Travdogg's draft grades (1 Viewer)

[travdogg]

I'm strictly grading on how much the team was improved by this draft class. I'm not giving credit for players that picks were traded for before such as giving SF credit for CMC or the Jets credit for Rodgers. If I don't mention a player, it means I don't think he's good enough to warrant mention, that might be some picks as high as round 2. With that in mind, this is how I grade the drafts from #1 to #32.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers A+
Broderick Jones gives them a solid LT.
Joey Porter should be a #1 CB.
Keeanu Benton can be a #2 DT opposite Heyward.
Darnell Washington can be a starting TE, and should heavily encourage 2-TE sets with Freiermuth.
Nick Herbig can be a bookend opposite Watt, as a cheap replacement long term for Highsmith.
Cory Trice can be a long term #3 CB.

2. Detroit Lions A
Jahmyr Gibbs should be a starting RB, though likely pulled for Montgomery in short yardage.
Jack Campbell is a solid starting LB.
Sam LaPorta is a solid starting TE.
Brian Branch can be an all-pro safety. Gigantic steal.
Hendon Hooker can be a future starting QB.

3. Philadelphia Eagles A
Jalen Carter could be an all-pro DT.
Nolan Smith could be a high-end pass rusher just like Reddick.
Sydney Brown looks like a utility depth DB.
Kelee Ringo should be a #3 CB.
Tanner McKee looks like a solid backup QB.
Moro Ojomo should be a rotational DT.

4. Indianapolis Colts A-
Anthony Richardson has NFL MVP upside, but his rushing floor should at least be start worthy week 1.
Julius Brents looks like a CB/S tweener. Should be a starter somewhere though.
Josh Downs looks like a quality #2 WR. I think he's better than Pierce, and maybe Pittman too.
Adetomiwa Adebawore can be a starting DE in my eyes.
Darius Rush looks like a #3 CB.

5. Seattle Seahawks B+
Devon Witherspoon has all-pro talent, and could make Woolen the #2 quickly.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Cooper Kupp ceiling and could be a lot more involved than expected. Wouldn't be shocked if he was the #1 by 2024.
Derick Hall feels like a situational pass rusher to me. Bit of a reach.
Zach Charbonnet is a starting caliber RB, and I think he and Walker could become a really frustrating RBBC real quick.

6. Houston Texans B+
CJ Stroud, has a Kirk Cousins ceiling in my eyes, but he's not far off that day 1.
Will Anderson has all-pro talent and could be a not far off right away.
Nathaniel Dell looks like a #2 WR, who may have to be the #1 with this group.

7. Tennessee Titans B
Peter Skoronski, I see a way better player than most. I can see him being an all-pro LT. He's Rashawn Slater, but more technically sound, just slightly smaller. I had him as the OT1 by a good margin.
Will Levis, I like the Jay Cutler comp. There is pro bowl upside here, but hopefully he isn't rushed into the lineup, especially since Tannehill (unlike say Minshew) is a solid starting QB.
Tyjae Spears, looks like a solid COP RB, with upside.

8. New York Giants B
Deonte Banks looks like a #1 CB.
John Michael Schmitz is an instant starter with a high floor.
Jalin Hyatt looks like a #2 to me, but again could end up the #1 with this competition.

9. Cleveland Browns B
Cedrick Tillman, I'm a big fan of his, and think he can be the #2 WR in short order.
Siaki Ika is a solid rotational DT.
Dawand Jones was a crazy huge steal. I think his concerns are grossly overblown and this could be another Orlando Brown situation. Could see him being the LT of the future if Wills isn't retained.
Isaiah McGuire looks like a situational pass rusher.
Luke Wypler was another huge steal. He could be the C of the future and will be a solid backup across the interior in the meantime.

10. Atlanta Falcons B
Bijan Robinson could be an instant pro bowl RB.
Matthew Bergeron could be a good G or ok T.
Clark Phillips looks like a #2 CB to me, who fell only due to non-elite combine numbers.

11. Los Angeles Chargers B
Quentin Johnston has #1 WR upside, and can be brought along slowly in LA.
Tuli Tuipulotu, could be the heir apparent to Mack, albeit much less talented, even than 2023 Mack.
Daiyan Henley, best coverage LB in the draft, I think he could push 1st round bust Murray right away.

12. Green Bay Packers B-
Lukas Van Ness, maybe has the highest ceiling of any defensive player in the class, but also couldn't start full time at Iowa. Very boom/bust, which GB seems to love.
Luke Musgrave, another boom/bust type. Could be a real playmaker up the seam.
Tyler Kraft, looks like a solid #2 TE to me. He's more ready day 1 than Musgrave. GB should be a 2-TE team.
Karl Brooks can be a rotational DT for them.
Anthony Johnson can be versatile 3rd S, dime CB.

13. Buffalo Bills B-
Dalton Kincaid, could have a Mark Andrews level ceiling. Could be #2 target as a rookie.
O'Cyrus Torrence looks like an instant long term starter at G.

14. Cincinnati Bengals C+
Myles Murphy, could be their best pass rusher by 2024. Small concern he never developed at Clemson.
DJ Turner, size be damned, he's a #2 CB in my opinion.
Jordan Battle, limited physically, I think he might be more of a depth piece than quality starter.

15. Las Vegas Raiders C+
Tyree Wilson, he's a lot more boom/bust than the 7th pick should be, but he's got a lot of talent/upside.
Michael Mayer, had no business falling to round 2. Witten comps are probably pushing it (all HOF level comps usually are) but Hockenson level is very realistic, and he should hit the ground running.

16. Arizona Cardinals C
Paris Johnson, probably the highest upside OT, but 6 may have been high.
BJ Ojulari, instant starting DE. High floor/low ceiling.
Garrett Williams, has #2 CB tools, but we'll see if he still does after knee injury. He'll get every chance on this team.
Michael Wilson, solid possession WR, probably a #3. Could push Moore, who in my opinion, should honestly be a 3rd down RB.

 

[travdogg]

17. Chicago Bears C
Darnell Wright, not the OT I would have picked (or even 2nd choice) but he's a solid player.
Tyrique Stevenson, solid #2 CB who can keep Gordon in the slot.
Tyler Scott, solid WR3 deep threat, not all that different than Mooney.

18. Carolina Panthers C
Bryce Young, the right pick at #1, with an elite ceiling.
Jonathan Mingo, way too high of a pick. I think he's a big slot. Closer to Viska than AJ Brown.
Chandler Zavala, utiltity OL, who maybe could be a decent starter. Could push Christiansen.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars C
Anton Harrison, I don't think Cam Robinson gets that LT job back if his suspension goes through.
Tank Bigbsy, one of my favorite RBs in this class. I think he's a big issue for Etienne, as big as Charbonnet is for Walker.
Antonio Johnson, I think he can be a starting S.

20. Tampa Bay C
Calijah Kancey looks like a perfect complement for Vea. Don't see him as a situational player.
Cody Mauch, I think he can stay at T despite size concerns.

21. New England Patriots C-
Christian Gonzalez, huge talent, though needs some work in my opinion. Future #1 CB is likely, though may not be great as a rookie.
Keion White, could be the long term #2 opposite Judon. But very boom/bust.

22. Los Angeles Rams C-
Steve Avila, looks like a solid starting G for years to come.
Byron Young, situational pass rusher who will be needed for more on this team.
Kobie Turner, rotational DT opposite Donald.
Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson looks like a solid slot CB despite his size. He also may be needed to be much more.

23. New York Jets D+
Will McDonald, I think he could be the best pass rusher on the team by year's end. I do question his ceiling a little due to size, but he feels like a safe pick.
Joe Tippmann, one of the most overrated players in this draft in my eyes. I think he might be too tall to play C and might not be more than a mediocre starter.

24. New Orleans Saints D+
Bryan Bresee, never been a huge fan of his. I think he's a #2 DT, and should have been a 2nd rounder.
Isaiah Foskey, looks like a situational pass rusher to me.
Nick Saldiveri, your classic ok T, who could be a solid G.
AT Perry, I like him as a #3 WR, I could see him pressing Shaheed, if they don't wanna overwork him and risk his ST value.

25. Kansas City Chiefs D
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, should be an instant starter, and form a nice young combo with Karlaftis.
Rashee Rice, looked like a #3 WR to me. Maybe helps them save money on MVS in a year.

26. Baltimore Ravens D
Zay Flowers, I think his ceiling is being overstated. He's a #2 WR, maybe this year's Jahan Dotson.
Trenton Simpson, feels like a nickel LB to me. Good speed, but often going nowhere fast type.

27. Miami Dolphins D
Cam Smith feels like a #2 CB who will get to come along slowly behind Ramsey/Howard. Like the player, but odd position to target.
Devon Achane, great fit, question is how be a role can he handle. In theory, Mostert/Wilson aren't in his way at all.

28. Dallas Cowboys D
Mazi Smith, solid run stuffing DT. Felt like maybe a slight reach for need.
Luke Schoonmaker, looks like a #2 TE to me. Went ahead of multiple better TEs.
DeMarvion Overshown, nickel LB.

29. Washington Commanders D
Emmanuel Forbes, I see the playmaking potential, and I don't think he'll bust, but a sub 170 pound CB that high (over Banks and Porter no less) is a tough sell. He needs to be their #1 quickly too.
Jartavius Martin looks like slot CB/S tweener. Not a bad player, but probably a round early.

30. Minnesota Vikings D-
Jordan Addison, ideal fit as a #2 opposite Jefferson, but was that their biggest need?
DeWayne McBride is a guy I think can be the lesser half of a RBBC. He'd be ok splitting with Mattison if they deal Cook, which seems unlikely now.

31. Denver Broncos D-
Marvin Mims, he has some upside, but also feels like a #3 WR, and WR was not a top pick need at all.
Drew Sanders, I think he'll be a good LB long term, but he's also pretty raw after spending much of his college career at EDGE.

32. San Francisco 49ers F
How does a team have no picks until round 3, and then take a K? There were OL available who would start day 1 for this team, or a potential starting CB, but nope K. Also not a fan of the S they took. The CMC trade looks excellent if this was how the draft was gonna be approached.

 

[styleride85]

17. Chicago Bears C
Darnell Wright, not the OT I would have picked (or even 2nd choice) but he's a solid player.
Tyrique Stevenson, solid #2 CB who can keep Gordon in the slot.
Tyler Scott, solid WR3 deep threat, not all that different than Mooney.

18. Carolina Panthers C
Bryce Young, the right pick at #1, with an elite ceiling.
Jonathan Mingo, way too high of a pick. I think he's a big slot. Closer to Viska than AJ Brown.
Chandler Zavala, utiltity OL, who maybe could be a decent starter. Could push Christiansen.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars C
Anton Harrison, I don't think Cam Robinson gets that LT job back if his suspension goes through.
Tank Bigbsy, one of my favorite RBs in this class. I think he's a big issue for Etienne, as big as Charbonnet is for Walker.
Antonio Johnson, I think he can be a starting S.

20. Tampa Bay C
Calijah Kancey looks like a perfect complement for Vea. Don't see him as a situational player.
Cody Mauch, I think he can stay at T despite size concerns.

21. New England Patriots C-
Christian Gonzalez, huge talent, though needs some work in my opinion. Future #1 CB is likely, though may not be great as a rookie.
Keion White, could be the long term #2 opposite Judon. But very boom/bust.

22. Los Angeles Rams C-
Steve Avila, looks like a solid starting G for years to come.
Byron Young, situational pass rusher who will be needed for more on this team.
Kobie Turner, rotational DT opposite Donald.
Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson looks like a solid slot CB despite his size. He also may be needed to be much more.

23. New York Jets D+
Will McDonald, I think he could be the best pass rusher on the team by year's end. I do question his ceiling a little due to size, but he feels like a safe pick.
Joe Tippmann, one of the most overrated players in this draft in my eyes. I think he might be too tall to play C and might not be more than a mediocre starter.

24. New Orleans Saints D+
Bryan Bresee, never been a huge fan of his. I think he's a #2 DT, and should have been a 2nd rounder.
Isaiah Foskey, looks like a situational pass rusher to me.
Nick Saldiveri, your classic ok T, who could be a solid G.
AT Perry, I like him as a #3 WR, I could see him pressing Shaheed, if they don't wanna overwork him and risk his ST value.

25. Kansas City Chiefs D
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, should be an instant starter, and form a nice young combo with Karlaftis.
Rashee Rice, looked like a #3 WR to me. Maybe helps them save money on MVS in a year.

26. Baltimore Ravens D
Zay Flowers, I think his ceiling is being overstated. He's a #2 WR, maybe this year's Jahan Dotson.
Trenton Simpson, feels like a nickel LB to me. Good speed, but often going nowhere fast type.

27. Miami Dolphins D
Cam Smith feels like a #2 CB who will get to come along slowly behind Ramsey/Howard. Like the player, but odd position to target.
Devon Achane, great fit, question is how be a role can he handle. In theory, Mostert/Wilson aren't in his way at all.

28. Dallas Cowboys D
Mazi Smith, solid run stuffing DT. Felt like maybe a slight reach for need.
Luke Schoonmaker, looks like a #2 TE to me. Went ahead of multiple better TEs.
DeMarvion Overshown, nickel LB.

29. Washington Commanders D
Emmanuel Forbes, I see the playmaking potential, and I don't think he'll bust, but a sub 170 pound CB that high (over Banks and Porter no less) is a tough sell. He needs to be their #1 quickly too.
Jartavius Martin looks like slot CB/S tweener. Not a bad player, but probably a round early.

30. Minnesota Vikings D-
Jordan Addison, ideal fit as a #2 opposite Jefferson, but was that their biggest need?
DeWayne McBride is a guy I think can be the lesser half of a RBBC. He'd be ok splitting with Mattison if they deal Cook, which seems unlikely now.

31. Denver Broncos D-
Marvin Mims, he has some upside, but also feels like a #3 WR, and WR was not a top pick need at all.
Drew Sanders, I think he'll be a good LB long term, but he's also pretty raw after spending much of his college career at EDGE.

32. San Francisco 49ers F
How does a team have no picks until round 3, and then take a K? There were OL available who would start day 1 for this team, or a potential starting CB, but nope K. Also not a fan of the S they took. The CMC trade looks excellent if this was how the draft was gonna be approached.

Think you got Detroit way too high.

 

[kface]

17. Chicago Bears C
Darnell Wright, not the OT I would have picked (or even 2nd choice) but he's a solid player.
Tyrique Stevenson, solid #2 CB who can keep Gordon in the slot.
Tyler Scott, solid WR3 deep threat, not all that different than Mooney.

18. Carolina Panthers C
Bryce Young, the right pick at #1, with an elite ceiling.
Jonathan Mingo, way too high of a pick. I think he's a big slot. Closer to Viska than AJ Brown.
Chandler Zavala, utiltity OL, who maybe could be a decent starter. Could push Christiansen.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars C
Anton Harrison, I don't think Cam Robinson gets that LT job back if his suspension goes through.
Tank Bigbsy, one of my favorite RBs in this class. I think he's a big issue for Etienne, as big as Charbonnet is for Walker.
Antonio Johnson, I think he can be a starting S.

20. Tampa Bay C
Calijah Kancey looks like a perfect complement for Vea. Don't see him as a situational player.
Cody Mauch, I think he can stay at T despite size concerns.

21. New England Patriots C-
Christian Gonzalez, huge talent, though needs some work in my opinion. Future #1 CB is likely, though may not be great as a rookie.
Keion White, could be the long term #2 opposite Judon. But very boom/bust.

22. Los Angeles Rams C-
Steve Avila, looks like a solid starting G for years to come.
Byron Young, situational pass rusher who will be needed for more on this team.
Kobie Turner, rotational DT opposite Donald.
Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson looks like a solid slot CB despite his size. He also may be needed to be much more.

23. New York Jets D+
Will McDonald, I think he could be the best pass rusher on the team by year's end. I do question his ceiling a little due to size, but he feels like a safe pick.
Joe Tippmann, one of the most overrated players in this draft in my eyes. I think he might be too tall to play C and might not be more than a mediocre starter.

24. New Orleans Saints D+
Bryan Bresee, never been a huge fan of his. I think he's a #2 DT, and should have been a 2nd rounder.
Isaiah Foskey, looks like a situational pass rusher to me.
Nick Saldiveri, your classic ok T, who could be a solid G.
AT Perry, I like him as a #3 WR, I could see him pressing Shaheed, if they don't wanna overwork him and risk his ST value.

25. Kansas City Chiefs D
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, should be an instant starter, and form a nice young combo with Karlaftis.
Rashee Rice, looked like a #3 WR to me. Maybe helps them save money on MVS in a year.

26. Baltimore Ravens D
Zay Flowers, I think his ceiling is being overstated. He's a #2 WR, maybe this year's Jahan Dotson.
Trenton Simpson, feels like a nickel LB to me. Good speed, but often going nowhere fast type.

27. Miami Dolphins D
Cam Smith feels like a #2 CB who will get to come along slowly behind Ramsey/Howard. Like the player, but odd position to target.
Devon Achane, great fit, question is how be a role can he handle. In theory, Mostert/Wilson aren't in his way at all.

28. Dallas Cowboys D
Mazi Smith, solid run stuffing DT. Felt like maybe a slight reach for need.
Luke Schoonmaker, looks like a #2 TE to me. Went ahead of multiple better TEs.
DeMarvion Overshown, nickel LB.

29. Washington Commanders D
Emmanuel Forbes, I see the playmaking potential, and I don't think he'll bust, but a sub 170 pound CB that high (over Banks and Porter no less) is a tough sell. He needs to be their #1 quickly too.
Jartavius Martin looks like slot CB/S tweener. Not a bad player, but probably a round early.

30. Minnesota Vikings D-
Jordan Addison, ideal fit as a #2 opposite Jefferson, but was that their biggest need?
DeWayne McBride is a guy I think can be the lesser half of a RBBC. He'd be ok splitting with Mattison if they deal Cook, which seems unlikely now.

31. Denver Broncos D-
Marvin Mims, he has some upside, but also feels like a #3 WR, and WR was not a top pick need at all.
Drew Sanders, I think he'll be a good LB long term, but he's also pretty raw after spending much of his college career at EDGE.

32. San Francisco 49ers F
How does a team have no picks until round 3, and then take a K? There were OL available who would start day 1 for this team, or a potential starting CB, but nope K. Also not a fan of the S they took. The CMC trade looks excellent if this was how the draft was gonna be approached.

Think you got Detroit way too high.

I concur...SF about where they should be

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

21. New England Patriots C-
Christian Gonzalez, huge talent, though needs some work in my opinion. Future #1 CB is likely, though may not be great as a rookie.
Keion White, could be the long term #2 opposite Judon. But very boom/bust.

If you google draft grades, you'll see your rating here is contrasted by mostly A to A- grades for NE.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

26. Baltimore Ravens D
Zay Flowers, I think his ceiling is being overstated. He's a #2 WR, maybe this year's Jahan Dotson.
Trenton Simpson, feels like a nickel LB to me. Good speed, but often going nowhere fast type.

I would have gone with Addison or one the CBs instead of Flowers. Simpson's a heat-seeking missile - we'll see if Baltimore can do anything with him.

I actually liked the later picks they made - the DB from Stanford and the OG they traded back in for.

 

[Snoopy]

Honest grades instead of sports writers "Lake Wobegon" grades where everyone is above average.

 

[Capella]

Detroit as an A? I thought they blew their two first round picks more than any team in recent memory. They had a terrible draft unless it’s still 1985.

 

[Chaka]

Detroit as an A? I thought they blew their two first round picks more than any team in recent memory. They had a terrible draft unless it’s still 1985.

Raiders fans: "Hold my beer."

 

[Leroy Hoard]

If we're going to give out flak for drafting the wrong positions in the 1st round, how about the 2 teams drafting kickers in the 3rd and 4th rounds?

 

[Blick]

If we're going to give out flak for drafting the wrong positions in the 1st round, how about the 2 teams drafting kickers in the 3rd and 4th rounds?

And in one case, trading up for him.

 

[C-Bound]

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Cooper Kupp ceiling

So he could have the greatest WR fantasy season of all time?

 

[need2know]

Detroit c-

 

[Boston]

21. New England Patriots C-
Christian Gonzalez, huge talent, though needs some work in my opinion. Future #1 CB is likely, though may not be great as a rookie.
Keion White, could be the long term #2 opposite Judon. But very boom/bust.

If you google draft grades, you'll see your rating here is contrasted by mostly A to A- grades for NE.

His criteria is how much did the team improve by the draft...outside of Gonzalez it's tough to say any of their picks will make too much of a difference in helping them improve from 2022 to 2023 or project as potential difference-makers...long term these mid-round picks could be solid contributors and or quality depth (or replace players they may not resign like Onwenu or Duggar) but this draft appears more concerned with that then the upcoming season or going after impact players for the future.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

9. Cleveland Browns B

It does look like they had an 'ok' draft according to PFF.

---

Jack Duffin
@JackDuffin
#Browns Draft - PFFs Big Board
31 Dawand Jones
54 Luke Wypler
61 Cedric Tillman
88 Siaki Ika
95 Isaiah McGuire
111 Cameron Mitchell
145 Ronnie Hickman
149 Dorian Thompson-Robinson
178 Lonnie Phelps
217 Charlie Thomas
236 Mohamoud Diabate
376 Jeremiah Martin Without a 1st or 2nd

 

[Snotbubbles]

2. Detroit Lions A
Jahmyr Gibbs should be a starting RB, though likely pulled for Montgomery in short yardage.
Jack Campbell is a solid starting LB.
Sam LaPorta is a solid starting TE.
Brian Branch can be an all-pro safety. Gigantic steal.
Hendon Hooker can be a future starting QB.

3. Philadelphia Eagles A
Jalen Carter could be an all-pro DT.
Nolan Smith could be a high-end pass rusher just like Reddick.
Sydney Brown looks like a utility depth DB.
Kelee Ringo should be a #3 CB.
Tanner McKee looks like a solid backup QB.
Moro Ojomo should be a rotational DT.

These two draft aren't even in the same realm as equal based on information we have today. Just looking at your own mock, you had Jalen Carter at #9 and Nolan Smith at #10. You had Gibbs at #30 and Campbell you didn't even mock in the 1st. Carter was arguably the best player in the entire draft.

You also say in analysis in that mock thread:

I also really like his brother Sydney Brown who I think could be the best Safety in this draft class, and should be a top-40 pick in my eyes. He's not a good tackler, but that's his only real weakness I see.

But here you say he's a "utility depth DB." The Branch pick was a good pick.

Even though you like Jack Campbell:

Speaking of Iowa, I think Jack Campbell should be a 1st round pick. I know the 4.65 40 time is gonna likely prevent that from happening, but that's the only hole in his game, and its somewhat offset by his 6.74 3-cone, which is arguably more important for a position that changes direction as much as LB.

The fact that Detroit could have gotten Lukas Van Ness a guy you said:

Not an off the radar guy be any means, but I think Lukas Van Ness has the highest ceiling of any defensive player in this draft. I have no idea why he didn't play more at Iowa, and I can understand that giving pause, but I don't see a single hole in his game.

And still gotten Campbell or Gibbs with their second 1st makes at the very least one of these picks bad. Personally, I agree with Mel Kiper, teams shouldn't take running backs with 1st round picks. I think the Gibbs pick was terrible when Detroit could have walked with Van Ness and Campbell or Banks or Nolan Smith, three players who could have helped their bottom of the league defense and probably still had a shot at Gibbs in round 2 where they took LaPorta. That would have made the Lions draft an A in my eyes. But what they did, I can't give them anything higher than a C+

 

[efactor]

32. San Francisco 49ers F
How does a team have no picks until round 3, and then take a K? There were OL available who would start day 1 for this team, or a potential starting CB, but nope K. Also not a fan of the S they took. The CMC trade looks excellent if this was how the draft was gonna be approached.

While I wasn't a fan of the kicker pick, not a global killer at 3rd round comp pick range. I liked Shanahan's explanation which was basically, "I don't want to think about if my kicker will F this kick up". Him and Lynch had some fun in their press conference with it. I think it was pretty well thought out even though I didn't personally like it. A few other things:

-There was no offensive lineman available at pick 99 that would have come in and started for them. They are set with Williams and McKivitz at tackles and Banks and Burford at guard. Brendel was solid last year for them at center and they picked up a couple vets for depth. They restructured CMC so they have some money to pick up another vet depth piece. While their OL isn't top 5, it certainly is a solid group and should improve even more with Banks, Burford and McKivitz getting more experience. They also picked up Joey Fisher as an UDFA who is a small school tackle who had a 5th round grade on him, so someone to possibly develop.

-While I did want them to take Ringo instead of the kicker, they are pretty set at CB with Ward and Lenoir. Ward played excellent last year and Lenoir was probably their best CB at the end of the season and playoffs. He is set as a starter. They picked up Oliver to compete with Womack (last years 5th rounder) to play nickel. No CB taken at 99 was going to start this year.

-You may not like the safety they took (Ja'mir Brown) but Lynch and Wilkes sure do, so I'll put my faith in their evaluation of how he fits into their defensive scheme. Brown will play behind Gibson this year and probably start next year.

With no picks until the 3rd round comp area, nobody realistically expected this draft class to make an immediate impact, but after listening to Shanahan and Lynch go over each pick, they took guys who fit their schemes and will compete for starting jobs down the road. It may be the least impactful bunch at this point due to how late they picked, but to say it's an F because they took a kicker and a safety you don't like is off base. This is a team that has played in a super bowl and 2 NFC championship games in the past 4 years. Not an accident. They know what they are doing.

 

[-OZ-]

This is a team that has played in a super bowl and 2 NFC championship games in the past 3 years. Not an accident. They know what they are doing.

Yes. Certain teams have earned the benefit of any doubt. SF is one of those few.

 

[travdogg]

2. Detroit Lions A
Jahmyr Gibbs should be a starting RB, though likely pulled for Montgomery in short yardage.
Jack Campbell is a solid starting LB.
Sam LaPorta is a solid starting TE.
Brian Branch can be an all-pro safety. Gigantic steal.
Hendon Hooker can be a future starting QB.

3. Philadelphia Eagles A
Jalen Carter could be an all-pro DT.
Nolan Smith could be a high-end pass rusher just like Reddick.
Sydney Brown looks like a utility depth DB.
Kelee Ringo should be a #3 CB.
Tanner McKee looks like a solid backup QB.
Moro Ojomo should be a rotational DT.

These two draft aren't even in the same realm as equal based on information we have today. Just looking at your own mock, you had Jalen Carter at #9 and Nolan Smith at #10. You had Gibbs at #30 and Campbell you didn't even mock in the 1st. Carter was arguably the best player in the entire draft.

You also say in analysis in that mock thread:

I also really like his brother Sydney Brown who I think could be the best Safety in this draft class, and should be a top-40 pick in my eyes. He's not a good tackler, but that's his only real weakness I see.

But here you say he's a "utility depth DB." The Branch pick was a good pick.

Even though you like Jack Campbell:

Speaking of Iowa, I think Jack Campbell should be a 1st round pick. I know the 4.65 40 time is gonna likely prevent that from happening, but that's the only hole in his game, and its somewhat offset by his 6.74 3-cone, which is arguably more important for a position that changes direction as much as LB.

The fact that Detroit could have gotten Lukas Van Ness a guy you said:

Not an off the radar guy be any means, but I think Lukas Van Ness has the highest ceiling of any defensive player in this draft. I have no idea why he didn't play more at Iowa, and I can understand that giving pause, but I don't see a single hole in his game.

And still gotten Campbell or Gibbs with their second 1st makes at the very least one of these picks bad. Personally, I agree with Mel Kiper, teams shouldn't take running backs with 1st round picks. I think the Gibbs pick was terrible when Detroit could have walked with Van Ness and Campbell or Banks or Nolan Smith, three players who could have helped their bottom of the league defense and probably still had a shot at Gibbs in round 2 where they took LaPorta. That would have made the Lions draft an A in my eyes. But what they did, I can't give them anything higher than a C+

I like Sydney Brown, but I also think he'll slot in as a bench guy for Philly. They are a team that doesn't throw rookies in right away other than Devonta Smith. I will admit I probably should have clarified that was more about instant impact than long term. I kinda switched back and forth between immediate and long term impacts with guys. I had to delete a bit of analysis to get under the word count.

Van Ness has a sky high ceiling, but man that usage at Iowa is bothering me more and more. Do I like him more than Gibbs? Yes, I do. But I see what Detroit is doing, and it was very clear he was never making it to round 2, if he even made it to where Campbell picked. I'm willing to believe Detroit was one of the teams that was reported to prefer Gibbs to Bijan.

I thought the Lions biggest needs going into the draft were TE, LB, DT, S, and future QB (as I think Goff is a placeholder) other than DT they filled them all. If you wanted to argue Gibbs wasn't the best pick they could have made there, I'd 100% agree, but I see a team that may have added 5 long term starters.

ETA: One thing about 1st round RB's. I typically agree with he idea of it being a position to pass on, but the exception is if guys are major weapons in the passing game, and Bijan and Gibbs were both that.

9. Cleveland Browns B

It does look like they had an 'ok' draft according to PFF.

---

Jack Duffin
@JackDuffin
#Browns Draft - PFFs Big Board
31 Dawand Jones
54 Luke Wypler
61 Cedric Tillman
88 Siaki Ika
95 Isaiah McGuire
111 Cameron Mitchell
145 Ronnie Hickman
149 Dorian Thompson-Robinson
178 Lonnie Phelps
217 Charlie Thomas
236 Mohamoud Diabate
376 Jeremiah Martin Without a 1st or 2nd

It was probably as good a draft as you can have without picking in the 1st 2 rounds.

ETA: I'm with PFF when it comes to the Ohio State lineman. Was really shocked Wypler fell so far, I would have argued him over Tippmann as a C, and Jones gives a huge Orlando Brown vibe.

 

[travdogg]

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a Cooper Kupp ceiling

So he could have the greatest WR fantasy season of all time?

That was an outlier season in my eyes, but yeah maybe JSN has an outlier season too. I was going for best slot WR in the NFL upside. He's unlikely to see the target share 2021 Kupp saw at any point with DK and to a lesser extent around.

26. Baltimore Ravens D
Zay Flowers, I think his ceiling is being overstated. He's a #2 WR, maybe this year's Jahan Dotson.
Trenton Simpson, feels like a nickel LB to me. Good speed, but often going nowhere fast type.

I would have gone with Addison or one the CBs instead of Flowers. Simpson's a heat-seeking missile - we'll see if Baltimore can do anything with him.

I actually liked the later picks they made - the DB from Stanford and the OG they traded back in for.

Yeah, I would have preferred Porter or Branch there. Maybe even Nolan Smith.

 

[travdogg]

If we're going to give out flak for drafting the wrong positions in the 1st round, how about the 2 teams drafting kickers in the 3rd and 4th rounds?

Did I not give SF enough flak for taking a K?

Detroit as an A? I thought they blew their two first round picks more than any team in recent memory. They had a terrible draft unless it’s still 1985.

Raiders fans: "Hold my beer."

This exactly. I remember a 2 year stretch where the Raiders have 5 1st round picks, and took 1 guy I had as a 1st (Ruggs) 2 2nd round guys (Jacobs, Ferrell) and 2 day 3 guys I thought were backup/ST caliber (Abram, Arnette)

Not a 1-1 comp, but if Gibbs ends up being Jacobs level, I don't think Detroit will be too upset.

 

[Ilov80s]

Detroit draft is a tough one to grade. On one hand, they reached big time on positional value in round 1. On the other hand, they had so much draft capital that the end result is they got more quality players than maybe any other team.

 

[Chaka]

Totally biased but I think context matters. This is the first time since 2014 the Raiders didn't completely #### the bed in the draft. For that fact alone I think they deserve an A.

I was stumping for Jalen Carter but Wilson was #2 on my personal list and Anderson #3. I think landing anyone of those three would have been an A+ at the 7 spot.

IMO Mayer is the most complete TE coming out this year. He fills two big needs for the Raiders with his pass catching ability to offset the losses of Waller & Moreau and his ability as an in-line blocker. The Raiders needed help on the o-line and the Mayer pick makes them much stronger up front without spending another pick. Another A+ pick IMO.

I'm not thrilled with what they did in the 3rd round but I understand the logic. Young is light for a DT but he is quick and having a rotation of Crosby, Wilson and Jones coming off the edges should free him up and allow him to shoot the gaps. I still worry they will be vulnerable to the run up the gut but this D-line could start making QBs jobs much more uncomfortable.

Tucker is a bit of a questionable pick as well but I think he will be a big benefit to the return game, I am not sure it was 3rd round value but he's quick and if he helps to consistently shift field position I am okay with it.

Everyone loves Deonte Banks but Jakorian Bennett played just as well, if not better than his teammate. The physical differences between the two are negligible and Bennett has more PT and has been challenged more. I love this pick and see him as a possible day 1 starter, although that says just as much about the dearth of talent in the Raiders secondary as anything.

I don't know anything about Aidan O'Connell other than he's got good size, and apparently has an amazing football IQ and processing speed. Setting the career completion % at Purdue is kind of impressive. But as I understand it he has an average arm and is pretty much a Bledsoesque statue in the pocket. I personally would have preferred DTR at this spot but I can't fault the team for going with the guy they like more for their system.

Again, context matters but, this looks like the best Raiders draft since 2014.

 

[Donnybrook]

30. Minnesota Vikings D-
Jordan Addison, ideal fit as a #2 opposite Jefferson, but was that their biggest need?
DeWayne McBride is a guy I think can be the lesser half of a RBBC. He'd be ok splitting with Mattison if they deal Cook, which seems unlikely now.

I am very happy that the Vikings still have all their 2024 draft picks.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

32. San Francisco 49ers F
How does a team have no picks until round 3, and then take a K? There were OL available who would start day 1 for this team, or a potential starting CB, but nope K. Also not a fan of the S they took. The CMC trade looks excellent if this was how the draft was gonna be approached.

I wish I could offer a scathing retort for how wildly off-base you were here, and how if you squint just so, you’d see that the 49ers really did have a solid draft.

I wish I could do that.

 

[travdogg]

Don't wanna make another thread but after FA/draft this is how I have each division.

AFC East: Miami (OPOY for Hill), Buffalo, NY Jets, New England (I think this division beats itself up a lot, and the top-3 are pretty close)

AFC North: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)

AFC West: Kansas City (another MVP for Mahomes), LA Chargers, Denver, Las Vegas

Round 1: Chargers over Dolphins, Texans over Steelers, Bengals over Titans.
Round 2: Chiefs over Chargers, Bengals over Texans
Round 3: Chiefs over Bengals

NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

NFC North: Detroit (DPOY for Hutchinson), Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay (I think Love will be a disaster, but that extra 1st could net a top guy in 2024)

NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West: San Francisco, Seattle, LA Rams, Arizona

Round 1: Dallas over Carolina, Detroit over New Orleans, San Francisco over Seattle
Round 2: Philadelphia over Dallas, San Francisco over Detroit
Round 3: Philadelphia over San Franciscon

Super Bowl: Kansas City over Philadelphia (bold call right?)

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

 

[msudaisy26]

This is my opinion, but I don't understand how you can have Philly and Detroit together. Philly took the guys that Detroit could have used but passed on in the early rounds.

So either Philly made a mistake or Detroit did.

 

[travdogg]

This is my opinion, but I don't understand how you can have Philly and Detroit together. Philly took the guys that Detroit could have used but passed on in the early rounds.

So either Philly made a mistake or Detroit did.

I don't see it that way. I can totally understand why Detroit passed on Carter, and he's kind of a special case, where I can't blame anyone for passing on him, but can also reward the team who took him.

I think Hooker makes a big difference in the Lions grade for me. If he hits and becomes a solid starting QB, he elevates the draft a ton. I'm wishy-washy about him, but I can see his talent, hopefully it wasn't just Heupel.

I didn't see EDGE as a need for the Lions (or Eagles I guess) I like Nolan Smith as a player, but I can justify Campbell over him, as it filled a need. Ultimately, I think Detroit improved their team more than Philly did, and that's why they are slightly higher, I do think Philly got more bang for their buck at the top, but the Lions were much better on day 2.

ETA: A mock I did on 3/31, had both Gibbs and Campbell to the Lions in round 2, as both seemed like excellent fits to me. They since moved up various big boards and got to the point where the Lions had to pay a larger premium, but both guys are still great fits.

 

[styleride85]

I do like that you weren't afraid to give out bad grades. Kiper posted his and they're a joke. Literally every team is between an A and a B-

 

[styleride85]

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

Damn, 3 Rookie QBs and Trevor Lawrence and you think Lawrence finishes last and by a lot.

 

[travdogg]

I do like that you weren't afraid to give out bad grades. Kiper posted his and they're a joke. Literally every team is between an A and a B-

Yeah, I don't really understand how they don't grade on a curve. If everybody did good to great, did anybody?

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

Damn, 3 Rookie QBs and Trevor Lawrence and you think Lawrence finishes last and by a lot.

QB and WR are the only positions I think the Jags are better than their division mates. Maybe DE if Walker takes a big step forward, but like Chaisson, he showed nothing to assume that will happen.

I think its important to remember that the Titans were clearly the better team until they ran out of QBs, Indy was a disaster at QB/HC and also had tons of injuries, and Houston was actively trying to lose, up until Lovie was told he would be fired for doing what he was hired to do. Everything that could have gone right for the Jags did.

 

[eighsse2]

Don't wanna make another thread but after FA/draft this is how I have each division.

AFC East: Miami (OPOY for Hill), Buffalo, NY Jets, New England (I think this division beats itself up a lot, and the top-3 are pretty close)

AFC North: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)

AFC West: Kansas City (another MVP for Mahomes), LA Chargers, Denver, Las Vegas

Round 1: Chargers over Dolphins, Texans over Steelers, Bengals over Titans.
Round 2: Chiefs over Chargers, Bengals over Texans
Round 3: Chiefs over Bengals

NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

NFC North: Detroit (DPOY for Hutchinson), Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay (I think Love will be a disaster, but that extra 1st could net a top guy in 2024)

NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West: San Francisco, Seattle, LA Rams, Arizona

Round 1: Dallas over Carolina, Detroit over New Orleans, San Francisco over Seattle
Round 2: Philadelphia over Dallas, San Francisco over Detroit
Round 3: Philadelphia over San Franciscon

Super Bowl: Kansas City over Philadelphia (bold call right?)

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

I know you already made a little joke at yourself for having KC over Philly in the Super Bowl again, but did you realize you have the same conference runner-ups as last year too?

 

[travdogg]

Don't wanna make another thread but after FA/draft this is how I have each division.

AFC East: Miami (OPOY for Hill), Buffalo, NY Jets, New England (I think this division beats itself up a lot, and the top-3 are pretty close)

AFC North: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)

AFC West: Kansas City (another MVP for Mahomes), LA Chargers, Denver, Las Vegas

Round 1: Chargers over Dolphins, Texans over Steelers, Bengals over Titans.
Round 2: Chiefs over Chargers, Bengals over Texans
Round 3: Chiefs over Bengals

NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

NFC North: Detroit (DPOY for Hutchinson), Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay (I think Love will be a disaster, but that extra 1st could net a top guy in 2024)

NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West: San Francisco, Seattle, LA Rams, Arizona

Round 1: Dallas over Carolina, Detroit over New Orleans, San Francisco over Seattle
Round 2: Philadelphia over Dallas, San Francisco over Detroit
Round 3: Philadelphia over San Franciscon

Super Bowl: Kansas City over Philadelphia (bold call right?)

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

I know you already made a little joke at yourself for having KC over Philly in the Super Bowl again, but did you realize you have the same conference runner-ups as last year too?

I did. Feels kinda lazy, but its legit hard to have the NFC not be Philly v San Fran. Especially since I think the NFC's 3rd best team is Dallas.

I could see LA getting there in the AFC, if they can stay healthy (for once) and Kellen Moore gives the offense a shot in the arm. But things seem to find a way to unravel for the Chargers.

The AFC is SO much stronger than the NFC. Teams like New Orleans and Seattle probably aren't top-15 teams in the league, but somebody has to make it.

 

[NoCheese]

Don't wanna make another thread but after FA/draft this is how I have each division.

AFC East: Miami (OPOY for Hill), Buffalo, NY Jets, New England (I think this division beats itself up a lot, and the top-3 are pretty close)

AFC North: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)

AFC West: Kansas City (another MVP for Mahomes), LA Chargers, Denver, Las Vegas

Round 1: Chargers over Dolphins, Texans over Steelers, Bengals over Titans.
Round 2: Chiefs over Chargers, Bengals over Texans
Round 3: Chiefs over Bengals

NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

NFC North: Detroit (DPOY for Hutchinson), Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay (I think Love will be a disaster, but that extra 1st could net a top guy in 2024)

NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West: San Francisco, Seattle, LA Rams, Arizona

Round 1: Dallas over Carolina, Detroit over New Orleans, San Francisco over Seattle
Round 2: Philadelphia over Dallas, San Francisco over Detroit
Round 3: Philadelphia over San Franciscon

Super Bowl: Kansas City over Philadelphia (bold call right?)

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

Wow, I mean maybe Jax overachieved last year but bottom 3 in the league? With the addition of Ridley and some solid draft picks and Lawrence looking like a future star? This is really, really bold.

 

[Bri]

Shocked at Titans grade

 

[eighsse2]

Don't wanna make another thread but after FA/draft this is how I have each division.

AFC East: Miami (OPOY for Hill), Buffalo, NY Jets, New England (I think this division beats itself up a lot, and the top-3 are pretty close)

AFC North: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)

AFC West: Kansas City (another MVP for Mahomes), LA Chargers, Denver, Las Vegas

Round 1: Chargers over Dolphins, Texans over Steelers, Bengals over Titans.
Round 2: Chiefs over Chargers, Bengals over Texans
Round 3: Chiefs over Bengals

NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

NFC North: Detroit (DPOY for Hutchinson), Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay (I think Love will be a disaster, but that extra 1st could net a top guy in 2024)

NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West: San Francisco, Seattle, LA Rams, Arizona

Round 1: Dallas over Carolina, Detroit over New Orleans, San Francisco over Seattle
Round 2: Philadelphia over Dallas, San Francisco over Detroit
Round 3: Philadelphia over San Franciscon

Super Bowl: Kansas City over Philadelphia (bold call right?)

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

I know you already made a little joke at yourself for having KC over Philly in the Super Bowl again, but did you realize you have the same conference runner-ups as last year too?

I did. Feels kinda lazy, but its legit hard to have the NFC not be Philly v San Fran. Especially since I think the NFC's 3rd best team is Dallas.

I could see LA getting there in the AFC, if they can stay healthy (for once) and Kellen Moore gives the offense a shot in the arm. But things seem to find a way to unravel for the Chargers.

The AFC is SO much stronger than the NFC. Teams like New Orleans and Seattle probably aren't top-15 teams in the league, but somebody has to make it.

Limbs are crowded. Somebody's gotta cling to the trunk. But seriously, nothing wrong with that.

 

[babydemon90]

I'm strictly grading on how much the team was improved by this draft class. I'm not giving credit for players that picks were traded for before such as giving SF credit for CMC or the Jets credit for Rodgers. If I don't mention a player, it means I don't think he's good enough to warrant mention, that might be some picks as high as round 2. With that in mind, this is how I grade the drafts from #1 to #32.


3. Philadelphia Eagles A

Nolan Smith could be a high-end pass rusher just like Reddick.

23. New York Jets D+
Will McDonald, I think he could be the best pass rusher on the team by year's end. I do question his ceiling a little due to size, but he feels like a safe pick.

If Nolan Smith can be high end, why would McDonald's size limit his ceiling? Arent they pretty close?

 

[Dez]

Hope ur right on the Browns to be #9 draft without a 1st and 2nd round pick would be impressive

 

[Donnybrook]

31. Denver Broncos D-
Marvin Mims, he has some upside, but also feels like a #3 WR, and WR was not a top pick need at all.
Drew Sanders, I think he'll be a good LB long term, but he's also pretty raw after spending much of his college career at EDGE.

I actually like this draft and you have to take into account that they didn't have a first etc. I listened to many draft experts that had Marvin Mims as their favourite sleeper so that might be swaying my opinion positively. I just like that they took players that have both on-field production and elite athleticism.

 

[travdogg]

I'm strictly grading on how much the team was improved by this draft class. I'm not giving credit for players that picks were traded for before such as giving SF credit for CMC or the Jets credit for Rodgers. If I don't mention a player, it means I don't think he's good enough to warrant mention, that might be some picks as high as round 2. With that in mind, this is how I grade the drafts from #1 to #32.


3. Philadelphia Eagles A

Nolan Smith could be a high-end pass rusher just like Reddick.

23. New York Jets D+
Will McDonald, I think he could be the best pass rusher on the team by year's end. I do question his ceiling a little due to size, but he feels like a safe pick.

If Nolan Smith can be high end, why would McDonald's size limit his ceiling? Arent they pretty close?

Size wise yes, but Smith is a much better athlete. Smith is also a few years younger, which is always a slight red flag to me when rookies are 23+. I mean, Will McDonald is the same age (24) as Chase Young.

Shocked at Titans grade

I assume that you mean its high?

I really love Skoronski. Its absolutely nuts to me that he was the 3rd OT taken. I thought he was the clear OT1.

I like Levis a ton for where they got him. I think his ceiling is right there with the other QBs (maybe not Richardson) its just a lower percentage hit. Still wouldn't be surprised if his fall to round 2, ends up being a good thing, as it means less pressure, and perhaps more time to learn from a vet like Tannehill, though I'd be shocked if we didn't see Levis some time this season.

Hope ur right on the Browns to be #9 draft without a 1st and 2nd round pick would be impressive

So quick story, I grew up in Wisconsin and live in Minnesota. I've been a Big Ten guy since the early 90s. Its BY FAR the conference I watch the most of.

I bring this up, because I watched every Ohio State game, and I thought there was very little separating Paris Johnson from Dawand Jones or Luke Wypler. I do agree with the NFL that Johnson was the best prospect, but not by 3 or more rounds, hell in Jones case, probably not even by half a round, and I thought all 3 were clearly behind Skoronski.

Still, to get 2 potential long-term starting OL (and I think Jones could play LT, if Wills is too expensive to keep) in addition to a WR I think could absolutely be a top-4 WR in this class in Tillman was an excellent haul. Tillman was the #1 in Tennessee until he got hurt, and Hyatt got hot. Tillman was clearly ahead of him in 2021.

 

[TripItUp]

16. Arizona Cardinals C
Paris Johnson, probably the highest upside OT, but 6 may have been high.
BJ Ojulari, instant starting DE. High floor/low ceiling.
Garrett Williams, has #2 CB tools, but we'll see if he still does after knee injury. He'll get every chance on this team.
Michael Wilson, solid possession WR, probably a #3. Could push Moore, who in my opinion, should honestly be a 3rd down RB.

so no mention of the draft capital acquired including Texas' 2024 1st?

Seems a bit shortsighted.

 

[travdogg]

16. Arizona Cardinals C
Paris Johnson, probably the highest upside OT, but 6 may have been high.
BJ Ojulari, instant starting DE. High floor/low ceiling.
Garrett Williams, has #2 CB tools, but we'll see if he still does after knee injury. He'll get every chance on this team.
Michael Wilson, solid possession WR, probably a #3. Could push Moore, who in my opinion, should honestly be a 3rd down RB.

so no mention of the draft capital acquired including Texas' 2024 1st?

Seems a bit shortsighted.

I don't like giving credit to future picks. Its entirely possible they use it to draft a bad player. Also, it feels like double dipping. Like, if I give them credit for trading for that pick, it doesn't seem fair to give them credit for whomever they use it on next year.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Don't wanna make another thread but after FA/draft this is how I have each division.

AFC East: Miami (OPOY for Hill), Buffalo, NY Jets, New England (I think this division beats itself up a lot, and the top-3 are pretty close)

AFC North: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)

AFC West: Kansas City (another MVP for Mahomes), LA Chargers, Denver, Las Vegas

Round 1: Chargers over Dolphins, Texans over Steelers, Bengals over Titans.
Round 2: Chiefs over Chargers, Bengals over Texans
Round 3: Chiefs over Bengals

NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

NFC North: Detroit (DPOY for Hutchinson), Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay (I think Love will be a disaster, but that extra 1st could net a top guy in 2024)

NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West: San Francisco, Seattle, LA Rams, Arizona

Round 1: Dallas over Carolina, Detroit over New Orleans, San Francisco over Seattle
Round 2: Philadelphia over Dallas, San Francisco over Detroit
Round 3: Philadelphia over San Franciscon

Super Bowl: Kansas City over Philadelphia (bold call right?)

Top 5 draft order:
1. Las Vegas
2. New England
3. Jacksonville
4. Arizona
5. LA Rams

Well it will be interesting to see how much of this pans out.

You have Miami, Houston and Carolina as division winners; New England, Jacksonville, Las Vegas and NYG as basement dwellers with LV, NE and JAX as the worst record teams in football.

I would call these bold picks.

 

[Snotbubbles]

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)
NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta
NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

Just some nitpicking here...

Jacksonville was pretty good last year and I expect them to only get better as Lawrence has another year under Pederson's system. Who is Houston going to have at QB, Stroud?

Also, while I agree that NY overachieved last year, the WFT is still hot garbage. Sam Howell sits atop of the depth chart. That tell me basement dweller status in Washington. I'd flip-flop those two.

Also, I think the Saints win the AFC South. Not that I think Derek Carr is a savior, but he's better than Andy Dalton. I expect them to go 9-8 or something like that. Same reasoning with Stroud in Houston, I think Bryce Young in Carolina will have some growing pains.

 

[travdogg]

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)
NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta
NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

Just some nitpicking here...

Jacksonville was pretty good last year and I expect them to only get better as Lawrence has another year under Pederson's system. Who is Houston going to have at QB, Stroud?

Also, while I agree that NY overachieved last year, the WFT is still hot garbage. Sam Howell sits atop of the depth chart. That tell me basement dweller status in Washington. I'd flip-flop those two.

Also, I think the Saints win the AFC South. Not that I think Derek Carr is a savior, but he's better than Andy Dalton. I expect them to go 9-8 or something like that. Same reasoning with Stroud in Houston, I think Bryce Young in Carolina will have some growing pains.

Nitpick away, discussion is the point of the post.

Every year about 6 teams that made the playoffs the year before fall out and are replaced by 6 new teams. Often, 1 of those new teams was a team that finished last in their division the year before. That's not my reasoning for essentially swapping Hou/Jac, but I don't see it as farfetched at all. Comparing the 2 teams, the Jags are better at QB, WR, EDGE and that's it in my eyes, and EDGE isn't a lock if Anderson hits the ground running. I see the Jags as a team with a bad OL, and a bad secondary, that got lucky that nobody in the division could take advantage of, due to their own QB issues last season.

I'm actually expecting Jacoby Brissett to be starting for Washington, though I don't doubt Howell enters camp as the starter. I have Was/NYG as essentially equals. Giants have a better offense, Washington has a better defense.

In theory Derek Carr is better than Andy Dalton. But he sure wasn't last year, despite a much better situation/supporting cast. Dalton was honestly pretty good last year, it was one of his career best seasons by most metrics, meanwhile it was Carr's worst year since his rookie year, despite adding arguably the best WR in the NFL. I don't want to overrate one season, that's a big part of my analysis all the time is sample size, but I'm mildly concerned about Carr. I also think Carolina has a clear coaching edge on New Orleans which can make up some of the talent difference.

 

[Snotbubbles]

AFC South: Houston (Ryans is my COY pick, and Anderson is my DPOY), Tennessee, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (last year was more about the division falling apart than them being good in my opinion)
NFC South: Carolina (OROY for Young), New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Atlanta
NFC East: Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington, NY Giants (I think NY overachieved/got lucky a year ago)

Just some nitpicking here...

Jacksonville was pretty good last year and I expect them to only get better as Lawrence has another year under Pederson's system. Who is Houston going to have at QB, Stroud?

Also, while I agree that NY overachieved last year, the WFT is still hot garbage. Sam Howell sits atop of the depth chart. That tell me basement dweller status in Washington. I'd flip-flop those two.

Also, I think the Saints win the AFC South. Not that I think Derek Carr is a savior, but he's better than Andy Dalton. I expect them to go 9-8 or something like that. Same reasoning with Stroud in Houston, I think Bryce Young in Carolina will have some growing pains.

Nitpick away, discussion is the point of the post.

Every year about 6 teams that made the playoffs the year before fall out and are replaced by 6 new teams. Often, 1 of those new teams was a team that finished last in their division the year before. That's not my reasoning for essentially swapping Hou/Jac, but I don't see it as farfetched at all. Comparing the 2 teams, the Jags are better at QB, WR, EDGE and that's it in my eyes, and EDGE isn't a lock if Anderson hits the ground running. I see the Jags as a team with a bad OL, and a bad secondary, that got lucky that nobody in the division could take advantage of, due to their own QB issues last season.

The likely last place team to make the playoffs this season is the NY Jets. They massively upgraded their QB position and were a pretty good team last season. I really don't think Tua will stay healthy so I don't expect them to make the playoffs this year so I expect the Jets to be that wildcard team replacing Miami. I'm expecting Denver to make some noise with Payton at the helm as well, they would be my sleeper team to make the playoffs.

A team that severely downgraded at QB was Tampa Bay. They will most certainly miss the playoffs this season. I think you'll see New Orleans take the place of Tampa as division winner. I also think Detroit will make the playoffs this year, likely replacing New York. I also don't really like San Francisco because they don't have a QB right now and I don't know when or if Purdy will play. If Trey Lance or Sam Darnold are taking the snaps, the 49ers will struggle to win 9 games. I think Seattle has a great chance to win that division.

 

[Donnybrook]

18. Carolina Panthers C
Bryce Young, the right pick at #1, with an elite ceiling.
Jonathan Mingo, way too high of a pick. I think he's a big slot. Closer to Viska than AJ Brown.
Chandler Zavala, utiltity OL, who maybe could be a decent starter. Could push Christiansen.

I have mixed feelings about Bryce Young. You hear his story and it is hard not to like him. At the same time, I have the lyrics to the Don Henley song echoing in my head -
'When "happily ever after" fails and we've been poisoned by these fairy tales'. There were many so-called experts that loved Manziel coming out. PFF was absolutely in love with Baker Mayfield and were suggesting that Josh Allen might be a better TE than QB. Obviously, he is not the same as these two prospects but I have this suspicions that people are idealizing him rather than seeing him as the prospect that he really is. I guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[Stoneworker]

Broncos did just fine with what limited draft capital they had. Certainly not a D-.

They even got one more player than the picks they had, trading down and adding a former 3rd round TE from the Saints.

PFF had them at B+.

 

[BigJim®]

30. Minnesota Vikings D-
Jordan Addison, ideal fit as a #2 opposite Jefferson, but was that their biggest need?
DeWayne McBride is a guy I think can be the lesser half of a RBBC. He'd be ok splitting with Mattison if they deal Cook, which seems unlikely now.

I am very happy that the Vikings still have all their 2024 draft picks.

Probably more fair for full context to include Hockenson as the 2nd round pick, and give C-. JMHO.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The Athletic 1-32 ranking of every NFL team's draft