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DRAFT GRADES
Eric Edholm of YahooSports.com offers his first round grades (C or worse in red, A or A+ in green):
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia — We’ll be debating this pick for years, passing on more proven commodities such as Aidan Hutchinson. An atypical No. 1 overall selection, Walker nonetheless possesses the raw power, freaky athleticism and ideal length to be a star one day. But his pass rushing effectiveness remains an area that will require development, so expecting big sack totals early on might be foolhardy. Can Walker be a franchise pillar? That remains to be seen. Grade: C+
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan — The hometown kid is now a nearly instant Lions hero. No pressure? Well, Hutchinson looked completely in control during Michigan’s playoff drive and his Heisman campaign. And he maintained an excellent level of play all season. He’s a good rusher, great run defender and becomes one of Dan Campbell’s key young guys. Grade: B+
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU — This one started crystallizing a few weeks ago when the Texans were said to be looking hard at corner — and specifically at Stingley. His past two seasons have been forgettable and injury-plagued, but the talent is too alluring here. Stingley covered Ja’Marr Chase every day in practice in 2019 and won a lot of those battles. Can he do it in the NFL? If he fails, it won’t be because of talent. Grade: B
4. New York Jets: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati — It feels like the Jets knew the Texans were taking Stingley, so if they wanted a top corner, they could not wait with the Giants coming up next. Gardner’s career production has been wild the past three years: nine INTs, 0 TDs allowed. He’s a great fit as a zone corner in Robert Saleh’s defense, so it’s hard to gripe with the pick. Grade: B
5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon — At the NFL scouting combine, Thibodeaux was asked who his toughest interview was with. His answer: the Giants. They wanted to know what he was made of. The talent speaks for itself. Will he be too big for the Big Apple? First-year Giants general manager Joe Schoen makes a bold bet on “no” with his first selection in the captain’s chair. Bold, bold maiden pick, but he’s the pass rusher the Giants need. Grade: B+
6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State — The Charlotte native will save on moving costs. The Panthers made the smart move here, taking OL help over reaching for a QB. Ekwonu’s pass protection, despite taking a jump in 2021, remains unrefined. But his upside is high, starting with his pile-driving run blocking. He’s also a smart, charismatic young man with a great work ethic. Grade: B-
7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears): Evan Neal, OT, Alabama — We thought they’d go OL first, then pass rusher, given the Panthers were on deck at No. 6. But they still got a top-tier talent who is more ready Day 1 than the player taken one spot ahead of him. Neal is a multi-position blocker with starting experience at both tackle spots and guard. He’s highly strong and explosive but lacks lateral quickness. Still, gotta love the pick, even if they went at it oddly. Grade: B+
8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC — Once London worked out a few weeks ago following an injury that ended his 2021 season and prevented him from working out at the combine, the Falcons likely felt a lot better about this pairing. They’re forming a basketball team in Atlanta, with Kyle Pitts at the 5, London at the 4 and Marcus Mariota the point guard. This is a big, athletic duo that can win almost every jump ball imaginable. But is London the best WR option? Jameson Williams is tough to pass on, injury or not. Grade: C+
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State — We have no problem with this pick. Cross wasn’t our favorite OT prospect, but he has sweet feet and is a natural pass protector, even as a redshirt sophomore. But as a run blocker? We just don’t know. Is Pete Carroll going to start slinging the rock now that Russell Wilson is gone? It’s a departure from the type of tackle the Seahawks typically have gone for. Grade: C+
10. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State — It’s no shock they went receiver here, having struck out on Tyreek Hill and other potential upgrades. Wilson should step in as part of a four-WR group that includes Corey Davis, Elijah Moore and Braxton Berrios. Now Zach Wilson feels more like he did at BYU: with receiving options all over the field. I’d be shocked if Wilson isn’t at least a very respectable pass catcher. Grade: B+
11. New Orleans Saints (from Washington Commanders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State — Our first trade! The Saints wheeled into the 16 and 19 slots before the draft and landed this pick from the Commanders on the clock, sending Nos. 16, 98 and 110 overall to get it done. And they make it two straight Ohio State receivers off the board. Olave feels made for the turf — a smooth glider who could put up great numbers with improved QB play in New Orleans. Are we sure Sean Payton doesn’t want to come back? Grade: B
12. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota Vikings): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama — Well, the Lions are rolling the dice in Vegas. Trading up into this spot is a big, bold move for GM Brad Holmes, and we’ve been saying for some time that they were going to add a receiver. This wasn’t the way we — or anyone else — imagined. Williams would have been our WR1 had it not been for the torn ACL, and Detroit is in no hurry to get him on the field. What a pivot here. Grade: A-
13. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston Texans): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia — Leapfrogging the Ravens (a team heavily connected with Davis), the Eagles miss out on a receiver but land this draft’s unicorn. He’s a dancing bear with rare athleticism for a man this massive. Can he rush the passer? Play more than 30-35 snaps per game? We don’t know. But the Eagles haven’t had a player like this in recent memory. This is a boom-or-bust pick, but we feel good about it. This can dramatically change the way teams attack the Eagles. Grade: B-
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame — Every year it seems the Ravens just let the draft come to them. How? We’re talking an annual draft pastime. Hamilton would have been a steal at 11; at 14, he’s grand larceny. He’ll be a Day 1 post safety who can move into the slot or box as needed. The Ravens didn’t make enough plays in the secondary last season. This pick will change that. Grade: A
15. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia Eagles): Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M — Trading down earned Houston more draft capital. With a pass rusher on the board (Jermaine Johnson) whom we thought might be a nice fit there, the Texans instead took what feels like a reach with Green. Nice player with toughness and four-position versatility. He’ll start inside right away, we suspect. But this was someone whom other teams felt could last until deep in Round 1, perhaps farther. Grade: C-
16. Washington Commanders (from New Orleans Saints): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State — They did a lot of work on Drake London and the Ohio State receivers, yet they pivoted to Dotson, who went a touch higher than we imagined. Still, with the receivers flying off the board, the Commanders couldn’t afford to get cute. Dotson catches everything and has deep speed from inside or out. He has very good potential early on — if Washington can salvage Carson Wentz. Grade: C+
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College — This is a fascinating pairing, one we didn’t see coming. Johnson was a tackle and guard at BC, but most NFL scouts believed his best spot in the pros was inside, at either guard or center. But the Chargers’ biggest OL vacancy is at right tackle. Hmm. We’ll reserve judgment on the positional fit and laud Johnson: a smart, savvy, competitive and high-character blocker. Justin Herbert’s O-line got better, but now we wait to hear where Johnson lines up. Grade: B-
18. Tennessee Titans (from Philadelphia Eagles): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas — Wow, the Titans traded A.J. Brown to get to this spot, and added a player with a similar build in Burks, who is a big, physically blessed wideout who wins with force and determination. Some even have compared him to Brown, but we’re not so sure. Burks had a simple route tree in college, with many of his touches schemed up. Having Robert Woods as a teammate helps, but Burks might not immediately be ready for a typical starter’s role. Grade: C
19. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia Eagles): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa — Remember Kyle Turley? The Saints just drafted his modern-day doppelganger. Penning is big, seriously nasty and a pain in the butt to deal with as a defender. He needs work in pass protection, can be penalty-prone and he steps into a big void with Terron Armstead gone. This is interesting as he fits from a need and temperament standpoint. Grade: B-
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh — Thirty-nine years ago, the Steelers passed on Dan Marino. The reason? It was too close to home, they said. The Rooneys still run the show, and they won’t pass on this Pitt QB. There’s an argument to be made over whether Pickett has the upside to be better than Malik Willis down the road. His college experience, elite competitiveness, solid athleticism and arm talent add up to a very reasonable pairing. Pickett could beat out Mitchell Trubisky early on and start for years. Grade: B
21. Kansas City Chiefs (from New England Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington — This is not the Washington corner we thought it would end up with, but McDuffie is a hyper-competitive, fast, man-cover corner with a compact frame and ball skills. A pass rusher or receiver appeared to be on the docket, but how can we argue with the trade up here to get one of our favorite players? McDuffie brings a Tyrann Mathieu-caliber energy, which will work in Kansas City. Grade: B+
22. Green Bay Packers (from Las Vegas Raiders): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia — Packers fans will be angered by a linebacker here, but Walker is a giant, stalking, athletically blessed future green-dot player whose instincts remain underdeveloped. In time, he could be a monster, and the Packers have had a long-term vision with almost all their first-round picks under GM Brian Gutekunst. Grade: B-
23. Buffalo Bills (from Baltimore Ravens via Arizona Cardinals): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida — A short jump up here to take a long, talented zone/press corner who is not yet 21 years old. Elam has some playmaking chops but can be handsy in coverage. We thought this might be for a safety, but the Bills show that they do in fact value the CB2 spot, which was in doubt. Elam wouldn’t have lasted much longer, but it’s still a reach. Grade: C+
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa — The Tyler Smith buzz started in earnest a few months ago, but his stock really rose in recent weeks. We thought he might still get to Round 2, but with Zion Johnson — a popular Dallas pick — off the board, Smith likely was the Cowboys’ next-rated OL prospect. He’s work in progress, no doubt, and quite penalty-prone, but could be dominant in time. He has rare back bend, power and aggressiveness. Grade: C+
25. Baltimore Ravens (from Buffalo Bills): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa — GM Eric DeCosta didn’t even try to hide his love for Linderbaum at the scouting combine, comparing him to Marshal Yanda and calling him “the type of guy that can really be the centerpiece of your offensive line.” So much for subterfuge. The Kirk Ferentz connection made this pick an easy one. The Ravens don’t care if you know their plans. They get good players one way or another. Grade: B
26. New York Jets (from Tennessee Titans): Jermaine Johnson III, EDGE, Florida State — We’re stunned at Johnson’s fall. He was the best EDGE at the Senior Bowl, consistently bringing energy and terror for two impressive days. He’s not an elite pass rusher, but he attacks the ball very well, has a big motor and an alpha personality. With three first-rounders, the Jets have improved in three critical areas. Impressive stuff, Joe Douglas. Grade: A
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah — We thought Lloyd would come off the board in the 25-35 range, and he lands with the Jaguars, who traded up to get to this spot. Lloyd is a three-down playmaker and box-score stuffer with good size and athleticism who can be a bit clunky and a tick slow to react at times. This is another building block for a Jaguars defense that needs new blood. Grade: B-
28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia — In our mock, we had Wyatt going to Green Bay with their first first-rounder, so it just took a bit longer at this spot. Wyatt is a quick-off-the-snap defensive lineman who put it all together in his final season, projecting as a valuable energy piece and disruptor up front. In Green Bay, he’ll play multiple techniques and work into a starting role, likely as a 5-technique. No receiver. Again. What is Aaron Rodgers drinking Thursday night? Grade: C+
29. New England Patriots (from Kansas City Chiefs): Cole Strange, OG, Chattanooga — Our 91st-ranked player, Strange screams Patriots … but also screams poor value. Of course, many people said the same thing when the Patriots took Logan Mankins in this same range many years ago. Strange is a highly intelligent, highly competitive interior blocker who might be the starting left guard from Day 1. But it’s a big jump in competition, and he was up and down at the Senior Bowl. Grade: C-
30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue — Kansas City is better on defense now with McDuffie and Karlaftis, who is their type of high-energy power rusher. He has a limitless reserve of energy and strong hands, although his all-around game remains raw. Grade: B+
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan — Love this fit. Hill can cover the slot and even be tried outside if the Bengals want. They addressed the offensive line in free agency, so the next logical spot was the secondary. Hill might be listed as a safety, but he can line up at multiple spots — in the box, deep or as the nickel. Excellent value here. Grade: A-
32. Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit Lions): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia — Low-key this was one of our favorite picks of Round 1. Trading down felt like the play for the Vikings at 12, but we had no idea they’d be able to go this far down and get a top-20 talent in Cine. He’ll pair with Harrison Smith as one of the best safety duos in the NFL. Outstanding first selection for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Cine will start for a decade. Grade: A
This from Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com. We will use the Green and Red code as above for his picks. Plus A picks by both Edholm and Prisco get Gold, C or less picks from both get pink.
1 JACKSONVILLE: Travon Walker DL, UGA
This is purely a projection. They need edge help, but he plays more like a down 5-technique. He’s a good player, a tough player, a physical player, but he isn’t an explosive rusher. They can pair him with Josh Allen, but I would have gone offensive lineman here. Grade: B-
2 DETROIT: Aidan Hutchinson EDGE, MICH
They need a pass rusher in the worst way, and they have to be thrilled that Hutchinson fell to them here. He is a polished edge rusher who will be an impact player right away. The Lions have to be able to impact the quarterback better than they did last year. Hutchinson will do that. But he might be a 12-sack guy most of his career, rather than a 16-sack guy. But that’s OK. Grade: B+
3 HOUSTON: Derek Stingley Jr. CB, LSU
This doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. They play a defense that doesn’t put a premium on cornerback, yet they picked one over pass rusher. Stingley is an outstanding cover corner, but this is a little odd. Pass rusher or tackle was a better option. Grade: B
4 NY JETS: Sauce Gardner CB, CINCY
If you are to win the AFC East, you have to stop the Bills and Josh Allen. That means cover corners are at a premium. Gardner is the best cover player in the draft. This should mean more man coverage for Robert Saleh and crew. Good pick. Grade: B+
5 NY GIANTS: Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE, OREG
He is the best pure pass rusher in this draft. He has the explosive ability the Giants badly need. The question with him now is his character. Does he love the game? But I think he will get past any of that talk and become a dominant edge player. I love this pick. Grade: A
6 CAROLINA: Ikem Ekwonu OL, NCST
The Panthers played spinning tops at left tackle last year, so getting a tackle was a no brainer in this draft. I liked Evan Neal more, but I get this choice. Ekwonu needs to work on his pass protection some, but he is fixable. Grade: B+
7 NY GIANTS: Evan Neal OL, BAMA
The Giants land the best tackle in the draft. He will step in at right tackle and give them a nice pair of bookends with Andrew Thomas. They have to protect the quarterback better, and they will. He will be a long-time starter who goes to a lot of Pro Bowls. Grade: A
8 ATLANTA: Drake London WR, USC
London is a big receiver, but he doesn’t run that well. This is a team that needed to add more speed. I would have taken Garrett Wilson in this spot. He would have given them more of an immediate impact. London is good. But there were better options. Grade: B-
9 SEATTLE: Charles Cross OL, MISSST
They had a glaring hole at left tackle, so they had to get a left tackle. With the run on them, they end up with a player who is good in pass protection but needs work in the run game. If Seattle wants to run it better, they picked the wrong tackle. But he is good at protecting the quarterback. Grade: B
10 NY GIANTS: Garrett Wilson WR, OHIOST
I love this pick. I know there was talk about trading this pick to get Deebo Samuel, but I love staying put and taking Wilson. He is a speed player who will help Zach Wilson in a big way. He’s fast and he will be a lot cheaper than Samuel. Grade: A
11 NEW ORLEANS: Chris Olave WR, OHIOST
Giving up all that arsenal to get Olave is risky if you ask me. Olave is a speed receiver who will complement Michael Thomas, but this is a lot to give up to get him. Jameis Winston will be happy, but I don’t love this. The Saints must. Grade: C+
12 DETROIT: Jameson Williams WR, BAMA
This is the best receiver in the draft. The Lions can wait to get him healthy. When he is healthy, he will be a dynamic playmaker. They made a bold move to go get him, but they did give up a bunch to get him. They better hope he is what they think he can become. I think he’s a star. Grade: B
13 PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Davis DL, UGA
This is a heck of a pick for the Eagles. They needed to get a power player inside with age becoming a problem there. Davis will be a three-down player in the NFL, even if some don’t think he will be. The Eagles will be much better against the run — that’s for sure. Grade: B
14 BALTIMORE: Kyle Hamilton S, ND
The Ravens will be getting a player who will help their back end right away. I like Hamilton, but I don’t love him like most. He will have some problems in coverage, but they need to use him in a variety of ways to take advantage of his talents. He isn’t Ed Reed. Grade: B-
15 HOUSTON: Kenyon Green OL, TXAM
They get a player who can play right tackle or inside at guard. This is a team that needs a lot of help, and Green is a player who can step in and play right away. He is a good, physical player who fits what they want to do if he plays right tackle or guard. Grade: B+
16 WASHINGTON: Jahan Dotson WR, PSU
They trade back and land a receiver who will give them more juice in the passing game. They needed to help Carson Wentz and Dotson will give them another speed player. Landing the extra picks and getting a a good receiver makes this a good move. Grade: B
17 LA CHARGERS: Zion Johnson OL, BC
They have to protect their quarterback. This is a player who can play guard, tackle, center for the Chargers. This about making their line better for Justin Herbert. I love Johnson. position versatility is important. He brings it. Grade: B+
18 TENNESSEE: Treylon Burks WR, ARK
They essentially exchanged a big physical receiver to replace A.J. Brown. Burks will come a lot cheaper. I am not sure he’s A.J. Brown, though. But the philosophy makes sense. Draft and get a cheaper player. Burks has to keep his weight down some. Grade: C+
19 NEW ORLEANS: Trevor Penning OL, NOIOWA
This fills a need for the Saints. They had to get a left tackle and Penning fits the bill. He is an aggressive player that will give them a nice tackle combo to go with Ryan Ramczyk. They are both maulers. Grade: B-
20 PITTSBURGH: Kenny Pickett QB, PITT
I love this pick. They take the local kid to play quarterback and he will prove to be the best quarterback in this class. Give him a few games, and he will have the job. Pickett has the tools to become a quality starter. This works in a lot of ways. Grade: A
21 KANSAS CITY: Trent McDuffie CB, WASH
The Chiefs moved up to get McDuffie, but I think they could have waited to take his teammate, Kyler Gordon, who I think will be a better player. It fills a need at corner, and he’s a good player, but they could have stayed in their spot. Grade: B-
22 GREEN BAY: Quay Walker LB, UGA
This is a heck of a pick. He is a playmaking, speed linebacker who will give their defenses a nice complement to De’Vondre Campbell. I know they could have gone receiver here, but they can wait. Walker will be big time. Grade: A
23 BUFFALO: Kaiir Elam CB, FLA
He is a good cover player who fills a major need. The Bills had one hole on their team and that was corner. Now they add a long cover player who can give them a nice corner to go with Tre’Davious White. He does need to tackle better. Love the aggression to go get him. Grade: B+
24 DALLAS: Tyler Smith OL, TULSA
This is one of my favorite picks in this draft. This kid is a mauler who will help them at right tackle right away. He needs a little help in pass protection, but the Cowboys will coach him up. Teams loved him more than analysts and his tape showed you why. This is a really good pick. Grade: A
25 BALTIMORE: Tyler Linderbaum OL, IOWA
They needed to get a center, and they got the best one. I love the idea of him taking over in the middle of their line. He will play in front of Lamar Jackson for a long time. His athletic ability is outstanding. Grade: B
26 NY JETS: Jermaine Johnson II EDGE, FSU
This is great value this late in the draft. He fell down the board a lot further than most people thought. He fits with what Robert Saleh wants in his edge rushers. He’s a late bloomer, but he will continue to get better. Grade: A
27 JACKSONVILLE: Devin Lloyd LB, UTAH
They made a bold move to go get him. I love this. He’s a playmaking linebacker who can do a lot of things. Think Devin White in the Tampa Bay scheme. It works. Mike Caldwell will use him a lot of different ways. Grade: B+
28 GREEN BAY: Devonte Wyatt DL, UGA
This has a chance to be a special player. He had some character concerns, but he was productive on a good defense. I know Packers fans wanted a receiver here, but this is as player who can really help a defensive inside. I like it. Grade: B+
29 NEW ENGLAND: Cole Strange OL, TNCHAT
They draft the replacement for Shaq Mason at right guard. This might be a little high for him, but it certainly fills a need. They get younger and cheaper. Grade: C
30 ARIZONA: George Karlaftis EDGE, PURDUE
I love this pick by the Chiefs. They needed to get pass rush help and this kid can help. He is a player who plays hard all the time. If they are to beat the Bills and the great passers in the AFC West, they have to get more pressure. This is a good pick Grade: A
31 KANSAS CITY: Daxton Hill S, MICH
They have contract issues with their safeties coming up, so this is a good pick. He also has the skill to play corner, which they also could use in terms of coverage help. He’s a versatile player, which they love. To beat the Chiefs and the Bills and the AFC West, you better cover. Grade: B-
32 JACKSONVILLE: Lewis Cine S, UGA
They need a safety next to Harrison Smith and he’s getting a little older. Cine is a good-looking player who will cover and hit you. He has the range you like in the back end. This is a good, solid pick. Grade B+ |
