assistance with first-round C Garrett Bradbury, fourth-round G Dru Samia and a back (third rounder Alexander Mattison) who could take the load off injury-riddled Dalvin Cook. Second-round TE Irv Smith should do quite a bit of damage against defenses understandably eyeing this club's wideouts.
Philadelphia Eagles: B
Second-round RB Miles Sanders could be a rookie of the year dark horse for a team that struggled to fill the position in 2018. First-round LT Andre Dillard and the other second rounder, WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, look like shrewd investments who may not have to start for another year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
Admire GM Kevin Colbert deviating from his tendencies to trade up for LB Devin Bush — the first man this organization ever dealt into the top 10 for — particularly in light of this defense's ongoing struggles since Ryan Shazier went down in 2017. But it was a hefty gamble at the cost of a first, second and future third rounder. Third-round CB Justin Layne and fourth-round RB Benny Snell seem like solid choices, but will Colbert regret not tabbing an alternative to Matt Feiler, the new starting right tackle?
Carolina Panthers: B-
First-round DE Brian Burns, second-round OT Greg Little, third-round QB Will Grier and fourth-round pass rusher Christian Miller all seemed to arrive at the intersection of need and value — though it remains to be seen if any are ready to assume prominent roles out of the gate.
Green Bay Packers: B-
Kinda felt like a Ted Thompson draft with the priority on big guys and defense with the weapons for Aaron Rodgers coming later.
First-round DE Rashan Garyseems like good value at No. 12 even if the defensive line and edge looked well stocked already. But trading up to No. 21 for
S Darnell Savage might not have been necessary. Second-round OL Elgton Jenkins and third-round TE Jace Sternberger
should make Rodgers happy.
Los Angeles Rams: B-
They spent quite a bit of time on the phone accumulating picks, all of them basically spent on depth and developmental prospects — which makes sense given the state of a roster that just reached a Super Bowl. Second-round S Taylor Rapp seems the best bet to make an impact as a rookie.
Oakland Raiders: B-
You can quibble that the price was a little high for
fourth overall pick Clelin Ferrell, but there's no guarantee he would have remained available further down the board had the Raiders lured a trade partner — and they're hard to find when you're talking about a selection that high. And make no mistake, new GM Mike Mayock wanted high-character, highly productive players who love the game, and Ferrell checks all of those boxes. Subsequent first rounders Josh Jacobs and Johnathan Abram also seem like the foundational players such picks warrant, and second-round CB Trayvon Mullen could prove nearly as valuable. So why just a B-? Welp, it's not Mayock's fault ... but at the end of the day, these players must still prove they're worth the divorces from Mack and Cooper — and maybe the additional first rounder waiting in the 2020 draft will better make the justification. Stay tuned.
More: Inside the Oakland Raiders' NFL draft room, here's how their cloak of secrecy worked
Denver Broncos: C+
GM John Elway seemed to get off on the right foot, first-round TE Noah Fant and second-round OL Dalton Risner near-optimal selections to prop up veteran QB Joe Flacco. But then, true to form, Elway couldn't resist rolling the dice on another passer,
Missouri's Drew Lock, at the expense of three picks. You could argue he's justified to continue throwing resources at the QB quandary, but at some point he's also undercutting the rest of the team. Third-round DT Dre'Mont Jones doesn't seem like a guy ideally suited to Vic Fangio's defense, but he certainly has skills.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C+
New coach Bruce Arians must have had to show restraint as GM Jason Licht only gave him one offensive player, sixth-round WR Scott Miller. No. 5 overall pick Devin White looks like a home run linebacker and a personality this franchise can market. Otherwise, Licht continues to chase defensive backs and kickers, and we'll see if he did it more effectively this year than he has recently.
Detroit Lions: C
They didn't manage to fulfill their desire to move out of the No. 8 spot, but
TE T.J. Hockenson might be the best kind of consolation prize. GM Bob Quinn's draft résumé is fairly checkered to date, so kinda hard to get overly excited about the rest of it — though apparently you can't go wrong with a Clemson D-lineman ... even when it's fourth rounder Austin Bryant.
Atlanta Falcons: C-
They appear poised to field an offensive line with five first rounders after selecting Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary on Thursday. Make no mistake, this team needed to get better in the trenches. But did GM Thomas Dimitroff pull the trigger a bit early for both players — especially given McGary came at the price of this year's second and third rounders? Time will tell. But Dimitroff is the same guy who "overpaid" for Julio Jones in 2011, so ...
Kansas City Chiefs: C-
This is a challenging assessment. They gave Seattle a first rounder this year and second rounder next year for the opportunity to give Clark a nine-figure contract. OK, makes sense given the state of K.C.'s defense. But this organization is beginning to reap what it sows by throwing in with players who have burned it with notorious off-field incidents, and the franchise was forced to scramble for Georgia WR Mecole Hardman with its first pick (56th overall) as the hue and cry to cut
WR Tyreek Hill gets increasingly louder.
Cincinnati Bengals: D+
It would appear they picked a blocking tight end (Drew Sample) in Round 2. Um ... Even if he develops into a quality all-around player, the Bengals, who finished last in total defense in 2018, certainly should have been addressing other areas instead. No real qualm with first-round OL Jonah Williams. But why pick QB Ryan Finley, who seems like a lateral move from Andy Dalton, in Round 4 when you could have had Dwayne Haskins 11th and picked up decent blockers later. Sorry, but this is still perplexing.
New Orleans Saints: D+
Commendable move to aggressively land C Erik McCoy, who should immediately spell now-retired Max Unger, in the second round. Drew Brees needs such interior bodyguards to keep his uniform and sight lines clean. But the Saints continued a disturbing trend of mortgaging the future, parting with next year's second rounder to get into position for McCoy. And they had no first rounder after spending it in the 2018 draft on DE Marcus Davenport, a player who didn't provide much return on investment last season.
Houston Texans: D
To describe their draft as uninspired might prove kind. Only history will determine whether GM Brian Gaine panicked by taking Alabama State OT Tytus Howard in the first round after letting the Eagles jump him for Dillard, who seemed like the perfect guy to step in and safeguard battered QB Deshaun Watson. Also some skepticism as to how much Howard, second-round OT Max Scharping and third-round TE Kahale Warring are equipped to help this team win immediately.
New York Giants: D-
They wound up with three first-round picks for the first time in franchise history ... and it sure felt like ever-salty GM Dave Gettleman
reached on every one of them — most notably
Duke QB Daniel Jones at No. 6. CB Deandre Baker cost a second, fourth and fifth rounder. And, perhaps worst of all, DT Dexter Lawrence basically takes the roster spot of Odell Beckham Jr. Only the benefit of the doubt precludes an F for Gettleman and Co.
