Post by Juggs on May 1, 2015 11:48:23 GMT -5
AFC EAST:
New England Patriots: Team Grade: B+
Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Grade: B+
This pick is a lot like the selection of Dominique Easley for the Patriots last year, and not just because of the position. Brown fits better in the 3-4 than Easley, and he doesn’t come with the ACL problems Easley had. He’s a great value for the end of round 1, but I’m concerned about him getting on the field the first year on a stacked Patriots roster that features Easley, Jabaal Sheard and Joe Vellano on the depth chart as well.
Buffalo Bills: Grade: F
No pick so far, and you know why. It’s because of the totally unnecessary trade that the Bills never should have made. I gave the trade a D- a year ago, and that was before Odell Beckham Jr. proved that the Bills never should have moved up. Sammy Watkins ended up being arguably the worst receiver of the first round if we ignore the injured status of Brandin Cooks. The Bills are left with a weak roster, a new coach, no quarterback, no first round pick, and no chance of competing this year in a reloaded AFC East.
Miami Dolphins: Team Grade: A
Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
Grade: A
Parker was my second rated receiver ahead of Kevin White. His ability to pluck impossible catches away from defenders and take hits over the middle make him an elite prospect capable of being even better than Amari Cooper if he can polish his routes a bit. Great value at a position where the Dolphins can start him right away.
New York Jets: Team Grade: TBD
Leonard Williams, DT, Southern California
Grade: C (for now)
If the Jets don’t have a spot in their 3-4 base for Leonard Williams and they end up wasting either Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, or their new toy, then they won’t have improved much, and this grade will be very low. If they make a trade and get a haul for Wilkerson as many expect, than this could be an A. Leonard Williams isn’t a good fit for the 3-4 and is smaller than both the Jets current starters. He makes up for that in part with great technique, but his quickness off the line is also a huge concern. I can’t believe the Jets didn’t deal Mo Wil on draft day.
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers: Team Grade: A-
Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Grade: A-
I can’t poke any holes in this. I had Dupree going much higher, and he’s a great fit for Pittsburgh’s defense. Standing up at linebacker last year should make an easy transition to playing on the left side opposite James Harrison and Jarvis Jones. The athletic wildcat linebacker brings some power back to Pittsburgh’s pass rush that looked weaker on paper than it had in year. I can’t believe they passed on Landon Collins and Randy Gregory however. Both those picks would have been A’s.
Baltimore Ravens: Team grade: B+
Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
Grade: B+
The guy even looks like Torrey Smith! The Ravens needed a deep threat, and Perriman is as close to a clone player of Smith as you can get, which also brings its drawbacks. Perriman’s inconsistent hands and tendency to disappear in games leaves some question marks on what his NFL production will look like. The pick is a great value, but the player needs a lot of work before starting every snap. That’s not something you necessarily want as a contender right now.
Cincinnati Bengals: team grade: B
Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Grade: B
This is extremely hard for me to grade. I love Ogbuehi as a player and believe he could be the best offensive tackle in the draft class. He’s certainly the best on tape in pass protection, and the value was there. I’m also not worried too much about the ACL. My concern is how much he’ll contribute as a rookie due the Bengals not having a spot at offensive tackle. If Ogbuehi manages to start, I’m sure I’ll look back in a year and move this grade up to an A. He’s a great prospect.
Cleveland Browns: Team grade: C-
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Grade: B
I was impressed with this choice a lot initially, but I toned down that excitement when I remembered that the Browns but Ahtyba Rubin this offseason. The former Browns nose tackle would start over Shelton today, so the Browns haven’t really gotten better. That said, Shelton is a great value as a run-stopper and will be on the roster for a long time because of that. I do however question a few things: his ability as a pass rusher, the Browns choice not to select a wide receiver or pass rusher, and how much impact a nose tackle will have on a team with holes everywhere.
Cameron Erving, C (Guard, apparently), Florida State
Grade: D-
This was the worst pick of round 1, and it’s not in dispute. Erving played incredibly poorly in 2014 at offensive tackle and moved to center where he improved and earned a day two grade. He probably wasn’t higher on most teams’ boards than Hroniss Grasu, but I could understand if he went ahead of him at center. Erving has never played guard in his career, and the Browns have Joel Bitonio and John Greco, two players who certainly will not be beat out of their jobs by a guy who’s never played the position, and wasn’t great at center or tackle. I see Erving making no contributions on the Browns as a rookie, and that’s shocking, because they have holes everywhere. The Browns could have thrown a dart with a blindfold on in the green room and hit a starter on their depth chart, and they managed to fuck it up. If you like this pick and disagree with me, I ask you to consider this question: is it really Cleveland’s priority to figure out who might be their center in 2016?
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts: Team Grade: B+
Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Grade: B+
I like Dorsett and I’m sure the Colts will find a way to turn him into a productive receiver. I don’t think he’s as backlogged as some say he is. Andre Johnson isn’t a #1 receiver any more. I don’t think he’s even a starter. TY Hilton is a talented deep threat, but that’s not the same kind of player you’re getting in Dorsett, who specializes with the ball in his hands. The pick isn’t a need, but I still think Dorsett will contribute. The talent level was right around this pick in terms of value. I had him at the top of the second to Oakland. I like the fit better with Indianapolis though, despite the fact that he’ll have to fight two other players to be the leading receiver.
Houston Texans: Team Grade: D+
Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Grade: D+
I was celebrating when this pick happened! Johnson is an undersized liability in the run game with all kinds of injury red flags due to his weight history and propensity to get handled by superior athletes. While his balance and lateral movement look great on tape in the zone, he simply can’t play outside the slot and can’t contribute in the run game or even make up for any mistakes because of his inadequate speed for the corner position. I see no redeeming value to Johnson that would make a team overlook the deficiencies against the run and the high injury risk. I’m glad to see my rival team didn’t take a big step forward in the first round.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Team Grade A-
Dante Fowler Jr. DE, Florida
Grade: A-
Dante Fowler is great fit at 4-3 DE for the Jaguars. He played in state at that exact position, and his strength and ability to bend around the edge will make him a 10 sack player if Jacksonville can improve their secondary and force QBs to hold the ball. One concern is that Florida’s excellent defense may have forced quarterbacks to hold the ball too long, as SEC passers are known for, and helped Fowler’s production. He also has some concerns with over-pursuit. Still, the physical ability is too good to pass up. I would have taken Vic Beasley and given that pick an A+, but I can’t fault the Jags here.
Tennessee Titans: Team Grade A+
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Grade: A+
I believe we’ve found a franchise quarterback that can lead this team for a decade. There’s no other grade to give if that’s the case. I also drafted this player for my team in the mock months ago, which makes the grade easy to give. I wouldn’t have made the pick myself if I didn’t love it. Losing Zach Mettenberger is a drawback to this pick, but it will be inconsequential as long as Mariota lives up to the billing. I’ve said from the start the scheme concerns and pocket passing ability aren’t serious concerns with Marcus Mariota. We want to find problems with quarterbacks, but Mariota doesn’t have any glaring flaws as a passer and displays electric ability on the run. If I’m wrong and he needs time on the bench, than we have a guy who can make that happen from LSU.
AFC WEST:
Denver Broncos: Team grade: A-
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Grade: A-
This was a bona fide steal for the Broncos, so why isn’t it an A? Well, the trade up for a player with a marijuana citation is doubling down on risk, even if it’s a minor one. If for whatever reason Shane Ray doesn’t work out, you just gave up three picks for the guy, and that sets back the franchise. I don’t think that will happen. Ray’s motor is unbelievable and the kid loves football. He’s also a high-character player despite smoking (Quick! Call the moral majority). I think we’ll look back and blame the media frenzy over Shane Ray for letting the next great pass rusher slip so far to a team that doesn’t even need him.
San Diego Chargers: Team grade: C
Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Grade: C.
I didn’t have a first round grade on Gordon due to his limitations as a blocker and a receiver, as well as his problems seeing the whole and unimpressive strength. I compare Gordon more to Chris Johnson than Jamaal Charles, simply because the array of moves to make defenders miss and the game breaking speed are there, but not a lot else is. If the Chargers had an offensive line like the Titans did in 2008, then we’d be talking about this differently. Also, the trade up was highway robbery. Two draft picks to go 3 spots make this a steep price for an already undervalued position in the first round. I’m also on the “Brandon Oliver is a great runningback” train, which doesn’t help the grade.
Kansas City Chiefs: Team Grade: D+
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
This pick isn’t an F because there’s an outside chance I’m just dead wrong on this report. I’ve written at length about Peters’ immaturity and self-destructive character issues. He’s a complete head case, he’s possibly (most likely) violent, and hasn’t played football in a year. The lack of remorse or growth shown at public combine interviews and rumors of failed evaluations in private make me think that Peters is going to be the biggest bust of this draft. You have to be humble and work hard to ever get better, and everyone needs to improve when they get to the pros. His physical talent is worth of a mid-first grade. He’s great against the press with top speed to make up for any mistakes moving laterally, and of course the strength is there. The only question is in the mental game of working with players around him and a lack of experience running a zone. If I’d never read his name in a newspaper, he’d be an A or A- grade. Something this grade doesn’t even consider is that the Chiefs didn’t address their offensive line or their wide receiver group, two positions that desperately need help.
Oakland Raiders: Team Grade: A
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Grade: A
I’m glad to see the Raiders got this one right. I expected them to draft Leonard Williams, which would have also been a great choice. Cooper is the clear top choice in the draft for his blazing speed, silk hands and complete route tree. Physicality and strength are the only concerns I have with Cooper’s game, but that can be improved in the weight room. The Raiders probably just added a Calvin Johnson-esque fixture to their roster for a decade. With the young talent the Raiders acquired in the 2014 draft, another great haul could propel them to playoff contention.
New England Patriots: Team Grade: B+
Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Grade: B+
This pick is a lot like the selection of Dominique Easley for the Patriots last year, and not just because of the position. Brown fits better in the 3-4 than Easley, and he doesn’t come with the ACL problems Easley had. He’s a great value for the end of round 1, but I’m concerned about him getting on the field the first year on a stacked Patriots roster that features Easley, Jabaal Sheard and Joe Vellano on the depth chart as well.
Buffalo Bills: Grade: F
No pick so far, and you know why. It’s because of the totally unnecessary trade that the Bills never should have made. I gave the trade a D- a year ago, and that was before Odell Beckham Jr. proved that the Bills never should have moved up. Sammy Watkins ended up being arguably the worst receiver of the first round if we ignore the injured status of Brandin Cooks. The Bills are left with a weak roster, a new coach, no quarterback, no first round pick, and no chance of competing this year in a reloaded AFC East.
Miami Dolphins: Team Grade: A
Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
Grade: A
Parker was my second rated receiver ahead of Kevin White. His ability to pluck impossible catches away from defenders and take hits over the middle make him an elite prospect capable of being even better than Amari Cooper if he can polish his routes a bit. Great value at a position where the Dolphins can start him right away.
New York Jets: Team Grade: TBD
Leonard Williams, DT, Southern California
Grade: C (for now)
If the Jets don’t have a spot in their 3-4 base for Leonard Williams and they end up wasting either Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, or their new toy, then they won’t have improved much, and this grade will be very low. If they make a trade and get a haul for Wilkerson as many expect, than this could be an A. Leonard Williams isn’t a good fit for the 3-4 and is smaller than both the Jets current starters. He makes up for that in part with great technique, but his quickness off the line is also a huge concern. I can’t believe the Jets didn’t deal Mo Wil on draft day.
AFC NORTH:
Pittsburgh Steelers: Team Grade: A-
Alvin Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Grade: A-
I can’t poke any holes in this. I had Dupree going much higher, and he’s a great fit for Pittsburgh’s defense. Standing up at linebacker last year should make an easy transition to playing on the left side opposite James Harrison and Jarvis Jones. The athletic wildcat linebacker brings some power back to Pittsburgh’s pass rush that looked weaker on paper than it had in year. I can’t believe they passed on Landon Collins and Randy Gregory however. Both those picks would have been A’s.
Baltimore Ravens: Team grade: B+
Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
Grade: B+
The guy even looks like Torrey Smith! The Ravens needed a deep threat, and Perriman is as close to a clone player of Smith as you can get, which also brings its drawbacks. Perriman’s inconsistent hands and tendency to disappear in games leaves some question marks on what his NFL production will look like. The pick is a great value, but the player needs a lot of work before starting every snap. That’s not something you necessarily want as a contender right now.
Cincinnati Bengals: team grade: B
Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Grade: B
This is extremely hard for me to grade. I love Ogbuehi as a player and believe he could be the best offensive tackle in the draft class. He’s certainly the best on tape in pass protection, and the value was there. I’m also not worried too much about the ACL. My concern is how much he’ll contribute as a rookie due the Bengals not having a spot at offensive tackle. If Ogbuehi manages to start, I’m sure I’ll look back in a year and move this grade up to an A. He’s a great prospect.
Cleveland Browns: Team grade: C-
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Grade: B
I was impressed with this choice a lot initially, but I toned down that excitement when I remembered that the Browns but Ahtyba Rubin this offseason. The former Browns nose tackle would start over Shelton today, so the Browns haven’t really gotten better. That said, Shelton is a great value as a run-stopper and will be on the roster for a long time because of that. I do however question a few things: his ability as a pass rusher, the Browns choice not to select a wide receiver or pass rusher, and how much impact a nose tackle will have on a team with holes everywhere.
Cameron Erving, C (Guard, apparently), Florida State
Grade: D-
This was the worst pick of round 1, and it’s not in dispute. Erving played incredibly poorly in 2014 at offensive tackle and moved to center where he improved and earned a day two grade. He probably wasn’t higher on most teams’ boards than Hroniss Grasu, but I could understand if he went ahead of him at center. Erving has never played guard in his career, and the Browns have Joel Bitonio and John Greco, two players who certainly will not be beat out of their jobs by a guy who’s never played the position, and wasn’t great at center or tackle. I see Erving making no contributions on the Browns as a rookie, and that’s shocking, because they have holes everywhere. The Browns could have thrown a dart with a blindfold on in the green room and hit a starter on their depth chart, and they managed to fuck it up. If you like this pick and disagree with me, I ask you to consider this question: is it really Cleveland’s priority to figure out who might be their center in 2016?
AFC SOUTH:
Indianapolis Colts: Team Grade: B+
Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Grade: B+
I like Dorsett and I’m sure the Colts will find a way to turn him into a productive receiver. I don’t think he’s as backlogged as some say he is. Andre Johnson isn’t a #1 receiver any more. I don’t think he’s even a starter. TY Hilton is a talented deep threat, but that’s not the same kind of player you’re getting in Dorsett, who specializes with the ball in his hands. The pick isn’t a need, but I still think Dorsett will contribute. The talent level was right around this pick in terms of value. I had him at the top of the second to Oakland. I like the fit better with Indianapolis though, despite the fact that he’ll have to fight two other players to be the leading receiver.
Houston Texans: Team Grade: D+
Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Grade: D+
I was celebrating when this pick happened! Johnson is an undersized liability in the run game with all kinds of injury red flags due to his weight history and propensity to get handled by superior athletes. While his balance and lateral movement look great on tape in the zone, he simply can’t play outside the slot and can’t contribute in the run game or even make up for any mistakes because of his inadequate speed for the corner position. I see no redeeming value to Johnson that would make a team overlook the deficiencies against the run and the high injury risk. I’m glad to see my rival team didn’t take a big step forward in the first round.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Team Grade A-
Dante Fowler Jr. DE, Florida
Grade: A-
Dante Fowler is great fit at 4-3 DE for the Jaguars. He played in state at that exact position, and his strength and ability to bend around the edge will make him a 10 sack player if Jacksonville can improve their secondary and force QBs to hold the ball. One concern is that Florida’s excellent defense may have forced quarterbacks to hold the ball too long, as SEC passers are known for, and helped Fowler’s production. He also has some concerns with over-pursuit. Still, the physical ability is too good to pass up. I would have taken Vic Beasley and given that pick an A+, but I can’t fault the Jags here.
Tennessee Titans: Team Grade A+
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Grade: A+
I believe we’ve found a franchise quarterback that can lead this team for a decade. There’s no other grade to give if that’s the case. I also drafted this player for my team in the mock months ago, which makes the grade easy to give. I wouldn’t have made the pick myself if I didn’t love it. Losing Zach Mettenberger is a drawback to this pick, but it will be inconsequential as long as Mariota lives up to the billing. I’ve said from the start the scheme concerns and pocket passing ability aren’t serious concerns with Marcus Mariota. We want to find problems with quarterbacks, but Mariota doesn’t have any glaring flaws as a passer and displays electric ability on the run. If I’m wrong and he needs time on the bench, than we have a guy who can make that happen from LSU.
AFC WEST:
Denver Broncos: Team grade: A-
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Grade: A-
This was a bona fide steal for the Broncos, so why isn’t it an A? Well, the trade up for a player with a marijuana citation is doubling down on risk, even if it’s a minor one. If for whatever reason Shane Ray doesn’t work out, you just gave up three picks for the guy, and that sets back the franchise. I don’t think that will happen. Ray’s motor is unbelievable and the kid loves football. He’s also a high-character player despite smoking (Quick! Call the moral majority). I think we’ll look back and blame the media frenzy over Shane Ray for letting the next great pass rusher slip so far to a team that doesn’t even need him.
San Diego Chargers: Team grade: C
Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
Grade: C.
I didn’t have a first round grade on Gordon due to his limitations as a blocker and a receiver, as well as his problems seeing the whole and unimpressive strength. I compare Gordon more to Chris Johnson than Jamaal Charles, simply because the array of moves to make defenders miss and the game breaking speed are there, but not a lot else is. If the Chargers had an offensive line like the Titans did in 2008, then we’d be talking about this differently. Also, the trade up was highway robbery. Two draft picks to go 3 spots make this a steep price for an already undervalued position in the first round. I’m also on the “Brandon Oliver is a great runningback” train, which doesn’t help the grade.
Kansas City Chiefs: Team Grade: D+
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
This pick isn’t an F because there’s an outside chance I’m just dead wrong on this report. I’ve written at length about Peters’ immaturity and self-destructive character issues. He’s a complete head case, he’s possibly (most likely) violent, and hasn’t played football in a year. The lack of remorse or growth shown at public combine interviews and rumors of failed evaluations in private make me think that Peters is going to be the biggest bust of this draft. You have to be humble and work hard to ever get better, and everyone needs to improve when they get to the pros. His physical talent is worth of a mid-first grade. He’s great against the press with top speed to make up for any mistakes moving laterally, and of course the strength is there. The only question is in the mental game of working with players around him and a lack of experience running a zone. If I’d never read his name in a newspaper, he’d be an A or A- grade. Something this grade doesn’t even consider is that the Chiefs didn’t address their offensive line or their wide receiver group, two positions that desperately need help.
Oakland Raiders: Team Grade: A
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Grade: A
I’m glad to see the Raiders got this one right. I expected them to draft Leonard Williams, which would have also been a great choice. Cooper is the clear top choice in the draft for his blazing speed, silk hands and complete route tree. Physicality and strength are the only concerns I have with Cooper’s game, but that can be improved in the weight room. The Raiders probably just added a Calvin Johnson-esque fixture to their roster for a decade. With the young talent the Raiders acquired in the 2014 draft, another great haul could propel them to playoff contention.