Our NFL analysts rated each of the first 32 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. They then calculated an average grade for each selection. They were in agreement about high value picks such as #10 Jedrick Wills Jr. and #28 Patrick Queen. The grades fell much more out of line, when discussing controversial QBs drafted after Joe Burrow. Scroll down to find their individual takes and reactions to each NFL Draft Pick.
(1) Cincinnati Bengals – QB Joe Burrow, LSU
Max: A-, No surprises here. Joe Burrow was the number one pick for a little while now. Personally, I’m not buying the hype on the LSU product. Burrow could go on to have a very solid career, but the combination of Burrow, head coach Zac Taylor, and terrible, cheap management, screams Andy Dalton part 2. The Bengals did what was expected of them with this pick. I only give them an A- because I’m simply not sold on the outlook of this franchise.
Mark: A, Mid-way through the collegiate season, it appeared as though Chase Young would be the undisputed #1 pick. But after one of the most incredible seasons from a QB, capped off with a National Championship and Heisman award, the pick became clear as Joe Burrow asserted himself as one of the top QB prospects to enter the draft in recent years. His experience, confidence, and incredible talent solidify him as a franchise-changing QB who may not turn around their coming season, but will certainly elevate them back into the playoff conversation in coming years.
Themi: A, The Bengals were here for one reason, and they did exactly what they needed to do. To even escape the AFC North and make the playoffs, you need a generational talent. Joe Burrow is one of those players you just cannot pass up on if you want any chance to win.
Grade: A
(2) Washington Redskins – EDGE Chase Young, Ohio St.
Max: A, The Redskins get the best player in the draft at the number 2 slot. Young is a freak athlete, with top of the line speed and athleticism. He still has some work to do as far as diversifying his skillset goes, but he is, overall, the most complete player in this draft class. Congratulations Washington.
Mark: A+, Young is arguably the most talented DE to come out of the draft in a long time. When it’s all said and done, the Redskins will have a Hall of Fame pass rusher with a career full of accolades. The Redskins were fortunate that Joe Burrow had the season he did, as Young was the consensus #1 pick for the majority of the Fall, and they now add an elite player to their already talented defensive front.
Themi: A, I’m putting my Buckeye bias aside, but I still see Chase Young as a soon-to-be multiple time DPOY winner. The Redskins got the best draft slot for teams not needing a QB. Chase Young will frequently appear in the nightmares of NFC East QBs as he blasts through O-Lines.
Grade: A
(3) Detroit Lions – CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio St.
Max: C, Okudah is a great player, but the Lions clearly made a mistake drafting a CB in the top three. The Lions missed a great opportunity to anchor their front line and draft Derrick Brown. If Okudah was their guy in this draft, they should have found a way to move down and secure more assets for their future. Trades that should have happened are always murky water, but it seems unlikely that there wasn’t any team willing to move up for a QB or overpay for Isaiah Simmons.
Mark: C+, In today’s game which is so reliant on the pass game, the Lions pick one of the best lockdown CBs in the game. Considering how the top ten unfolded, it seems unlikely Detroit would have been able to secure a trade that would have been worthwhile for their organization. Okudah will certainly fill an important hole that needed to be filled following the Darius Slay trade.
Themi: B+, The Lions actually had options here, despite most mocks easily placing Okudah at pick #3. The trenches still need to be filled, but Okudah can immediately start. I still think the Lions could have traded back to 6 or 7 for their pick of studs, but it’s not a huge deal.
Grade: C+
(4) New York Giants – OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Max: B+, The Giants made a good move continuing to rebuild their offensive line. There was some debate over the top-four offensive linemen available, as they were all similarly ranked. Apparently, the Giants were going back and forth between Thomas and Wirfs at the number four slot. Again, it feels like they could have traded down to get their man. That being said, the Giants make a safe and solid selection.
Mark: B, The Giants addressed a position that has been plaguing them since their Super Bowl roster in 2012. While Thomas may very well have been available closer to 8 or 9, New York wanted to take no chances on what they hope to be an elite LT for years to come. Especially considering their young QB, and ultra-talented RB who has still been able to find holes behind a mediocre offensive line, Thomas serves as a day 1 starter who will make an immediate impact.
Themi: B, The Giants needed to protect Daniel Jones, who fumbled 18 times as a rookie, as well as aid Saquon in the run game. It would have been nice to see a pick like Isaiah Williams, who has all the upside in the world, but in the end, Gettleman was smart and filled a need with a top OT.
Grade: B
Our analysts were split on the Chargers and Dolphins decisions to draft Justin Herbert (left) and Tua Tagovailoa (right)
(Photo by AP)
(5) Miami Dolphins – QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Max: B, The Dolphins played this draft well, by not trading up and getting their QB of the future in Tua Tagovailoa. Experts are torn about Tua, most hanging onto some of his incredible college performances. Tua has a chance to become an elite playmaker against top competition. He wows with his scrambling and his touch on throws to all levels. However, his numerous injuries are extremely concerning, and I don’t think he has the arm strength or the pocket awareness to justify this pick.
Mark: A+, After a hopeless season which saw Miami trade away nearly all their assets, the Dolphins secure the QB of the future and did so without having to trade up in the draft. Tagovailoa, whose endurance is questionable, hopes to lift the Dolphins in a positive direction with his playmaking ability and leadership.
Themi: A-, I think the Chargers will miss out on not trading up. Health in college is not always indicative of that in the NFL, and Tua’s “it” factor may not be matched by even Joe Burrow. An explosive playmaker is exactly what this team needed.
Grade: A-
(6) Los Angeles Chargers – QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Max: A, At #6 the Chargers get the best Quarterback prospect in the draft. Herbert has all the physical tools you look for in a QB. Doubters point to a decline in Herbert’s QBR, however, I believe that it is a byproduct of a very poor Oregon coaching staff. Herbert will need to improve his decision making, but he has shown to be very mobile for his size, and importantly, very coachable.
Mark: B+, Herbert has the potential to be a top ten QB if he is able to cut down on the mistakes which plagued his collegiate career. The Chargers deserve credit for not panicking and trading up to get him, and as a result get the QB they wanted all along. He has tremendous upside and under the coaching of Anthony Lynn I do believe he will ascend to a level we haven’t seen from him yet.
Themi: C+, Am I being too harsh? The Chargers are only a top QB away from returning to playoff contention, and they drafted a QB for sure. I’m concerned for Herbert’s decision-making. He certainly won’t be Peyton Manning, but if he can fix that issue, I’ll eat my words.
Grade: B-
(7) Carolina Panthers – DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
Max: A, The Lions made a HUGE mistake not drafting this kid, as Carolina’s new head coach Matt Rhule is starting his rebuild the right way. You need a strong front to succeed in today’s NFL. Carolina was brutal against the run in 2019, and Brown is exactly who they need to anchor this team up the middle.
Mark: A+, Brown will provide an immediate spark for the Panthers defense, and I can’t say I’m surprised he fell as low as he did but Carolina was lucky to still have him available. Brown very likely will turn into the cornerstone of this defense, and is a high quality addition they can count on for consistency.
Themi: A, Matt Rhule has a knack for turning franchises around. Not the fastest player, but at 6’5 and 328lbs, Brown will be a force to be reckoned with. His size and strength will be something to build this defense around, and start a new era of an elite Panthers defense.
Grade: A
(8) Arizona Cardinals – LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Max: C, Isaiah Simmons is a confusing prospect. Seemingly positionless, he will bring elite speed and athleticism, as well as a great nose for the ball to whatever part of the field he ends up on. That being said, Simmons is not a “plug-and-play” defender. He will need to be schemed around in order to maximize his strengths as a player. The Cardinals were one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year, which was a combination of a lack of playmakers as well as a poor scheme. I am not confident in the Cardinals ability to utilize Simmons effectively, and would have rather seen them add to their offensive line, to protect QB Kyler Murray.
Mark: B+, Simmons received a lot of attention leading up to the draft for his versatility. What the Cardinals need to find out is how exactly they plan on utilizing this swiss army knife of a human being. While I would have liked to see Arizona pick an offensive tackle to protect the reigning offensive rookie of the year, Simmons is simply too talented to pass up on at this point in the draft.
Themi: B-, Simmons played snaps at every position in college. While impressive, I truly wonder where they plan to play him. With huge needs all across the defense, it would be a benefit to place him wherever he performs best. I think OL would have been a better pick.
Grade: B-
(9) Jacksonville Jaguars – CB C.J. Henderson, Florida
Max: B, The Jaguars made a safe pick at #9. Henderson is clearly the second best corner in this draft, and he is a solid all-around DB. He has good, not great, speed and is a good, albeit, inconsistent tackler. After trading Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye, the Jags are in dire need of a CB, so this pick makes a lot of sense. You don’t get too much credit for average, and expected, decision-making.
Mark: B-, Without Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye around, the Jaguars needed to address their lack of pass coverage and did so with an athletic CB who some teams ranked above Okudah. While not a flashy pick, Henderson will certainly fill an important hole on their defense. Although the Jaguars were one of the prime candidates to trade down in this draft, considering the multitude of holes on their roster, Jacksonville acquired a very talented defensive back.
Themi: B+, Built more like a safety than a corner, Henderson’s size plays to his advantage, allowing him to get to the ball when baiting a QB. His tackling needs some work, so if he starts getting burnt his speed may not always aid him in the end.
Grade: B
(10) Cleveland Browns – OT Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama
Max: A, The Browns start of the Stefanski regime with a great pick at #10. Wills played RT at Alabama but will likely need to shift over to LT, after the signing of Jack Conklin. Wills has great footwork and balance which will help round out this offense that is very skill-player heavy. Baker Mayfield was rushed far too often in 2019, the Browns are taking the necessary steps to right the ship in 2020.
Mark: A+, After so much talk of the top ten being flooded with OT, the Browns secured what many believed to be the best one in this year’s draft. They address an issue that severely hurt them and their young QB this fall, and didn’t have to trade up to do so. Wills is going to be a brick wall on Cleveland’s questionable offensive line, and will hopefully allow for Mayfield to bounce back in what could be a do-or-die season for the QB.
Themi: A, Kevin Stefanski is making his intentions known. This Browns team has Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt ready to take on the best the league has to offer. The rushing duo will be hard to stop with a stout O-Lineman. Although LB was a huge need, it would have been a reach here.
Grade: A
Our analysts agreed that Cleveland’s selection of Jedrick Brown Jr. was a great pick by new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
(Photo by Vasha Hunt/AP)
(11) New York Jets – OT Mekhi Beckton, Louisville
Max: A-, I like that the Jets understand the importance of prioritizing their offensive line in the draft, rather than chase skill positions. Beckton is a behemoth of a man, and will likely need to slim down to maintain his great footwork and stay healthy. I would’ve liked to see the Jets get a more polished player such as but they settled for the more high upside player in Beckton, that was available to them at #11. Still, the Jets get high praises for positional decision making.
Mark: B+, Despite the temptation of picking any of three ultra-talented WR at their slot, the Jets solidify their very weak offensive line and were able to get a very talented WR in the second round. Many were surprised in the Jets passing up on Wirfs, but Beckton does have incredible upside and could become one of the best OT in the league.
Themi: B-, With no receivers taken yet, it seemed the Jets were in prime position at 11. I can understand the need for a tackle, with Bell’s struggles and a young QB developing. Beckton’s size is a concern. At 364lbs, I would hope Becton slims down a bit or this will be a problem.
Grade: B+
(12) Las Vegas Raiders – WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Max: B, Jon Gruden ignored his abysmal defense in search of an Antonio Brown replacement, and took Ruggs as the first WR off the board. I feel as though Jerry Jeudy fits the profile of AB much better, and would have made more sense for this team. Ruggs needs to improve his route running, and be physical enough to utilize his breakaway speed against tough corners. If so, we might be looking at the next Tyreek Hill… at least Gruden thinks so.
Mark: C+, The Raiders certainly hope to have the next Tyreek Hill on their roster, but pass up on one of the most polished route runners to come out of college in recent memory. Ruggs is very raw, and will need to clean up his route-running if he wants to become an elite receiver in this league.
Themi: A-, A speedy new toy for Derek Carr, Ruggs will be the WR1 at some point with the best receivers on the roster being Tyrell Williams (health issues) and Hunter Renfrow (a better possession receiver than a playmaker). Ruggs will give this raiders team a new dynamic.
Grade: B
(13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Max: B+, The Bucs get a nice piece for their pass protection in 2020. Wirfs is a little raw, but has one of the highest upsides in this offensive lineman class. He has the ability to work the pass protection, and the agility to lead a zone run. The Bucs’ secondary leaves much to be desired, but at pick #13 they prioritized a higher positional commodity.
Mark: A, Many expected Wirfs to go #4 to the Giants, and the Buccaneers were fortunate enough to scoop him up at #13. I consider this pick to be the steal of the draft, as Tampa Bay adds more protection to their newly acquired QB. They certainly need to protect the 43-year-old, and Wirfs will fill a hole at RT that certainly needed to be addressed.
Themi: B+, Tampa has fewer flaws than their record suggests. While the secondary continues to be abysmal, there are few major needs outside of RB. An old Brady needs to stay healthy and upright if this Bucs team wants to cash out and get a championship with Brady’s retirement looming.
Grade: A-
(14) San Francisco 49ers – DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Max: A-, 49ers make a great pick in Kinlaw, bringing even more speed to their loaded front seven. Many question the Niners decision to trade DeForest Buckner, but it was going to be very difficult for them to hold onto him and Arik Armstead. Javon Kinlaw will plug right in at DT, but they are surely placing a lot of faith in Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner to anchor their linebacking group.
Mark: C+, The 49ers replace the very expensive DeForest Buckner with a stud DT. His injury history is a concern, but if healthy, Kinlaw can add even more to a star-studded defense. I would rate this pick higher if not for the availability of two incredibly-talented receivers. Even with the breakout of Kittle, Jimmy G could still use some more options on that offense.
Themi: B+, The 49ers traded Deforest Buckner to the Colts for the 14th pick. A good but curious pick. This seems to be a cap issue. He’s a good player, but it will have to be a serious hit to make up for the loss of a top player.
Grade: B
(15) Denver Broncos – WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Max: B+, Jeudy is the most polished receiver in this draft class, as well as the best route runner. The Broncos offense of the future is starting to come together with Drew Locke, Cortland Sutton, Noah Fant and now Jerry Jeudy headlining the passing game. I’m not sure the Broncos expected Jeudy to fall to them at #15, but they did a good job holding out after the Jets went OT and the Raiders went with Ruggs.
Mark: A+, Denver clearly made the right choice, with the most pro-ready receiver in the draft still available at #15. Jeudy will help the questionable Drew Lock right from the get go, and if one of my top contenders for OROTY. His impeccable route-running cannot be overstated, and I believe he will be wearing a gold jacket when his career is finished.
Themi: A, I actually liked Lamb more overall, but as a smaller pass catcher with more speed he complements Courtland Sutton well. The Broncos seem to have their future QB and they are wasting no time surrounding him with elite talent.
Grade: A-
(16) Atlanta Falcons – CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
Max: C, The Falcons exercised very poor decision making with this pick. They did not recognize the relative depth at the cornerback decision and missed out on drafting much higher quality linebackers and edge rushers. You can argue that CB was a bigger positional need than LB, but you will have a very hard time explaining why the Falcons reached for Terrell.
Mark: C-, I really can’t justify this pick and am still puzzled by the Falcons making it. One thing I will say about Terrell is his toughness, playing in the National Championship with a 103-degree fever takes guts. He won’t be able to keep up with the best receivers but should serve as a solid defensive back.
Themi: B, Terrell will need some help when facing top receivers, and that’s fine. The Falcons are likely getting a very good starter who won’t be elite, but will get the job done. They couldn’t trade up for Okudah, but the rest of the draft can compensate. It’s a start.
Grade: C
The Atlanta Falcons made a curious decision to draft Clemson CB A.J. Terrell with the 16th pick in the 2020 draft.
(Photo by Clemson 24/7)
(17) Dallas Cowboys – WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Max: A, The Cowboys nailed this pick, taking the best player available, regardless of position. It seems odd that a player of Lamb’s caliber would slip this far in the draft, but I’m sure Jerry Jones and his yacht are very happy it happened.
Mark: A+, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Lamb fall to Dallas. Jerry Jones has outdone himself, while seemingly doing nothing at all to get Ceedee to fall right into his lap. This pick was a no-brainer to me, although they could have used this pick to fill some defensive holes, there was no chance the Cowboys could pass up on this playmaker. Watch out for Dallas to break some offensive records this coming season.
Themi: A-, A huge steal in the first round, but not a full A because WR is not yet a huge need. Perhaps Amari Cooper is on his way out and Michael Gallup needs someone else to assist. I won’t fault the Cowboys for this, CeeDee Lamb could be the best receiver from this draft.
Grade: A
(18) Miami Dolphins – OT Austin Jackson, USC
Max: B, This isn’t a bad decision to go OT after picking Tua. I think the Dolphin’s board got messed up at this point, and they took a solid player who they liked. The pick makes sense for the team, but it is clear they mismanaged draft capital at pick #18.
Mark: B, While many believe he was picked too early, I think this was a smart decision knowing that Tagovailoa will most likely red-shirt his rookie year, allowing Jackson time to develop. Jackson is coming off a down year but will surely provide help to an abysmal Dolphins offensive line.
Themi: C+, It almost seems like a Madden rebuild, going to the OL after drafting a top QB. They reached for a big player with bad posture rather than taking more talented players. It seems like a desperation pick after the niners took Kinlaw.
Grade: B-
(19) Las Vegas Raiders – CB Ramon Arnette, Ohio St.
Max: C, Although Arnette fills a need for the Raiders at CB, they most likely selected a second-round talent inside the top 20. This is the result of very poor decision-making by Mike Maiyok and Jon Gruden. This Raiders defense will continue to be putrid in 2020.
Mark: D, At this point, I am seriously starting to question what the Raiders are trying to do here. Arnette is a talented back but has had plenty of off-the-field issues. With K’Lavon Chaisson still on the board, I’m not exactly sure how the Raiders didn’t jump at the chance to replace Khalil Mack after that infamous trade.
Themi: C, This draft unfortunately runs thin on top CB talent. Nonetheless, the Raiders had a top 20 pick and didn’t do much with it. They’re not going to improve this position overnight, but if they can secure a great player next offseason, Arnette will be a good player who was taken far too early.
Grade: C-
(20) Jacksonville Jaguars – LB/EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Max: A, This is a joke. One of the top players in the draft just falls into the lap of the Jacksonville Jaguars. It feels like draft boards blew up after the Raiders selected Henry Ruggs at #12. I am in shock that the Falcons or Raiders didn’t select him, or that the Chargers didn’t trade up. The Jaguars did the right thing and took the best player available.
Mark: A, You simply can’t argue with this pick. Josh Allen and Chaisson will be a dynamic duo on the front lines, and certainly one to keep an eye on a few years down the road. I’m sure the Jaguars weren’t expecting him to be on the board at this point and were very pleased to be replacing the outspoken Ngakoue with this gem.
Themi: A, K’Lavon Chaisson almost fits the idea of a middle linebacker, and I expect the Jaguars to play him similarly. His quick moves allow him to pass by the offensive line, but he’s a guy you can keep back there to watch a play develop. The Jaguars aced this.
Grade: A
K’Lavon Chaisson slipped to pick #20, where he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
(Photo by Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate)
(21) Philadelphia Eagles – WR Jalen Reagor, TCU
Max: C+, The Eagles were in desperate need of speed at the WR position, and they got it in Jalen Reagor. That being said with this pick it feels like they could have filled major holes at linebacker, or even a second cornerback next to newest addition, Darius Slay. Reagor fits the team, but the execution of his selection at this position was botched at best.
Mark: C, With Lamb falling to the spot he did, I felt as though the Eagles best options were to trade up for him or trade down and reassess. They get a speedster in Reagor but just like Ruggs, also a very raw receiver who will need to develop quickly if the Eagles want to make another Super Bowl run.
Themi: B, Reagor needs a good QB unless he can work on his movements. When Wentz is healthy, I see a beautiful connection and an open-space warrior. When Wentz is out, it may seem like Nelson Agholor all over again. A receiver was needed, and this will suffice.
Grade: C+
(22) Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson, LSU
Max: A, The Vikings seemed to have lucked out after the Eagles go with Reager at Pick #21. Jefferson had the majority of his catches from the slot at LSU, but he will likely play more on the outside in the Vikings usual two-tight end sets. Jefferson has the size and physical skills to seamlessly make the transition
Mark: A, After the whole Stefon Diggs debacle, the Vikings select a consistently good receiver in Jefferson. While some might foolishly attribute his success to the #1 overall pick, Jefferson has proven himself to be a quality receiver no matter who is behind center. Jefferson will look nice lined up next to Adam Thielen and will be a key asset for Kirk Cousins.
Themi: A-, If you watched Jefferson at LSU you know he’s more than a product of Burrow. The first overall pick helped bring up his teammates draft position, but Jefferson looks like Antonio Brown but larger. His route running is not amazing, but he can make beautiful and impossible catches.
(23) Los Angeles Chargers – LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Max: A-, The Chargers move up to draft a player that can make a high impact on their defense. Murray put up great sack numbers at Oklahoma and brings a new speed element to a very good Chargers front seven. They made a good decision to take one of the few remaining top talents at linebacker, in a thin-overall LB class.
Mark: B-, Murray adds more talent to an already stacked defense but considering the third round pick they forfeited to move up, I think they were hoping someone else would still be on the board. I would have liked to see them follow in the footsteps of the Dolphins and find an offensive linemen to protect their new QB, but regardless, Murray will be an impact player for them.
Themi: A, the most glaring need on a team rife with elite talent was QB. Despite my ranking of the pick, they got a QB and moved on to the next need. Although this defense is elite, a terrorizer to opposing teams can help drive up the Chargers low 30 sacks from last season.
Grade: B+
(24) New Orleans Saints – C Cesar Ruiz
Max: B, The Saints needed a replacement to Max Unger on their line, but it feels like their defense could have used a playmaker instead. I felt like the Chargers traded up in front of the Saints for this exact reason. The Saints must have not been high on the other projected first-round linebackers.
Mark: B+, Following the retirement of Max Unger last offseason, and the constant interior pressure Brees faced this season, this pick makes sense for New Orleans. Ruiz likely would have been selected shortly after, and although the Saints have other holes to fill I think they got a guy who will shore up their line to protect their aging QB.
Themi: B-, Not the biggest need heading into the draft, the Saints would have done immediately better with a pick like Patrick Queen. The Saints OL isn’t deep but when you want to win one more with a HOF QB, you have to wonder why they’re taking a lineman so soon.
Grade: B
(25) San Francisco 49ers – WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona St.
Max: B, The 49ers get their guy in Brandon Aiyuk. It has been reported that Aiyuk was Kyle Shanahan’s favorite WR in the draft. In hindsight, it doesn’t feel like the trade up to 25 was really necessary, yet the Niners leave the draft with two players they love, and that’s a win. Oh by the way, they also left with Trent Williams…Individual grades aside the Niners leave this draft with a big, overall A.
Mark: B-, After passing up on Jeudy or Lamb with their first pick in the round, San Francisco finds a talented receiver who will help out Jimmy G. With such a deep WR draft though, I have to think the 49ers saw something in Aiyuk that other teams didn’t.
Themi: C+, It seems out of character to make a move like this. Were the 49ers that concerned that a team like the Packers might take their guy? The draft is deep at the position. That doesn’t mean there will be starters well into the 5th, but plenty of receivers would be left at 31.
Grade: B-
(26) Green Bay Packers – QB Jordan Love, Utah St.
Max: B, I don’t hate this move by the Packers. Aaron Rodgers is in decline, and drafting a project in Jordan Love to serve an extended backup role makes sense. The Packers must have figured that another team was gearing up to trade up for Love. Fans would like to see the Packers make picks that will translate into wins, but the Packers are obviously looking to protect the future.
Mark: F, I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers. A QB of his caliber should have so much more to show than just one Super Bowl appearance after such an illustrious career. How many times have the Packers been “that close?” This past season was another one of those times and with Rodgers’ clock ticking, I don’t understand why they don’t go full throttle and give him everything he needs.
Themi: D, This pick won’t show even a tinge of value for 2-3 years, and thus cannot be properly assessed. The Packers are not giving Rodgers the help he needs. The Packers are going to waste his last good years with him bringing less trophies than Eli Manning.
Grade: D+
The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL, trading up to the #26 pick and selecting Utah St. QB Jordan Love
(Photo by Jeremy Brevard/USA Today)
(27) Seattle Seahawks – LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
Max: B-, This is an obvious reach for the Seahawks. I think that Brooks fits their roster very well and fits a positional need. That being said, leaving players like Patrick Queen and Jeff Gladney on the board seems like a big mistake for Seattle.
Mark: C+, I’m very confused by this pick because by the looks of it, it sure seems their linebacker core is the strongest out of any position group. Aside from this fact, if they are going to go with a linebacker, did they forget Patrick Queen was still on the board?
Themi: C, Like clockwork, the Seahawks make head scratching reaches in the first. Of all of their own first round drafted players, only two remain on the roster. Why would they let the second best LB in the draft slip away? We all know they’ll draft an All-Pro in the 5th, anyway.
Grade: C+
(28) Baltimore Ravens – LB Patrick Queen, LSU
Max: A, The Ravens make a great pick selecting LB Patrick Queen. This defense was lacking an athletic playmaker at the linebacker position. Queen’s quickness and versatility is a perfect fit for the roster. He’s not the biggest guy at the position, so he will need to continue to develop his tackling at the NFL level.
Mark: A, The Ravens, once again, watch the teams in front of them make head-scratching moves as the unquestionable talent of Queen falls into their laps. I certainly didn’t see Queen falling this far but the Ravens have a good one on their hands. Hopefully he will pan out like the last two late first round picks they got.
Themi: A+, This pick checks all of the boxes for a perfect first round selection. A top player at their position falling too many picks to a team that desperately needed the position. Patrick Queen, like Ray Lewis, C.J. Mosley, and Terrell Suggs, will be another elite 1st round Ravens LB.
Grade: A
(29) Tennessee Titans – OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Max: B+, A more than solid pick for the Titans after they missed out on the top offensive tackles in this draft. Wilson can replace Jack Conklin at RT, with Taylor Lewan still the anchor of this unit on the left side. The Titans depleted secondary is in need of reinforcements at CB but this is a deeper draft for cornerback than tackle.
Mark: B, Certainly a fitting pick for the Titans, who love bullying other teams on the front line. While most of the attention following this pick went to his girlfriend, who got into a bit of a skirmish with his mother on national television, Wilson deserves to be recognized. The Titans get a mammoth of a man with surprisingly good athleticism and a high ceiling.
Themi: B+, There’s a clear drop in talent after the top 4, but not significant enough that Wilson can’t be a first round talent. The Titans still desperately need a corner, but protecting Ryan Tannehill after his huge contract makes sense.
Grade: B+
(30) Miami Dolphins – CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
Max: C, The Dolphins make a terrible decision at the end of round one. They have three starting caliber cornerbacks on their roster and no amount of nickel defense will justify taking a fourth here. This was a clear waste of draft capital as there were far better players available at the time. That being said, Igbinoghene is a good fit for Miami, his toughness and nose for the ball will make him a versatile nickel-corner.
Mark: D, Did Miami forget about the monster contract they just signed Byron Jones to? And the presence of Xavien Howard? Igbinoghene will serve as a solid defensive back but I can’t wrap my head around this pick, especially with talented receivers left for Tagovailoa to throw to.
Themi: C, Igbinoghene (try saying that 5 times fast) has a lot going for him, but it feels like a pick that could blow up in their face. Sure, the aggressiveness with receivers is a nice idea. But when PI calls begin to go for well over college’s 15 yards, there will be immediate problems.
Grade: C-
(31) Minnesota Vikings – CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
Max: A, The Vikings need to rebuild their entire secondary. The Vikings were justified to take Gladney at #25, but were able to acquire more picks and trade down to #31. Gladney will fit Zimmer’s system beautifully. Although on the smaller side, Gladney has the skill and physical tools to be a high quality corner day one.
Mark: A, A great pick to cap off a great first round for Minnesota. They addressed two places of need with two high-quality players. Gladney can hopefully one day rise to the level of Xavier Rhodes, whose production dramatically fell off this past season.
Themi: A, Minnesota got a haul of picks to move back and get their guy. The Dolphins missed and took the wrong corner, while the Vikings reaped the benefits. Imperfect and small, but Mike Zimmer will help adjust him. With a whole secondary gone, the Vikings get much needed help.
Grade: A
(32) Kansas City Chiefs – RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Max: B+, I wonder if the Chiefs had their heart set on Gladney and ignored the holes in their porous defense when he went off the board. The Chiefs had needs all over their front-seven as well as cornerback. Andy Reid loves this prospect but it feels like they could have gotten him to end the second rather than the first…
Mark: B-, Edwards-Helaire may turn out to be a great RB but I just don’t know if his value qualifies him as a first rounder. The only hole on offense for the Chiefs is at RB, and they now have filled that to bolster an already incredible point-generating machine.
Themi: B+, Perhaps we should take Andy Reid’s word here that Edwards-Helaire will be a stud. He was all-in on Mahomes and now he is going around praising the 2019 LSU rushing leader. Still, the first round seems early for a coach who can turn any player into a touchdown machine.
