There is plenty of excitement to come this weekend with dozens of quality NFL players still on the board for Day Two of the NFL Draft but first, let’s take a look back at what happened last night. There weren’t as many trades as anticipated but the back half of the second round gave us some real shockers. This morning, I’ll hand out draft grades for all 32 picks. If you want the quick list, scroll to the bottom for each team’s draft grade listed in order.

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1.01 Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow (QB – LSU) — Grade: A+
As expected, the Bengals took the best quarterback prospect I’ve seen since Andrew Luck. He is an older prospect and only had one strong year but it was historically dominant and checks every box you’d want from a franchise QB. Apparently they passed up a trade from Miami for 1.03 and 1.05 (they could have had Tua and Andrew Thomas!) but that is all speculation. If we knew that for a fact, the grade would drop to an A-.

1.02 Washington: Chase Young (Edge – Ohio St) — Grade: A-
This was the obvious pick as Young is quite literally a better prospect than Nick Bosa, who wrecked the NFC West last season as a rookie. The only reason it isn’t an A+, however, is because they refused to even consider a trade despite major offers. Perhaps they could have landed 25-year-old star, Yannick Ngakoue as their stud edge rusher and still picked up 1.09 and 1.20 to take a tackle and wide receiver. Regardless, they get a tremendous young player.

1.03 Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah (CB – Ohio St) — Grade: B+
Okudah is fantastic without question. He is quite similar to Jalen Ramsey when he came out of Florida State. The problem here, and it’s minor, mind you, is that MIA, LAC and JAX were all eager to move up to this spot. The Lions could have surely added an early 2nd at the very least while still probably getting Okudah at 1.05 or 1.06. This does fill a major need, though, and he should contribute immediately.

1.04 New York Giants: Andrew Thomas (OT – Georgia) — Grade: B
I actually love that the Giants went with an offensive tackle over Simmons. Don’t get me wrong, Simmons is phenomenal, but a Pro-Bowl left tackle is much more difficult to find than a linebacker of the same quality. Thomas is an excellent prospect, of course, but they receive only a “B” because he isn’t Jedrick Wills Jr. or Tristan Wirfs, the two top offensive tackles on my board.

1.05 Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa (QB – Alabama) — Grade: A+
Unbelievably, Miami managed to get Tua without sacrificing another first round pick in the process. Prior to his injury, most thought Tua would still go 1.01 over Joe Burrow. Now granted, Burrow had what many call the greatest NCAA football season of all-time, but Tua probably still would be in the conversation for 1.01. That’s the upside Miami drafted here at 1.05. We may be looking back one day wondering why no one traded ahead of Miami for this pick.

1.06 Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert (QB – Oregon) — Grade: C+
I get the appeal with Herbert: he has a good frame, huge arm and top-tier brain, but the production and film just weren’t quite there. Sometimes players like this (see Josh Allen and Daniel Jones) take a huge step forward and analysts eat crow. More often than not, however, these projection quarterbacks in the high first don’t pan out. It’s tough to knock the Chargers for taking that risk, but with two great tackles on the board and Isaiah Simmons, I think they made the wrong call.

1.07 Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown (IDL – Auburn) — Grade: B-
This was the easiest pick to mock since the draft order was finalized months ago. Carolina had the worst run defense in football last year and Brown is an anchor in the middle. His historically terrible combine gave us a red flag but Carolina ignored it, passed on Simmons, and pressed on. Frankly, I had a higher grade on Kinlaw, but it’s also easy to see Brown becoming a stud defensive tackle for years to come.

1.08 Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons (LB – Clemson) — Grade: A
I would have bet anything that the Cardinals would be taking an offensive tackle last season to give Kyler Murray the protection he needs. It was also difficult to forecast Simmons falling here, though, and seeing as though the Cardinals needed linebacking help, Simmons is the perfect fit. Arizona had to be doing cartwheels when they realized he fell to them.

1.09 Jacksonville Jaguars: CJ Henderson (CB – Florida) — Grade: C-
As a Jags fan, this one hurts to write. I’ve been crossing my fingers for months that this wouldn’t be the pick. I know Henderson has some upside, but he belongs back in the tier with Gladney (1.31), Trevon Diggs (still available) and Kristian Fulton (still available). To take him in the top 10 with so many other holes and much better players on the board just has me shaking my head.

1.10 Cleveland Brown: Jedrick Wills Jr. (OT – Alabama) — Grade: A 
You can bet Cleveland did not expect Wills to drop to them at pick #10. They were tied heavily to offensive tackles and there was some speculation that all four top options would be gone by the 10th overall pick. Wills was the number one player at his position on my board as the most polished linemen in the class. He should do an excellent job protecting Baker Mayfield.

1.11 New York Jets: Mekhi Becton (OT – Louisville) — Grade: B
The Jets did well to pass on a wide receiver with this pick since the position is so deep and grab a tackle instead. Becton has unbelievable upside but with Wirfs on the board, I think they left some value on the table.

1.12 Oakland Raiders: Henry Ruggs III (WR – Alabama) — Grade: C-
Are Gruden and Mayock geniuses? Yeah, I think so but they also drafted Clelin Ferrell 4th overall last season so maybe they, too, are prone to mistakes. It’s tough to get beyond the fact that Ruggs was the third or fourth most productive wide receiver on his TEAM last year and they took him as the first wideout off the board. He won’t ever be an alpha receiver like Jeudy or Lamb have a chance to be.

1.13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via SF): Tristan Wirfs (OT – Iowa) — Grade: A+
You’d have to think Denver, Miami, Minnesota and perhaps even Seattle or Tennessee was on the phone with San Francisco trying to trade up for what may be the best tackle in the draft at pick 13. Tampa won the bidding war, though, and get exactly what they needed to protect Tom Brady.

1.14 San Francisco 49ers (vs TB): Javon Kinlaw (IDL – South Carolina) — Grade: A
I understand some fans being upset that their 49ers traded DeForest Buckner for this pick then they ended up taking an unproven defensive tackle, but keep in mind that they saved 70 million dollars too. This is essentially Kinlaw and being able to resign Arik Armstead for Buckner. Kinlaw, in his own right, is an exceptional prospect and I love the move to pick up a 4th by moving down just one spot.

1.15 Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy (WR – Alabama) — Grade: A
Denver had to be kicking dirt when the final elite offensive tackle came off the board, but perhaps they can get Josh Jones or Ezra Cleveland in Round 2 instead. And they end up with Jeudy, who fits perfectly across from Courtland Sutton. Jeudy could very well lead the NFL in receptions a few years from now and he fills a hole on their depth chart.

1.16 Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell (CB – Clemson) — Grade: C-
This was the first real head-scratcher in the draft. Atlanta was rumored to be trying to move up into the top 10 and apparently weren’t willing to consider moving back 20 spots to still get the player they ended up with. Most had Terrell as a mid-2nd talent with some placing a Round 3 grade on him. Now, I like the player, so I wasn’t too harsh with the grade, but it’s just a mystery why they didn’t trade back.

1.17 Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb (WR – Oklahoma) — Grade: A
I know Dallas had bigger needs, namely at corner and edge, so they could have gone Chaisson or Fulton, but I love when teams grab what is by far the best player available sliding down draft boards. Not only that but the Eagles were almost certainly going to end up with Lamb so Dallas snatched him from their rivals. This offensive is going to be extraordinary in 2020.

1.18 Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson (OT – USC) — Grade: C+
I know Miami needed a tackle to protect Tua but Jackson was expected to go in the 2nd round. Are you telling me he wouldn’t have been available at 1.26? They could have snagged Justin Jefferson or K’Lavon Chaisson instead and still likely ended up with the tackle of their choice eight picks later.

1.19 Oakland Raiders: Damon Arnette (CB – Ohio St) — Grade: D+
I just don’t get it. Why do the Raiders and Seahawks insist on taking players 20 to 50 picks before they are expected to go? Arnette’s analytical numbers were spectacular but let’s also keep in mind that he was more often than not, lined up versus each team’s #2 receiver with Okudah on the #1. The Raiders don’t have a second rounder, but they surely could have traded back, acquired extra picks and still ended up with Arnette.

1.20 Jacksonville Jaguars: K’Lavon Chaisson (Edge – LSU) — Grade: C+
Chaisson has the physical ability to become a star, but that ceiling is still so far away. His production left a lot to be desired in 2019 and while Jacksonville isn’t winning any time soon, there were much safer bets still available with this pick.

1.21 Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor (WR – TCU) — Grade: B
Reagor suffered from quite literally the worst quarterback play of any top 20 wide receiver in this draft class so you’ll have to forgive his mediocre production. The kid has some serious speed and profiles nicely as a slot receiver in place of Nelson Agholor. Unfortunately for Eagles fans, Jefferson is a much better prospect and they should have grabbed him instead.

1.22 Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson (WR – LSU) — Grade: A
The Vikings had one heck of a first round and it started with Jefferson falling to them at 1.22. He is that rare big slot who can get open at will. The comp is JuJu Smith Schuster if it all comes together for him. This will be one of the top dynasty picks this season, as Jefferson is certain to find his way into many targets in 2020.

1.23 Los Angeles Chargers (via NE): Kenneth Murray (LB – Oklahoma) — Grade: A
It seemed likely that New England would trade back but Los Angeles was not anticipated as one of the favorites to move up for another first. They nailed this pick, grabbing by far the second-best linebacker in the class right before the Saints would have surely taken him.

1.24 New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz (OIL – Michigan) — Grade: C+
With Murray gone, it seemed likely the Saints would settle for Patrick Queen, but instead, they address the interior offensive line. I don’t mind the strategy, as protecting Drew Brees is crucial, but Ruiz is not my favorite prospect on the inside and I think they could have added a similar talent in the second or even third round with Tyler Biadasz.

1.25 San Francisco 49ers (via MIN): Brandon Aiyuk (WR – Arizona St) — Grade: B-
The 49ers were expected to trade back from 1.31 to collect additional picks but instead, they traded up for the wide receiver of their choice. Aiyuk is a blazer who should work well opposite of Deebo Samuel, but it’s surprising to see them pass on Denzel Mims, Laviska Shenault Jr. and Tee Higgins.

1.26 Green Bay Packers (via MIA): Jordan Love (QB – Utah St) — Grade: D-
I laughed so hard when this pick was made. WHY!!!? Rodgers still has four years left on his contract so is Love ever going to start a game for Green Bay? Sure, Rodgers is 36 years old, but he is still playing great football and the team won 13 games last year! The very least they could have done was given him the weapon he’s been begging for over the past several years. Not only that, but Love was horrendous in 2019 against lackluster competition. Major yikes.

1.27 Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks (LB – Texas Tech) — Grade: D+
Why do the Seahawks do this every season? L.J. Collier was expected to be a third or even fourth round pick last year before they reached for him. And guess what, he did not impress as a rookie. While Brooks does plug a hole, he, too, was expected to be gone around the 2/3 turn in this season’s draft. He is a quality football player but not a quality value at pick #27.

1.28 Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen (LB – LSU) — Grade: B+
Baltimore was one of the teams with the ammo to move up and potentially acquire Murray before anyone else could. They sat at 1.28, though, and settled for another very impressive young linebacker in Queen. He is a plug and play starter at the position they definitely needed to fill.

1.29 Tennesse Titans: Isaiah Wilson (OT – Georgia) — Grade: A-
Wilson fits the Titans’ run-heavy scheme ideally as an absolute mauler on the outside. Many did not expect him to go in the first because his athleticism is behind the likes of Josh Jones, Austin Jackson and Ezra Cleveland, but Wilson should help Tennessee continue to run the ball down the AFC’s throats from day one.

1.30 Miami Dolphins (via GB): Noah Igbinoghene (CB – Auburn) — Grade: C-
Had the Dolphins not traded back to acquire additional picks, I would have given this pick the second-worst grade in the draft (sorry, Green Bay). Igbinoghene is a ridiculous athlete, but he lacks the polish other cornerbacks, who are still available, offer. Gladney, Fulton and Diggs are all superior prospects, and Jaylon Johnson offers much more in the way of upside.

1.31 Minnesota Vikings (via SF): Jeff Gladney (CB – TCU) — Grade: A
Between trading back for this pick and Jefferson falling to 1.22, it’s tough to say which was the better pick. Let’s just call the Vikings the winners of Round 1 and call it even. Gladney is the most NFL-ready rookie cornerback outside of Okudah and while his ceiling isn’t all that high, he should help stop the bleeding immediately.

1.32 Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB – LSU) — Grade: C
Don’t hear me wrong, as I love the pick from a fantasy perspective. CEH is going to be outrageous in this offense right away, and if you question that, I’d ask you to find any 1st round running back (outside of Pete Carroll’s crazy system) who didn’t receive a ton of touches right away. From a real-NFL perspective, however, this is too early for any running back, especially when one of Taylor, Swift of Dobbins is likely still available in the late second round when they pick next.

Draft Grades by Team

• Minnesota Vikings (A & A: Total: A+)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (A+)
• Cincinnati Bengals (A+)
• Arizona Cardinals (A)
• Cleveland Browns (A)
• Denver Broncos (A)
• Dallas Cowboys (A)
• Miami Dolphins (A+ & C+ & C: Total A-)
• Washington (A-)
• Tennessee Titans (A-)
• Baltimore Ravens (B+)
• Detroit Lions (B+)
• Los Angeles Chargers (C+ & A: Total B+)
• San Francisco 49ers (A & B-: Total B+)
• New York Giants (B)
• New York Jets (B)
• Philadelphia Eagles (B)
• Carolina Panthers (B-)
• New Orleans Saints (C+)
• Kansas City Chiefs (C)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (C- & C+: Total: C)
• Atlanta Falcons (C-)
• Oakland Raiders (C- & D+: Total D+)
• Seattle Seahawks (D+)
• Green Bay Packers (D-)

   

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