The 2019 NFL Draft is now in the books. We will no longer debate about who the Cardinals who should take at No. 1 overall, even if they did screw it up. Instead, we’ll talk about who each of the teams selected, what it means for their roster, and ultimately, whether or not their draft was a success. To do that, I’ll assign grades based on a variety of factors.
Some of the things I’ll be looking at while grading all 32 teams are: How talented was the player? Did he fill a need on their roster? Did they reach to select a player they could’ve gotten a full round later? Was there someone available in free agency who could’ve helped them instead?
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Some players fell further than you may have thought, while some others went well ahead where some of them were projected. There are some players you may think were reaches, but unless those players could’ve been had with the team’s next available pick, which is usually a full round later, I don’t want to consider those players a reach, because they needed to snag them while they can, provided they believe in them that much. With that being said, let’s grade every team’s 2019 NFL Draft.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
1.01 – Kyler Murray (QB – Oklahoma)
2.33 – Byron Murphy (CB – Washington)
2.62 (from Dolphins) – Andy Isabella (WR – Massachusetts)
3.65 – Zach Allen (DE – Boston College)
4.103 – Hakeem Butler (WR – Iowa State)
5.139 – Deionte Thompson (S – Alabama)
6.174 – KeeSean Johnson (WR – Fresno State)
6.179 (from Bucs) – Lamont Gaillard (C – Georgia)
7.248 – Joshua Miles (OT – Morgan State)
7.249 – Michael Dogbe (DE – Temple)
7.254 – Caleb Wilson (TE – UCLA)
After selecting Murray at No. 1 overall, the Cardinals decided to surround him with pass-catchers, snagging three wide receivers and a tight end throughout the draft. They did get tremendous value with multiple players, but essentially ignored one of their biggest problems – the offensive line. Murray was able to operate behind a wall at Oklahoma, but he won’t have that luxury with the Cardinals, as they lack stars on the offensive line. Through the first five rounds, the Cardinals likely acquired better value than any other team in the league, so despite overlooking one of the most vital parts of their team, they get a rock-solid grade.
Draft Grade: B+
ATLANTA FALCONS
1.14 – Chris Lindstrom (OG – Boston College)
1.31 (from Rams) – Kaleb McGary (OT – Washington)
4.111 (from Lions) – Kendall Sheffield (CB – Ohio State)
4.135 (from Raiders) – John Cominsky (DE – West Virginia)
5.152 – Qadree Ollison (RB – Pittsburgh)
5.172 – Jordan Miller (CB – Washington)
6.203 (from Rams) – Marcus Green (RB – Louisiana-Monroe)
My biggest need for the Falcons going into the draft was an edge rusher to replace Vic Beasley, and despite drafting twice in the first round, they didn’t take one. It’s a very difficult task to fill that position later in the draft, though they tried with Cominsky in the fourth round. Lindstrom is rock-solid, but there were top offensive tackles available when they took him off the board, and not to mention they paid both James Carpenter and Jamon Brown handsomely in free agency. It’s hard to see any difference-makers in this draft, so we walk away very much disappointed.
Draft Grade: D
BALTIMORE RAVENS
1.25 (from Eagles) – Marquise Brown (WR – Oklahoma)
3.85 – Jaylon Ferguson (EDGE – Louisiana Tech)
3.93 (from Saints) – Miles Boykin (WR – Notre Dame)
4.113 – Justice Hill (RB – Oklahoma State)
4.123 – Ben Powers (OG – Oklahoma)
4.127 (from Eagles) – Iman Marshall (CB – USC)
5.160 – Daylon Mack (DT – Texas A&M)
6.197 (from Eagles) – Trace McSorley (QB – Penn State)
I’m not sure what the Ravens are going to do about replacing C.J. Mosley, Za’Darius Smith, and Terrell Suggs, but I don’t see it here. Ferguson posted some great numbers while at Louisiana Tech, but there’s a reason he fell to the third round despite plenty of teams needing help on the edge. Brown was a solid pick, but when you look at where some of the other receivers fell to, he could be considered a slight reach. They needed wide receiver help, so I can’t fault them for taking Brown, but taking Boykin in the third round may have been a bit too much when you consider how much of their defense they lost. Hill was also a nice pick, but running back wasn’t a big need for them after signing Mark Ingram in free agency. Are the days of the dominant Ravens defense over? I would’ve also preferred them to select Tyree Jackson over McSorley.
Draft Grade: C
BUFFALO BILLS
1.09 – Ed Oliver (DT – Houston)
2.38 (from Jaguars) – Cody Ford (OG/OT – Oklahoma)
3.74 – Devin Singletary (RB – FAU)
3.96 – Dawson Knox (TE – Ole Miss)
5.147 – Vosean Joseph (LB – Florida)
6.181 – Jaquan Johnson (S – Miami)
7.225 – Darryl Johnson (LB – North Carolina A&T)
7.228 (from Panthers) – Tommy Sweeney (TE – Boston College)
The Bills had a solid draft, particularly where it matters most – the first two rounds. Oliver is a disrupter that’ll replace Kyle Williams on the defensive line, while Ford is going to be a player in this league for a long time. Singletary’s NFL comparison could’ve easily been LeSean McCoy, so who better for him to play alongside? I would’ve expected them to come away with a cornerback to play alongside Tre’Davious White, but my guess is they’ll have to find one in free agency (watch for Morris Claiborne or Brent Grimes). Joseph in the fifth-round and Jaquan Johnson in the sixth-round were both tremendous values, so the Bills deserve a rock-solid grade here.
Draft Grade: A-
CAROLINA PANTHERS
1.16 – Brian Burns (EDGE – Florida State)
2.37 (from Giants) – Greg Little (OT – Ole Miss)
3.100 – Will Grier (QB – West Virginia)
4.115 – Christian Miller (EDGE – Alabama)
5.154 – Jordan Scarlett (RB – Florida)
6.212 – Dennis Daley (OT – South Carolina)
7.237 (from Texans) – Terry Godwin (WR – Georgia)
It started out as a good draft for the Panthers, snagging Burns at 16 to help replace Julius Peppers. He offers some versatility for a team who’s discussed moving to a hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense. The Little pick wasn’t a good one in my estimation, as he never progressed the way most thought he would in college. He’s someone who should’ve been given a third-round grade. The Grier pick signifies they’re serious about potentially moving on from Cam Newton if he can’t get them back on the right track, and it was a tremendous value to get him with the 100th pick. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there as they reached on nearly every player and failed to add a cornerback, which was one of their top needs.
Draft Grade: C-
CHICAGO BEARS
3.73 (from Patriots) – David Montgomery (RB – Iowa State)
4.126 – Riley Ridley (WR – Georgia)
6.205 – Duke Shelley (CB – Kansas State)
7.222 (from Broncos) – Kerrith Whyte (RB – Florida Atlantic)
7.238 – Stephen Denmark (CB – Valdosta State)
After signing Mike Davis in free agency, it didn’t make much sense for the Bears to select a running back with one of their third- or fourth-round picks. Not only did they take one in the third, but they traded up to get him. This puts me in quite the predicament because Montgomery was my top running back in the class, but he feels a bit unnecessary here. Ridley was someone who possessed maybe the best route running in the draft, but he lacks any sort of speed, so his ceiling is capped. The fourth round felt about right for him. It’s hard to make a difference with just two picks in the first five rounds after trading for Khalil Mack, Anthony Miller, and Montgomery, so no matter what, the Bears were never going to be able to get a great draft grade here. They did snag wide receiver Emanuel Hall immediately once the draft ended, which doesn’t boost their draft grade, but it does boost the talent-level on their roster.
Draft Grade: C-
CINCINNATI BENGALS
1.11 – Jonah Williams (OT – Alabama)
2.52 (from Broncos) – Drew Sample (TE – Washington)
3.72 – Germaine Pratt (LB – NC State)
4.104 (from 49ers) – Ryan Finley (QB – NC State)
4.125 (from Texans) – Renell Wren (DT – Arizona State)
4.136 (from Cowboys) – Michael Jordan (OG – Ohio State)
6.182 (from Broncos) – Trayveon Williams (RB – Texas A&M)
6.210 – Deshaun Davis (LB – Auburn)
6.211 – Rodney Anderson (RB – Oklahoma)
7.223 – Jordan Brown (CB – South Dakota State)
With all the tight end talent in this class, you had to assume the Bengals would take a tight end after signing Tyler Eifert to another one-year deal, but Drew Sample in the second round? The Williams pick was a sturdy one for a team who’s had offensive line issues, while the Pratt pick was somewhat necessary, even if they did reach a tad for him. You have to wonder if the Bengals were going to take Devin Bush before the Steelers traded up in front of them. The Finley pick is somewhat odd because he’s not considered a high-ceiling-type quarterback, which is where Andy Dalton kind of is in his career. I don’t want to make too big of a deal about it because they were sixth-round picks, but why did they draft both Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson when Joe Mixon is on the roster? I like Anderson but didn’t think he was necessary for them. All in all, it was a mixed draft for the Bengals and their score reflects that.
Draft Grade: C+
CLEVELAND BROWNS
2.46 (from Colts) – Greedy Williams (CB – LSU)
3.80 – Sione Takitaki (LB – BYU)
4.119 – Sheldrick Redwine (S – Miami)
5.155 – Mack Wilson (LB – Alabama)
5.170 (from Patriots) – Austin Seibert (K – Oklahoma)
6.189 – Drew Forbes (OG – Southeast Missouri)
7.221 (from Jaguars) – Donnie Lewis Jr. (CB – Tulane)
After the phenomenal offseason the Browns had until this point, their fan base was going to be extremely happy no matter what. After they were able to sit back at pick 46 and get Greedy Williams, it seemed as if cheat-mode was turned on. But after that, it wasn’t very good. Takitaki wasn’t expected to go until late on Day 3 (if at all), though they increased their odds of a potential starter when they selected Wilson in the fifth round. I’m not a big fan of Wilson, but he deserved to go before Takitaki. They didn’t get an offensive tackle, which means they’re stuck with Greg Robinson and Desmond Harrison at left tackle for another year. If they didn’t get Williams, this draft would look atrocious.
Draft Grade: D
DALLAS COWBOYS
2.58 – Trysten Hill (DT – UCF)
3.90 – Connor McGovern (OG – Penn State)
4.128 – Tony Pollard (RB – Memphis)
5.158 (from Raiders) – Michael Jackson (CB – Miami)
5.165 – Joe Jackson (DE – Miami)
6.213 – Donovan Wilson (S – Texas A&M)
7.218 – Mike Weber (RB – Ohio State)
7.241 – Jalen Jelks (DE – Oregon)
This felt like a very mixed-bag for the Cowboys, who failed to land a difference-maker, but they did land solid values throughout the draft. Many were expecting McGovern to go sooner than 90th overall, while Joe Jackson was a steal as the 158th pick. The Pollard pick felt like a massive reach in the fourth round, especially when you see they took Weber in the seventh. Will their pick of Hill in the second round pan out? That’s the pick this draft hinges on. It did feel like they continually passed/missed out on some rock-solid safeties in this draft, though. Overall, it was simply average.
Draft Grade: C
DENVER BRONCOS
1.20 – Noah Fant (TE – Iowa)
2.41 – Dalton Risner (OT – Kansas State)
2.42 (from Bengals) – Drew Lock (QB – Missouri)
3.71 – Dre’Mont Jones (DT – Ohio State)
5.156 (from Vikings) – Justin Hollins (LB – Oregon)
6.187 – Juwann Winfree (WR – Colorado)
It was shocking to see the Broncos trade back from the 10th pick with Devin Bush on the board, which is precisely who the Steelers traded up to select. While I like Fant, Bush would have had more of an impact on their team. They did use some of the equity to trade up and take Lock in the second round, which was tremendous value, even if you’re not a believer in Lock right now. He comes on a cheap rookie contract and you don’t have to start him right away. The pick of Jones in the third was a solid value, but the Broncos really missed the boat on linebacker in this draft. After losing both Brandon Marshall and Shaquil Barrett, you would’ve thought they’d address the position. They also failed to add a cornerback, which was the second biggest need on my board for them. It appears they’re comfortable starting Chris Harris Jr. and Isaac Yiadom on the perimeter. They made some good picks, but this draft could’ve arguably been better.
Draft Grade: C+
DETROIT LIONS
1.08 – T.J. Hockenson (TE – Iowa)
2.43 – Jahlani Tavai (LB – Hawaii)
3.81 – Will Harris (S – Boston College)
4.117 (from Falcons) – Austin Bryant (DE – Clemson)
5.146 – Amani Oruwariye (CB – Penn State)
6.184 – Travis Fulgham (WR – Old Dominion)
6.186 (from Falcons) – Ty Johnson (RB – Maryland)
7.224 – Isaac Nauta (TE – Georgia)
7.229 (from Dolphins) – P.J. Johnson (DT – Arizona)
It still feels quite odd to see a tight end go No. 8 overall, even if Hockenson seems to be the real deal. I don’t hate the pick, but knowing they reached for Tavai in the second round, they should have taken Devin Bush with the No. 8 pick and found another tight end in the second round. Bryant and Oruwariye were both solid values when you think about when they were expected to go, though I wasn’t completely sold on either of them as difference-makers. Maybe the oddest part of their draft is that they didn’t take an offensive guard, which means they’ve still yet to replace T.J. Lang, who they surprisingly released. Are they really planning to start Kenny Wiggins? The later value they got in this draft is overshadowed by the multiple-round reach of Tavai.
Draft Grade: C
GREEN BAY PACKERS
1.12 – Rashan Gary (DE – Michigan)
1.21 (from Seahawks) – Darnell Savage (S – Maryland)
2.44 – Elgton Jenkins (C – Mississippi State)
3.75 – Jace Sternberger (TE – Texas A&M)
5.150 – Kingsley Keke (DT – Texas A&M)
6.185 – Ka’dar Hollman (CB – Toledo)
6.194 (from Seahawks) – Dexter Williams (RB – Notre Dame)
7.226 – Ty Summers (LB – Texas Christian)
Poor Aaron Rodgers. There was continually wide receiver talent on the board, but the Packers once again avoided them like the plague. Taking Gary at 12 seemed like a little bit of a reach considering his lack of production combined with his shoulder injury that will have him limited in 2019, but it wasn’t a bad pick. Savage is a favorite of many, though did the Packers need to trade up from No. 30 in order to land him? Jenkins was my top-rated center in the draft, while Sternberger has rock-solid hands and can play a possession-style role. In the end, the Packers did land some solid football players, even though it seemed like they could’ve accented their quarterback a bit more, which, as we know, is how they’ll need to win games.
Draft Grade: B-
HOUSTON TEXANS
1.23 – Tytus Howard (OT – Alabama State)
2.54 – Lonnie Johnson (CB – Kentucky)
2.55 – Max Scharping (OT – Northern Illinois)
3.86 – Kahale Warring (TE – San Diego State)
5.161 – Charles Omenihu (DE – Texas)
6.195 – Xavier Crawford (CB – Central Michigan)
7.220 – Cullen Gillaspia (FB – Texas A&M)
I’m sure Deshaun Watson sends a big thank you to the Texans brass, as they spent two of their first three picks on offensive tackles to help protect them. Howard was coveted by many teams, while Scharping was a bit of a reach in my book, though I give them credit for trying after avoiding it last year. They also snagged two other positions of need in the first three rounds with Johnson and Warring. I felt like Omenihu was one of the steals of the draft, as I had a late second-round grade on him. There’s not stud-power in their draft but they filled needs according to their big board, which is something not enough teams do. Bravo, Texans.
Draft Grade: A-
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2.34 (from Jets) – Rock Ya-Sin (CB – Temple)
2.49 (from Browns) – Ben Banogu (EDGE – TCU)
2.59 – Parris Campbell (WR – Ohio State)
3.89 – Bobby Okereke (LB – Stanford)
4.109 (from Raiders) – Khari Willis (S – Michigan State)
5.144 (from Jaguars) – Marvell Tell (S – USC)
5.164 – E.J. Speed (LB – Tartleton State)
6.199 – Gerri Green (DE – Mississippi State)
7.240 – Jackson Barton (OT – Utah)
7.246 – Javon Patterson (C – Ole Miss)
After trading out of the first round, the Colts once again had three second-round picks. Ya-Sin was a borderline first-rounder, while Banogu was brought in on a ton of private visits. Campbell was one of the best wide receiver fits in the entire draft, as he’ll fit right in between T.Y. Hilton and Devin Funchess. Between him and Hilton, there’s a ton of speed to account for. They snagged safeties in both the fourth and fifth rounds, which was a long-term need, though I’m not sure Tell or Willis are the answer. This felt like a solid draft, with their best picks coming when it counted most.
Draft Grade: B
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
1.07 – Josh Allen (EDGE – Kentucky)
2.35 (from Raiders) – Jawaan Taylor (OT – Florida)
3.69 – Josh Oliver (TE – San Jose State)
3.98 – Quincy Williams (LB – Murray State)
5.140 (from Jets) – Ryquell Armstead (RB – Temple)
6.178 – Gardner Minshew (QB – Washington State)
7.235 (from Seahawks) – Dontavius Russell (DT – Auburn)
Most had the Jaguars selecting Taylor in the first round, so to see him fall to them in the second round was a gift. While I have some questions about Allen, he was a solid pick at No. 7 overall, but it was a luxury pick (not a clear need), which does ding them a little bit. Without a starting tight end on the roster, Irv Smith Jr. may have made sense in the second round, but taking Taylor there also made plenty of sense. Oliver isn’t someone who’s pro-ready, so there are still question marks at the position. Armstead was the perfect depth chart piece behind Leonard Fournette, as he’s a no-nonsense runner who loves contact. The biggest question mark was Williams with the No. 98 overall pick, as he was someone who was considered a longshot to be drafted at all. With so many good players still on the board at that point, it’s not a good pick when they could’ve gotten him multiple rounds later. It was a solid, though not spectacular draft.
Draft Grade: C+
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2.56 (from Bears) – Mecole Hardman (WR – Georgia)
2.63 (from Rams) – Juan Thornhill (S – Virginia)
3.84 (from Seahawks) – Khalen Saunders (DT – Western Illinois)
6.201 – Rashad Fenton (CB – South Carolina)
6.214 – Darwin Thompson (RB – Utah State)
7.216 (from 49ers) – Nick Allegretti (OG – Illinois)
Knowing what we do about Tyreek Hill, it’s not shocking to see the Chiefs take a wide receiver. But Hardman at 56th overall? He’s someone I didn’t anticipate being selected until early Day 3 of the draft, so it feels like a big reach, especially with Parris Campbell still on the board. Thornhill was a solid choice to replace Eric Berry in the secondary, while they took the best defensive tackle they could when waiting into the third round when eight of them had already come off the board. Not grabbing a cornerback until the sixth-round feels really bad when it was a clear need for them, and they didn’t upgrade anyone on the offensive line. Outside of Thornhill, this draft felt like somewhat of a disaster for the Chiefs.
Draft Grade: D
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
1.28 – Jerry Tillery (DT – Notre Dame)
2.60 – Nasir Adderley (S – Delaware)
3.91 – Trey Pipkins (OT – Sioux Falls)
4.130 – Drue Tranquill (LB – Notre Dame)
5.166 – Easton Stick (QB – North Dakota State)
6.200 – Emeke Egbule (LB – Houston)
7.242 – Cortez Broughton (DT – Cincinnati)
The Chargers had one of the best starts to the draft after selecting two true needs and getting playmakers to fill them. Tillery was a great fit for the defense they run, while Adderley and Derwin James may become the safety duo teams fear the most, as they’re both extremely versatile. After that, though, their draft was mediocre. Pipkins did fill a need at tackle, though I’m not sure his skillset gives them much of an upgrade when there was other talent still on the board. Tranquill wasn’t a bad pick, but also wasn’t a great one, though I did want the Chargers to add linebacker depth. I felt they should’ve taken Jarrett Stidham instead of him in the fourth round, but the Patriots jumped on him immediately afterward. They then had to settle for Stick in the fifth round. The Chargers hit a home run on their first two picks, which earns them a decent grade, but they faltered after that.
Draft Grade: B-
LOS ANGELES RAMS
2.61 (from Chiefs) – Taylor Rapp (S – Washington)
3.70 (from Bucs) – Darrell Henderson (RB – Memphis)
3.79 (from Falcons) – David Long (CB – Michigan)
3.97 – Bobby Evans (OT – Oklahoma)
4.134 (from Patriots) – Greg Gaines (DT – Washington)
5.169 – David Edwards (OT – Wisconsin)
7.243 (from Chiefs) – Nick Scott (S – Penn State)
7.251 – Dakota Allen (LB – Texas Tech)
After trading out of their first pick, the Rams found themselves with three third-round picks, though they didn’t get them very much. Henderson in the third round was a shock, not because of the round, but because of the team. Not only is Todd Gurley there, but they matched an offer sheet on Malcolm Brown, and selected John Kelly in the sixth-round last year. Long was a reach in the third round, while Evans is hardly a locked-in starter on the offensive line. One pick I did like quite a bit was Allen in the seventh-round, as he’s someone who I felt was a tad underrated in the draft process. The issue is that he’s far from a sure thing and they didn’t take any other linebackers, passing on guys like Mack Wilson over and over again. Rapp was their best pick, but he’s not going to be on the field in base sets, as John Johnson and Eric Weddle are the starters. I don’t think the Rams had a very good draft.
Draft Grade: D
MIAMI DOLPHINS
1.13 – Christian Wilkins (DT – Clemson)
3.78 – Michael Deiter (OG – Wisconsin)
5.151 – Andrew Van Ginkel (LB – Wisconsin)
6.202 (from Saints) – Isaiah Prince (OT – Ohio State)
7.233 (from Titans) – Chandler Cox (RB – Auburn)
7.234 (from Steelers) – Myles Gaskin (RB – Washington)
The big story of the Dolphins draft was the trade for Josh Rosen, where they shipped a late second-round pick in exchange for Rosen AND a fifth-round pick. That was a great trade for them that offered very little risk, as Rosen is due just $6.2 million over the next three years with an option in 2022. If they play him this year and he doesn’t pan out, they can draft a quarterback next year and not feel pressure. The pick of Wilkins in the first round felt just okay, as they desperately need edge rushers, and they didn’t get one until the fifth round. If the season were to start today, the Dolphins would be starting Charles Harris and Jonathan Woodard on the edge. This is not great. Deiter was a solid pickup in the third-round, but the lack of attention to their pass rushers is astonishing. The Rosen trade earns them a solid grade, but their draft outside of that wasn’t very good.
Draft Grade: C+
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
1.18 – Garrett Bradbury (C – NC State)
2.50 – Irv Smith Jr. (TE – Alabama)
3.102 – Alexander Mattison (RB – Boise State)
4.114 (from Seahawks) – Dru Samia (OG – Oklahoma)
5.162 (from Rams) – Cameron Smith (LB – USC)
6.190 – Armon Watts (DT – Arkansas)
6.191 (from Titans) – Marcus Epps (S – Wyoming)
6.193 (from Ravens) – Olisaemeka Udoh (OT – Elon)
7.217 (from Jets) – Kris Boyd (CB – Texas)
7.239 (from Eagles) – Dillon Mitchell (WR – Oregon)
7.247 – Olabisi Johnson (WR – Colorado State)
7.250 – Austin Cutting (LS – Air Force)
The Vikings made a lot of picks in this draft (12 to be exact), though seven of them were in the final two rounds. The first-round pick of Bradbury was quite odd when you consider Cody Ford was available for them. While upgrading Pat Elflein is something I’ve advocated for quite some time, they have other pressing needs on the offensive line. They also didn’t address their pressing need at defensive tackle until the sixth-round, which is odd when you see them take a running back in the third-round. They snagged their Kyle Rudolph replacement (Smith) in the second round, which is fine, but seems odd when you this team is built to win right now. Getting Boyd in the seventh seemed like a gift and I absolutely love the pick of Samia in the fourth, so it wasn’t all bad for the Vikings, but it wasn’t nearly as good as it could’ve been.
Draft Grade: C-
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
1.32 – N’Keal Harry (WR – Arizona State)
2.45 (from Rams) – JoeJuan Williams (CB – Vanderbilt)
3.77 (from Cardinals) – Chase Winovich (EDGE – Michigan)
3.87 (from Bears) – Damien Harris (RB – Alabama)
3.101 – Yodny Cajuste (OT – West Virginia)
4.118 (from Redskins) – Hjalte Froholdt (OG – Arkansas)
4.133 (from Rams) – Jarrett Stidham (QB – Auburn)
5.159 (from Vikings) – Byron Cowart (DT – Maryland)
5.163 (from Eagles) – Jake Bailey (P – Stanford)
7.252 – Ken Webster (CB – Ole Miss)
Many think that because they’ve won six Super Bowls since 2002 that the Patriots have drafted well, but that hasn’t really been the case. They are extremely well coached and prepared, though. This draft, however, the Patriots seemed to nail a lot of picks. Harry fits in with Brady as someone who wins contested catches all over the field. Winovich fits their hybrid scheme phenomenally. Cajuste was a steal at the end of the third round, as I had a late first/early second-round grade on him. Stidham could’ve been a top quarterback in this class if not for his mediocre 2018 season and has starter potential when Tom Brady retires. The pick of Harris was an extremely odd one when you consider Sony Michel has the same exact role on the team, even if I believe Harris is a very strong player. Overall, the Patriots had one of their better drafts in recent memory.
Draft Grade: A
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2.48 (from Dolphins) – Erik McCoy (C – Texas A&M)
4.105 (from Jets) – Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (S – Florida)
6.177 (from Jets) – Saquon Hampton (S – Rutgers)
7.231 (from Browns) – Alize Mack (TE – Notre Dame)
7.244 – Kaden Elliss (LB – Idaho)
They made just two of the first 176 picks, so it’s not as if the Saints could’ve done much damage, but landing Gardner-Johnson in the fourth-round was one of the steals of the draft. The McCoy pick in the second-round was one that filled a gigantic need with the sudden retirement of Max Unger this offseason. Mack could be a sleeper at tight end, so landing him in the seventh-round was also good work. It’s tough to say too much about such little picks in the impact rounds, but the Saints definitely made them count.
Draft Grade: B+
NEW YORK GIANTS
1.06 – Daniel Jones (QB – Duke)
1.17 (from Browns) – Dexter Lawrence (DT – Clemson)
1.30 (from Seahawks) – Deandre Baker (CB – Georgia)
3.95 (from Patriots) – Oshane Ximines (EDGE – Old Dominion)
4.108 – Julian Love (CB – Notre Dame)
5.143 – Ryan Connelly (LB – Wisconsin)
5.171 – Darius Slayton (WR – Auburn)
6.180 – Corey Ballentine (CB – Washburn)
7.232 (from Vikings) – George Asafo-Adjei (OT – Kentucky)
7.245 (from Rams) – Chris Slayton (DT – Syracuse)
I think it’s clear the fanbase in New York didn’t love the pick of Jones at No. 6, but if you’re a team with conviction on a quarterback, you must take him before anyone has a chance to. Would he have been available at No. 17? No one really knows, but it did feel like a reach according to my board. Jones is not as bad as some have made him seem, but he’s not worthy of a high first-round selection in my book (read my scouting report on him here). Lawrence was kind of a shock with the edge rushers that were still available, while Baker was a solid snag at 30th overall. The selections in the third- and fourth-round were solid, as Ximines and Love went after they were projected to, and they both filled needs for the team. The Slayton pick was solid in the fifth-round as well, though it’s odd to see them go with him over someone like Emanuel Hall, who would’ve been a solid fit. This draft will come down to how Jones’ career shakes out. If he succeeds, no one will care if they used the No. 6 pick on him, though Dave Gettleman’s reasoning for selecting him was quite odd.
Draft Grade: C-
NEW YORK JETS
1.03 – Quinnen Williams (DT – Alabama)
3.68 – Jachai Polite (LB – Florida)
3.92 (from Chiefs) – Chuma Edoga (OT – USC)
4.121 (from Titans) – Trevon Wesco (TE – West Virginia)
5.157 (from Titans) – Blake Cashman (LB – Minnesota)
6.196 (from Bears) – Blessuan Austin (CB – Rutgers)
I’ll give the Jets credit for taking the best player available at No. 3 with Williams, even if they didn’t necessarily need him. When you have a player who’s been compared to Aaron Donald, everyone can use him. Polite dropped down draft boards after he had a nightmare of a Combine where the interviews were reportedly some of the worst in the draft. He’s an upside player, as is Edoga, but I would’ve preferred a bit more safety with their picks in rebuild mode. Yodny Cajuste was still available when they picked Edoga, while guys like D’Andre Walker were available when they took Polite. Then selecting Wesco seemed extremely unnecessary considering the talent they have at the position. While the Jets may have gotten the best player in the draft, the rest was relatively weak.
Draft Grade: C
OAKLAND RAIDERS
1.04 – Clelin Ferrell (DE – Clemson)
1.24 (from Bears) – Josh Jacobs (RB – Alabama)
1.27 (from Cowboys) – Johnathan Abram (S – Mississippi State)
2.40 (from Bills) – Trayvon Mullen (CB – Clemson)
4.106 – Maxx Crosby (DE – Eastern Michigan)
4.129 (from Colts) – Isaiah Johnson (CB – Houston)
4.137 (from Falcons) – Foster Moreau (TE – LSU)
5.149 (from Bengals) – Hunter Renfrow (WR – Clemson)
7.230 – Quinton Bell (DE – Prairie View)
It was seemingly the shock of the draft, but not to those of us who loved Ferrell and viewed him as the superior fit/player to the Raiders than Josh Allen. Ferrell was someone I mocked to the Raiders on multiple occasions. Could they have moved back and taken him? Maybe, but again, you don’t know who else was high on him and Mike Mayock would know better than most. I love Ferrell the player and he shouldn’t negatively impact their grade. Jacobs at 24 was more of a reach for me, as he’s someone who likely would’ve lasted until their pick at 40th overall, or at the very least, 27th overall. Abram was widely considered the best safety available, but I wasn’t someone who was too high on him, as he reminds me of Jeff Heath. Mullen was a rock-solid pick in the second-round, but they went and reached on Crosby in the fourth. They did need a tight end, so seeing them take Moreau in the fourth-round wasn’t surprising, though he’s not going to confuse anyone for Jared Cook, as he’s more of a blocker. Some like Renfrow, and while I’m not one of them, slot receiver was a need after releasing Seth Roberts. In the end, there were some hits, but there were also some misses.
Draft Grade: B
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
1.22 (from Ravens) – Andre Dillard (OT – Washington State)
2.53 (from Ravens) – Miles Sanders (RB – Penn State)
2.57 – JJ Arcega-Whiteside (WR – Stanford)
4.138 – Shareef Miller (DE – Penn State)
5.167 (from Rams) – Clayton Thorson (QB – Northwestern)
Making just five selections all day may seem boring for most fans of a team, but not when you make them count like the Eagles did. Trading up for Dillard made tons of sense, as the Texans were lingering behind the Ravens. He’s their long-term solution behind Jason Peters. Just because they traded for Jordan Howard, they knew they weren’t done at the position, and landed a consensus top-three running back who can play all three downs. Arcega-Whiteside is a solid player, though it was surprising to see him go so early, especially knowing the Eagles don’t really have a spot for him on the field right now with both Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson on the perimeter. Thorson should be a solid backup, while Miller has a chance to become a solid starter on the defensive line. The Eagles selected good football players, even if you won’t see them in starting roles in 2019.
Draft Grade: A-
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
1.10 (from Broncos) – Devin Bush (LB – Michigan)
3.66 (from Raiders) – Diontae Johnson (WR – Toledo)
3.83 – Justin Layne (CB – Michigan State)
4.122 – Benny Snell Jr. (RB – Kentucky)
5.141 (from Raiders) – Zach Gentry (TE – Michigan)
6.175 (from Raiders) – Sutton Smith (DE – Northern Illinois)
6.192 – Isaiah Buggs (DE – Alabama)
6.207 (from Cardinals) – Ulysees Gilbert III (LB – Akron)
7.219 (from Bucs) – Derwin Gray (OT – Maryland)
The Steelers pulled off one of the best trades of the draft when they moved in front of their division rivals (Bengals) to select Bush at No. 10 overall. He’s a can’t-miss player in my eyes, so he was worth what they gave up. The Johnson pick felt a bit early, though nothing crazy. Adding Layne in the third was great value and it filled a big need on the roster, but the pick of Snell in the fourth and Gentry in the fifth was mind-boggling. Not only do they have James Conner, but they drafted Jaylon Samuels last year to fill the backup role. While adding another tight end was always in the cards, Gentry was someone I expected to go undrafted. Knowing their top three picks were solid, they get an above average grade, but I think they missed in the later rounds.
Draft Grade: B-
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
1.02 – Nick Bosa (DE – Ohio State)
2.36 – Deebo Samuel (WR – South Carolina)
3.67 – Jalen Hurd (WR – Baylor)
4.110 – Mitch Wishnowsky (P – Utah)
5.148 (from Broncos) – Dre Greenlaw (LB – Arkansas)
6.176 – Kaden Smith (TE – Stanford)
6.183 (from Bengals) – Justin Skule (OT – Vanderbilt)
6.198 (from Cowboys) – Tim Harris (CB – Virginia)
Landing Bosa with the No. 2 pick was a dream scenario for the 49ers, as they fulfilled a roster need and got what’s likely to be the best player in the draft class. They followed that up by selecting two quality receivers, even though both felt a tad early. Samuel with A.J. Brown still on the board? Hurd with Hakeem Butler still on the board? Again, I like both players, but feel there was better talent on the board. Taking a punter in the fourth round should probably never happen, especially at the start of the round. They waited far too long to select a cornerback, as they have no contingency plan in place if Jason Verrett doesn’t return to starter-form after missing two straight seasons. You have to love the Bosa pick, but he fell into their laps, while they seemingly reached a bit on almost every one of their remaining picks.
Draft Grade: C
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
1.29 (from Chiefs) – L.J. Collier (DE – TCU)
2.47 (from Panthers) – Marquise Blair (S – Utah)
2.64 (from Patriots) – D.K. Metcalf (WR – Ole Miss)
3.88 (from Eagles) – Cody Barton (LB – Utah)
4.120 (from Vikings) – Gary Jennings (WR – West Virginia)
4.124 – Phil Haynes (OG – Wake Forest)
4.132 (from Saints) – Ugochukwu Amadi (S – Oregon)
5.142 (from 49ers) – Ben Burr-Kirven (LB – Washington)
6.204 (from Patriots) – Travis Homer (RB – Miami)
6.209 (from Vikings) – Demarcus Christmas (DT – Florida State)
There are a few things that are guaranteed in life and one of them is the Seahawks trading back. After trading back from the No. 21 pick, the Seahawks took Collier with the No. 29 pick, which was quite the shock considering most viewed him as a Day 2 pick. They then took Blair in the middle of the second round, which was another reach, as most (myself included) had him going at the start of Day 3. Fortunately, they had some value that couldn’t be passed-up at the end of the second round when Metcalf fell into their arms. He may not be perfect, but he possesses things you cannot teach. Their over-drafting trend continued in the third round with Barton. It seems the Seahawks just reached for their guys in this draft rather than taking value that presented itself. That can work on certain prospects, and it’s something you must do at times, but doing it too often (like they did) doesn’t typically work out.
Draft Guide: D+
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
1.05 – Devin White (LB – LSU)
2.39 – Sean Bunting (CB – Central Michigan)
3.94 – Jamel Dean (CB – Auburn)
3.99 – Mike Edwards (S – Kentucky)
4.107 – Anthony Nelson (DE – Iowa)
5.145 – Matt Gay (K – Utah)
6.208 (from Eagles) – Scott Miller (WR – Bowling Green)
7.215 (from Cardinals) – Terry Beckner Jr. (DT – Missouri)
The Bucs made five of the first 107 picks in the draft and used every single one on defense. Maybe Bruce Arians feels as if there’s enough talent to make it work on the offense? I believe the offensive line should’ve been addressed, but I don’t have a large issue with this strategy. White filled a massive gap in the middle of the field, while Bunting added much-needed talent to the cornerback unit. Bunting was a favorite of mine on Day 2, but it’s tough to say he should’ve gone before Greedy Williams and Travon Mullen. They added more cornerback depth in Dean, who could be a steal if his knees hold up. I’m not a fan of them drafting a kicker again, especially one who’s nothing to write home about. I did like the pick of Beckner at the end of the draft, as he’s someone who flashed at times on film, though injuries have hampered him a bit. The Bucs took some fliers on guys in this draft who present upside, even if they don’t have a particularly clean bill of health. Overall, the Bucs did a solid job.
Draft Guide: B
TENNESSEE TITANS
1.19 – Jeffery Simmons (DT – Mississippi State)
2.51 – A.J. Brown (WR – Ole Miss)
3.82 – Nate Davis (OT – Charlotte)
4.116 (from Dolphins) – Amani Hooker (S – Iowa)
5.168 (from Saints) – D’Andre Walker (EDGE – Georgia)
6.188 (from Dolphins) – David Long Jr. (LB – West Virginia)
They only had six picks, but man, they made them count. Simmons was a top-10 player in this draft, though he’ll be red-shirted his rookie season with a torn ACL. Brown was my top receiver in this draft and he fell to them at 51st overall, though it does mean Taywan Taylor is likely headed to the bench. The signing of Adam Humphries makes little sense, though, as Brown is best-suited as a slot receiver and that’s the only place Humphries plays. Marcus Mariota has all the tools he could ever ask for and 2019 is a make-or-break year. Davis wasn’t one of my favorites, but he was expected to go in the third round, so he’s fine value. Hooker and Walker were phenomenal picks in the fourth- and fifth-rounds, as they both present starter upside on Day 3, something that’s rare. They won’t need to start right away, as Walker will be a rotational player who’ll learn from Cameron Wake, and Hooker will be depth behind Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro. Some even believe Long has upside as an undersized linebacker who plays with a chip on his shoulder. This was a great draft for the Titans.
Draft Guide: A
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
1.15 – Dwayne Haskins (QB – Ohio State)
1.26 (from Colts) – Montez Sweat (EDGE – Mississippi State)
3.76 – Terry McLaurin (WR – Ohio State)
4.112 (from Bills) – Bryce Love (RB – Stanford)
4.131 (from Chiefs) – Wes Martin (OG – Indiana)
5.153 – Ross Pierschbacher (C – Alabama)
5.173 – Cole Holcomb (LB – North Carolina)
6.206 – Kelvin Harmon (WR – NC State)
7.227 – Jimmy Moreland (CB – James Madison)
7.253 – Jordan Brailford (DE – Oklahoma)
To walk away from the draft with potentially the top quarterback and a top-three edge rusher without having a pick before 15th overall is rather impressive, but that’s what the Redskins accomplished by selecting Haskins and Sweat. Those two got them off on the right foot, while the picks of Pierschbacher and Harmon were excellent late-round values. There were issues in-between those picks, however. McLaurin paired back up with Haskins isn’t a bad thing, but he seemed like a reach in the third round. They also made one of the oddest selections in the draft when they took Love at the start of the fourth round. I think Love was a great late-round prospect for a team who needed an upside running back, but the Redskins have Derrius Guice, Adrian Peterson, Chris Thompson, and Samaje Perine on the depth chart. Guice is likely the only one who’s safe right now. There were some bright spots but also some head-scratchers.
Draft Guide: B-
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Mike Tagliere is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeTagliereNFL.