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The first round provided us with a few surprises, as always. The first seven picks were from the offensive side of the football (NFL Draft record). The draft order changed a few times as teams were moving back after their potential primary targets were off the board, and one team of note moved up, the Chicago Bears, who got a steal at pick #11 with Ohio State QB Justin Fields.
In the second and third rounds, we were treated to a run of QB's from picks 64-67 and it began at the end of the 2nd round when the Tampa Bay Bucs selected Florida QB, Kyle Trask. At pick 66 the Vikings chose a potential Kirk cousins replacement in QB Kellen Mond from Texas A&M, and at pick 67 the Texans drafted Stanford QB, Davis Mills. A total of 8 QB's went in the first three rounds (NFL Draft record). There were 42 total combined offensive, and defensive lineman (DL and Edge) selected in the first three rounds proving that teams understand the importance of building from the inside out.
Team Grades and Final Analysis
ARIZONA CARDINALS FINAL GRADE: B
R1 (16): LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa
R2 (49): WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
R4 (136): CB Marco Wilson, Florida
R6 (210): EDGE Victor Dimukeje, Duke
R6 (223): CB Tay Gowan, UCF
R7 (243): S James Wiggins, Cincinnati
R7 (247): C Michal Menet, Penn State
Final Analysis
The Cardinals first two picks were home runs and fill two areas of need. LB Zaven Collins is a very solid player with elite size. He is a versatile player who they can pair with Isaiah Simmons.
Rondale Moore is a perfect fit for this offense. The 23rd ranked player on our board and 4th rated WR provides versatility as a player who can line up all over the field placing a lot of pressure on defenses when paired with Deandre Hopkins. This is how you take care of your QB (Green Bay).
The Cardinals went after a few secondary players and an Edge player to help their defense who graded poorly in both pass coverage and pass rush in 2020. The Cardinals snagged the 18th rated edge player and 121st overall from our board on day three (Victor Dimukeje).
ATLANTA FALCONS FINAL GRADE: B-
R1 (4): TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
R2 (40): S Richie Grant, UCF
R3 (68): OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
R4 (108): CB Darren Hall, San Diego State
R4 (114): C Drew Dalman, Stanford
R5 (148): DI Ta'Quon Graham, Texas
R5 (182): EDGE Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Notre Dame
R5 (183): CB Avery Williams, Boise State
R6 (187): WR Frank Darby, Arizona State
Final Analysis
Everyone thought the Falcons would go with Kyle Pitts if they did not trade back and that's what happened. Arguably the best skill player on the 2021 NFL Draft, Pitts is one of our top Instant Impact Potential Players with an elite grade A+ grade which classifies Pitts as a perfect prospect with elite traits.
The Falcons selected Michigan OT Jalen Mayfield on day two. We had Mayfield as the 27th best prospect on our board and the 5th best OT. He provides good upside and is versatile. He can play guard or tackle. He provides great value for an offense that graded D- in both pass blocking and run blocking in 2020. Day three for the Falcons saw them focus on their secondary where they would grab a few CB's (Hall, Williams), and then a WR (Frank Darby). All of the day three picks for the Falcons are developmental players who will need time to grow and that does not bode well for a defense that graded an F in pass coverage, C- in pass rush, and a D vs the run according to the 2020 final situational team analysis grades.
BALTIMORE RAVENS FINAL GRADE: B
R1 (27): WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
R1 (31): EDGE Odafe Oweh, Penn State
R3 (94): G Ben Cleveland, Georgia
R3 (104): CB Brandon Stephens, SMU
R4 (131): WR Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State
R5 (160): CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State
R5 (171): EDGE Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame
R5 (184): TE Ben Mason, Michigan
Final Analysis
So the Ravens finally decided to go after a bigger outside target rather than more Hollywood Brown-style slot players. The Ravens did their star QB a huge favor by drafting Rashod Bateman. Bateman didn't grade as high on our board as others. We had him as the 48th overall player and the 7th best WR in a very deep class. He is considered a 2nd tier Potential Upside player where we have him graded out as boom or bust. He landed in one of the best spots regardless of what you believe about the Raven offense. He will get high usage, assuming he develops quickly and learns the scheme. We graded the Ravens a C- in the passing game in 2020, which is below average. Not all of that can be placed on Lamar as the receivers themselves were graded a C-.
The Ravens also drafted a high upside edge player from Penn State (Jason Oweh). Oweh posted a 4.36 forty at his pro day. He is a bit raw, but with time he can develop into a special player.
On day two, the Ravens snagged a high upside OT in Ben Cleveland from Georgia, rated 113 overall on our board and the 8th best tackle. He provides them with depth on the OL and will need some time to develop, but overall he has a lot of potential.
The Ravens jumped on the opportunity to draft Ohio State DB Shaun Wade whose value dropped after 2020 due to some ups and downs on the field. In 2019, Wade was a solid Nickel corner, but in 2020 he was thrown outside. The Ravens will likely look to use him to cover in the slot. In addition, the Ravens snagged another WR (Oklahoma States Tylan Wallace). Wallace is a big-play threat and one of the more underrated WR's in the draft.
BUFFALO BILLS FINAL GRADE: B
R1 (30): EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL.)
R2 (61): EDGE Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
R3 (93): OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
R5 (161): OT Tommy Doyle, Miami (OH)
R6 (203): WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston
R6 (212): S Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh
R6 (213): CB Rachad Wildgoose, Wisconsin
R7 (236): OG Jack Anderson, Texas Tech
Final Analysis
In a draft where high-quality IDL are very few and far between, the Bills might have opted to go after a few guys who can play both on the edge and flip inside when needed. The Bills graded poorly against the run in 2020, so we figured they would prioritize the IDL at some point. They started off by selecting Miami Hurricane EDGE Rusher Greg Rousseau in Round one. Rousseau graded out as a tier two Potential Upside player and the 36th rated player on our board as well as the 5th best Edge player.
The Bills drafted another EDGE player, Carlos Boogie Basham, who uses power to win and can also play from the inside out on the defensive line. They also drafted an OT (Spencer Brown), another highly valued player on our board with a ton of potential.
Day three saw the Bills drafting developmental players to help their OL, WR's and their secondary.
CAROLINA PANTHERS FINAL GRADE: B-
R1 (8): CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
R2 (59): WR Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU
R3 (70): OT Brady Christensen, BYU
R3 (83): TE Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
R4 (126): RB Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
R5 (158): DI Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
R5 (166): CB Keith Taylor, Washington
R6 (193): G Deonte Brown, Alabama
R6 (204): WR Shi Smith, South Carolina
R6 (222): LS Thomas Fletcher, Alabama
R7 (232): DI Phil Hoskins, Kentucky
Final Analysis
My initial thoughts were that the Panthers could have went QB here, but they didn't go wrong choosing South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn. Horn is the 3rd best CB on our board and is a player who possesses elite-level potential. He is the Son of former NFL WR Joe Horn, so he has the pedigree, and if Caleb Farley had not had some injury concerns, the Panthers might have gone a different direction. Regardless, the Panthers Addressed their secondary that we graded out at the bottom of the league in 2020.
On day two, the Panthers go out and add a playmaking WR from LSU in Terrace Marshall. He is a guy who has immediate starting potential from a deep WR class.
On Day three, we had Daviyon Nixon listed as the best available to begin the day. The Panthers drafted Nixon, a player with a lot of upside.
CHICAGO BEARS FINAL GRADE: C-
R1 (11): QB Justin Fields, Ohio State
R2 (39): OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
R5 (151): OT Larry Borom, Missouri
R6 (217): RB Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
R6 (221): WR Dazz Newsome, North Carolina
R6 (228): CB Thomas Graham Jr., Oregon
R7 (250): DI Khyiris Tonga, BYU
Final Analysis
The Bears traded up to get one of our highest-rated players in Justin Fields. Fields had slid down some draft boards late, and when the Broncos passed on him, we believed it was forgone conclusion he would be a Patriot until the Bears swooped in and snagged the best value in the 2020 NFL draft on paper. Fields will likely be the starter on day one and is one of our 12 Instant Impact Players from our 2020 evaluations.
The Bears drafted one of the best available players on our board on day two OT Tevin Jenkins. Jenkins has a lot of potential at the next level. Jenkins is considered a high-level run blocker who must work on his pass blocking at the NFL level. The Bears graded out at an average to below-average level in 2020 in run blocking and an F grade in pass pro, so he may need to develop quickly so Justin Fields is not running for his life in 2021. The Bears picked up developmental WR, RB, CB, and IDL on day three.
CINCINNATI BENGALS FINAL GRADE: C
R1 (5): WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
R2 (46): OT Jackson Carman, Clemson
R3 (69): EDGE Joseph Ossai, Texas
R4 (111): EDGE Cameron Sample, Tulane
R4 (122): DI Tyler Shelvin, LSU
R4 (139): T D'Ante Smith, East Carolina
R5 (149): K Evan McPherson, Florida
R6 (190): C Trey Hill, Georgia
R6 (202): RB Chris Evans, Michigan
R7 (235): EDGE Wyatt Hubert, Kansas State
Day One
Oh, the Bengals. They opted to draft the excellent Jamarr Chase from LSU, who played with Burrow in 2019, where both players broke records together. Burrow wanted Chase, and that is fine, but the Bengals should also consider keeping their QB upright. We thought they should go with Oregon OT Penei Sewell, one of three players we gave a perfect Instant Impact Prospect grade.
The Bengals addressed their OL on Day number two by selecting Clemson OT Jackson Carman. He is our 9th rated tackle from 2020 and a far cry from Sewell, but he does have great upside, I guess. They did pick up a Potential Upside player in Texas Edge player Joseph Ossai.
CLEVELAND BROWNS FINAL GRADE: B+
R1 (26): CB Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
R2 (52): LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
R3 (91): WR Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
R4 (110): OT James Hudson, Cincinnati
R4 (132): DI Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
R5 (153): LB Tony Fields II, West Virginia
R5 (169): S Richard LeCounte, Georgia
R6 (211): RB Demetric Felton, UCLA
Final Analysis
The presumed 2021 Super Bowl Champion Browns (sarc, maybe). The Browns had a good draft. On Day one, they grabbed one of the top CB's in a deep class in Greg Newsome from Northwestern. And then, on day two, they grabbed our number two rated LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah from Notre Dame. The Browns drafted a steal in James Hudson out of Cincinnati on day three.
The Browns picked up a lot of high value throughout the draft and entered the draft as one of only a few teams that did not have glaring needs at any one position.
DALLAS COWBOYS FINAL GRADE: D
R1 (12): LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
R2 (44): CB Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky
R3 (75): DI Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA
R3 (84): EDGE Chauncey Golston, Iowa
R3 (99): CB Nahshon Wright, Oregon State
R4 (115): LB Jabril Cox, LSU
R4 (138): OT Josh Ball, Marshall
R5 (179): WR Simi Fehoko, Stanford
R6 (192): DI Quinton Bohanna, Kentucky
R6 (227): CB Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
R7 (238): OG Matt Farniok, Nebraska
Final Analysis
Jerry Jones might have one of the sneakiest drafts under his belt in 2021, or it might be one of his worst. Cowboy fans are hoping for the latter. On day one, the Cowboys selected one of our top-rated players and also one of the 12 Instant Impact player grade recipients in Penn State LB Micah Parsons. Jerry deserves an A for addressing the defense in round one, but it is day two and three where there are more questions than answers.
DENVER BRONCOS FINAL GRADE: C-
R1 (9): CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
R2 (35): RB Javonte Williams, North Carolina
R3 (98): IOL Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
R3 (105): LB Baron Browning, Ohio State
R5 (152): S Caden Sterns, Texas
R5 (164): S Jamar Johnson, Indiana
R6 (219): WR Seth Williams, Auburn
R7 (237): CB Kary Vincent Jr., LSU
R7 (239): EDGE Jonathon Cooper, Ohio State
R7 (253): EDGE Marquiss Spencer, Mississippi State
Final Analysis
The Broncos passed on a QB. We assumed maybe they have a deal in the works for Aaron Rodgers? Regardless, you have a young and talented WR core which needs a better player under center, and you passed on Justin Fields and Mac Jones.
The Broncos did snag a CB that they did not need in Alabama's Patrick Surtain, the top CB on our board and one of the 12 players we graded with Instant Impact Potential. They did get a potential steal by drafting Quinn Meinerz in the third round.
The Broncos drafted well, but they missed on a QB in round one. Add that to the list of consistent miscues that have happened while Mr. Elway has been in the front office.
DETROIT LIONS FINAL GRADE: A
R1 (7): OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
R2 (41): DI Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
R3 (72): DI Alim McNeill, NC State
R3 (101): CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
R4 (112): WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC
R4 (113): LB Derrick Barnes, Purdue
R7 (257): RB Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
Final Analysis
The Lions look like a competent organization. They did not flinch when facing the opportunity to draft one of our three Instant Impact Potential players with an A+ perfect player grade in Oregon OT Penei Sewell. The Lions continued to build from the inside out, adding two very good IDL Levi Onwuzurike and Alim Mcneill. They waited to address WR on day three. Is this the new normal?
GREEN BAY PACKERS FINAL GRADE: C-
R1 (29): CB Eric Stokes, Georgia
R2 (62): C Josh Myers, Ohio State
R3 (85): WR Amari Rodgers, Clemson
R4 (142): T Royce Newman, Ole Miss
R5 (173): DI Tedarrell Slaton, Florida
R5 (178): CB Shemar Jean-Charles, App State
R6 (214): T Cole Van Lanen, Wisconsin
R6 (220): LB Isaiah McDuffie, Boston College
R7 (256): RB Kylin Hill, Mississippi State
Final Analysis
Are the Packers the new Lions? The Packers are on the verge of losing one of the greatest QB's of our time. If they don't trade Aaron Rodgers, he might retire and become a full-time Jeopardy host. The reality is that Green Bay has not drafted an offensive player in the first round since 2012 outside of Jordan Love. 2021 is not any different. The Packers drafted a CB we ranked 6th at his position and a fringe 2nd round projection. So instead of going with an offensive playmaker, they draft a CB with unrealized potential.
The Packers did snag Clemson WR Amari Rodgers on day two. Rodgers is a very good player whose dad is a coach (Ravens WR Coach Tee Martin). Rodgers ranked 15th on our big board, so the Packers go with high upside value once again. He does have the opportunity to play right away in the slot.
HOUSTON TEXANS FINAL GRADE: B-
R3 (67): QB Davis Mills, Stanford
R3 (89): WR Nico Collins, Michigan
R5 (147): TE Brevin Jordan, Miami (FL.)
R5 (170): Garett Wallow, TCU
R6 (195): Roy Lopez, Arizona
Final Analysis
The Texans did their best with what Bob left them. With their first pick in round three, the Texans drafted Stanford QB Davis Mills, who is a high upside project we listed as our 49th overall player and 7th at his position. Mills has all of the tools but needs more time to develop. The Texans snagged another sneakily good prospect in 6-4 215Lb WR Nico Collins. Collins is the 64th rated player overall on our board and the 9th best WR. He will have an opportunity to start in year one. Houston then went out and grabbed the second-best TE on our board, Miami's Brevin Jordan. They drafted three players with 2nd round grades on days two and three.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS FINAL GRADE: D+
R1 (21): EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan
R2 (54): EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
R4 (127): TE Kylen Granson, SMU
R5 (165): S Shawn Davis, Florida
R6 (218): QB Sam Ehlinger, Texas
R7 (229): WR Michael Strachan, Indianapolis
R7 (248): IOL Will Fries, Penn State
Final Analysis
The Colts made it a point to go after Edge rushers in the draft. They started with Michigan Edge rusher Kwitty Paye, the 16th rated prospect and top at his position on day one. On day two, the Colts just wanted to be sure and took another edge player, Dayo Odeyingbo, who is the 97th rated payer on our board and 13th at his position. The Colts were below average in pass-rush grade a season ago, so it is not a surprise they went after two edge players who possess freakish athletic ability.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FINAL GRADE: B-
R1 (1): QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
R1 (25): RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
R2 (33): CB Tyson Campbell, Georgia
R2 (45): OT Walker Little, Stanford
R3 (65): S Andre Cisco, Syracuse
R4 (106): DI Jay Tufele, USC
R4 (121): Edge Jordan Smith, UAB
R5 (145): TE Luke Farrell, Ohio State
R6 (209): WR Jalen Camp, Georgia Tech
Final Analysis:
Trevor Lawrence was obvious, Travis Etienne not so much. I mentioned a few weeks ago that Urban Meyer said that they would approach each pick by taking the best available option. Going QB and RB in round one have many scratching their heads, considering the Jag's needs are far greater in multiple areas. They already have a very good RB coming off a great rookie year in James Robinson. Regardless, the Jags snagged one of our three players in the draft who earned a perfect grade and another one who received a grade just a hair below that.
The Jags addressed more pressing needs on days two and three. They grabbed a CB who needs more development (Tyson Campbell), an OT who also needs more development (Walker Little). Perhaps the best value came in the 3rd and 4th rounds where the Jags drafted S Andre Cisco, and Jay Tufele.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FINAL GRADE: C+
R2 (58): LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
R2 (63): C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
R4 (144): Edge Joshua Kaindoh, Florida State
R5 (162): TE Noah Gray, Duke
R5 (181): WR Cornell Powell, Clemson
R6 (226): G Trey Smith, Tennessee
Final Analysis
Without a round one pick, The Chiefs started off drafting LB Nick Bolton from Mizzou on Day two. Bolton is a very good LB who possesses great instincts and will immediately impact his position group in year one. Bolton was the 4th rated LB on our board. The Chiefs addressed the IOL with their next pick by drafting Oklahoma Sooner Creed Humphrey, who has a 10-year player written all over him in the NFL. The most intriguing pick is WR Cornell Powell from Clemson. Powell is a developmental prospect with Instant Impact Potential down the line if he is provided time to develop.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS FINAL GRADE: C+
R1 (17): T Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
R2 (43): S Trevon Moehrig, TCU
R3 (79): EDGE Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo
R3 (80): S Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech
R4 (143): S Tyree Gillespie, Missouri
R5 (167): CB Nate Hobbs, Illinois
R7 (130): C Jimmy Morrissey, Pittsburgh
Final Analysis
The Raiders drafted our 4th rated OT and the 17th overall on our board in Alex Leatherwood out of Alabama on day one. They Followed up by drafting safety Trevon Moehrig out of TCU, who many had as their top safety; we had him at number 46 overall and number two at his position. The Raiders graded out an F in pass coverage in 2020 and an F in run blocking. They addressed both needs right away in the 2021 Draft. They would continue to address both problem areas by drafting two more safeties, a CB, and an IOL, on days two and three.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS FINAL GRADE: C+
R1 (13): T Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
R2 (47): CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
R3 (77): WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee
R3 (97): TE Tre’ McKitty, Georgia
R4 (118): EDGE Chris Rumph II, Duke
R5 (159): T Brenden Jaimes, Nebraska
R6: (185): LB Nick Niemann, Iowa
R6 (198): RB Larry Rountree III, Missouri
R7 (241): CB Mark Webb, Georgia
Final Analysis
The Chargers began day one and two by taking two players at high-priority positions of need. They drafted our number three OT Rashawn Slater, who can play guard and tackle when needed in round one. They opened round two by taking CB Asante Samuel Jr., who is our 5th rated CB. On Day three, the Chargers drafted several developmental players, but they continued to address needs.
LOS ANGELES RAMS FINAL GRADE: F
R2 (57): WR Tutu Atwell, Louisville
R3 (103): LB Ernest Jones, South Carolina
R4 (117): DI Bobby Brown III, Texas A&M
R4 (130): CB Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas
R4 (141): WR Jacob Harris, UCF
R5 (174): EDGE Earnest Brown IV, Northwestern
R7 (233): RB Jake Funk, Maryland
Final Analysis
The Rams drafted Tutu Atwell with their first pick in the draft, which happened to be on day two. Atwell is a very small 160 lb, thin-bodied WR who possesses elite athleticism. With players such as Terrace Marshall and Dyami Brown still available, the Rams still chose Atwell. The rest of the Rams draft is developmental players. The Rams received the lowest grade out of all NFL teams, according to our grade scale
MIAMI DOLPHINS FINAL GRADE: A
R1 (6): WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
R1 (18): EDGE Jaelen Phillips, Miami (FL.)
R2 (36): S Jevon Holland, Oregon
R2 (42): OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
R3 (81): TE Hunter Long, Boston College
R7 (231): OT Larnel Coleman, Massachusetts
R7 (244): RB Gerrid Doaks, Cincinnati
Final Analysis
The Dolphins continue to look competent. Earning our highest overall grade in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Dolphins opened up the draft selecting Jaylen Waddle, one of 12 Instant Impact Players (tier one grade). On Day Two, they drafted a high potential Edge player in Jaelen Phillips, and then they were able to land our top safety from Oregon, Jevon Holland. They then drafted Notre Dame OT Liam Eichenberg.
The Dolphins had two first and two-second-round picks. They drafted the number 7, 24, 37, and 43rd players on our board.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS FINAL GRADE: C
R1 (23): T Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
R3 (66): QB Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
R3 (78): LB Chazz Surratt, North Carolina
R3 (86): G Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
R3 (90): EDGE Patrick Jones II, Pittsburgh
R4 (119): RB Kene Nwangwu, Iowa State
R4 (125): CB Camryn Bynum, California
R4 (134): EDGE Janarius Robinson, Florida State
R5 (157) WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa
R5 (168): TE Zach Davidson, Zach Davidson
R6 (199): EDGE Jaylen Twyman, Pitt
Final Analysis
The Vikings addressed their OL in round one by drafting Christian Darrisaw, the 2nd rated OT on our board and 11th overall. The Vikings made the right decision considering their need to improve its bottom of the barrel pass-blocking grade from 2020. The Vikings signaled that they might be preparing to move to the future by drafting QB Kellen Mond. Mond is our 8th rated QB in the 2021 NFL Draft and is a developmental player with high-level traits. The Vikings also struggled to apply pressure and defend the run in 2020, so they went hard in the paint, drafting three edge playerss on days two and three combined.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FINAL GRADE: C
R1 (15): QB Mac Jones, Alabama
R2 (38): DI Christian Barmore, Alabama
R3 (96): EDGE Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
R4 (120): RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma
R5 (177): LB Cameron McGrone, Michigan
R6 (188): CB Joshuah Bledsoe, Missouri
R6 (197): OT William Sherman, Colorado
R7 (242): WR Tre Nixon, UCF
Final Analysis
Bill B did not have to trade up to get his potential future QB. Mac Jones would be the guy who fell the furthest among all of the projected QB's in the draft. We originally projected Jones to Pats in a mock months ago, but the smoke of Shanahan pursuing Jones at pick three felt viable. Yet, it was hard to believe Shanahan would pass up the athletic ability of Justin Fields or Trey Lance for a pocket passer in Mac Jones, but weirder things have occurred. The Patriots went with an edge player and IDL on day two and finished out the rest of the draft by adding depth at key positions.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FINAL GRADE: D+
R1 (28): EDGE Payton Turner, Houston
R2 (60): LB Pete Werner, Ohio State
R3 (76): CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford
R4 (133): QB Ian Book, Notre Dame
R6 (206): OT Landon Young, Kentucky
R7 (255): WR Kawaan Baker, South Alabama
Final Analysis
Every player they drafted is developmental on our board. Payton Turner might be a big miss on our end. I admit, Turner's film review was severely late on our end, and had we reviewed it earlier, he would have graded out much higher. Outside of Turner, this was a lackluster-looking draft for the Saints, but they did address needs. CB Paulson Adebo had 1st or 2nd round grades in 2020 but opted to return to school. Notre Dame Qb Ian Book is also a player to keep an eye on.
NEW YORK GIANTS FINAL GRADE: B-
R1 (20): WR Kadarius Toney, Florida
R2 (50): EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
R3 (71): CB Aaron Robinson, UCF
R4 (116): EDGE Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa
R6 (196): RB Gary Brightwell, Arizona
R6 (201): CB Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma State
Final Analysis
The Giants put together a well-rounded draft. They drafted WR Kedarius Toney from Florida, who provides the excellent after-catch ability to an offense that now has many weapons at Daniel Jones's disposal. Toney is the 5th rated WR on our board. The Giants hit the ground running on day two, snagging Edge player Azeez Ojulari out of Georgia. We had him graded out as the 4th rated edge player. The Giants were able to add an offensive playmaker and then address their biggest defensive need early in the draft (pass rush).
NEW YORK JETS FINAL GRADE: B-
R1 (2): QB Zach Wilson, BYU
R1 (14): IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
R2 (34): WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
R4 (107): RB Michael Carter, North Carolina
R5 (146): S Jamien Sherwood, Auburn
R5 (154): CB Michael Carter II, Duke
R5 (175): CB Jason Pinnock, Pittsburgh
R6 (186): S Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
R6 (200): CB Brandin Echols, Kentucky
R6 (207): DI Jonathan Marshall, Arkansas
Final Analysis
The Jets get their next newest QB in Zach Wilson after trading away their last next newest QB Sam Darnold. Wilson was our 3rd rated QB and the 5th rated overall player. He is also among the 12 Instant Impact Players in the draft. Unlike Darnold, Wilson has a staff who wants to provide support by surrounding him with talent. The Jets addressed WR and OL concerns early before addressing the myriad of defensive concerns. The Jets are on the right track.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES FINAL GRADE: B-
R1 (10): WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
R2 (37): IOL Landon Dickerson, Alabama
R3 (73): DI Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
R4 (123): CB Zech McPhearson, Texas Tech
R5 (150): RB Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
R6 (189): DI Marlon Tuipulotu, USC
R6 (191): EDGE Tarron Jackson, Coastal Carolina
R6 (224) S JaCoby Stevens, LSU
R7 (234): EDGE Patrick Johnson, Tulane
Final Analysis
The Eagles need a lot to cover the myriad of issues that plague them. They drafted the top WR on our board and one of the 12 Instant Impact players in the draft; they snagged Landon Dickerson to help the IOL on day two, and they addressed Edge, CB, and safety on days two and three. The Eagles still have a tall mountain to climb, but they drafted well in 2021, so that should help.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS FINAL GRADE: D+
R1 (24): RB Najee Harris, Alabama
R2 (55): TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
R3 (87): C Kendrick Green, Illinois
R4 (128): OT Dan Moore Jr., Texas A&M
R4 (140): LB Buddy Johnson, Texas A&M
R5 (156): DI Isaiah Loudermilk, Wisconsin
R6 (216): EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami (FL)
R7 (245): S Tre Norwood, Oklahoma
R7 (254): P Pressley Harvin III, Georgia Tech
Final Analysis
Steelers fans got their guy Najee Harris, but who will block for him? I suppose when I evaluated Harris I pointed out his ability to escape the first tackler in the backfield. Still, I did not say neglect OL altogether because of that ability. The Steelers needed to draft OL instead of a RB to get a player who provides instant value potentially. The Steelers were our lowest graded run blocking team in the NFL in 2020, and they waited until days two and three to address OL.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS FINAL GRADE: B+
R1 (3): QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
R2 (48): G Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
R3 (88): RB Trey Sermon, Ohio State
R3 (102): CB Ambry Thomas, Michigan
R5 (155): OT Jaylon Moore, Western Michigan
R5 (172): CB Deommodore Lenoir, Oregon
R5 (180): S Talanoa Hufanga, USC
R6 (194): RB Elijah Mitchell, Louisiana
Final Analysis
To begin, the Trey Lance pick is the one that will define the Shanahan era, which is obvious. Trey Lance lands in the best possible spot for a guy who has highly developable upside. Lance was rated the 20th player on our board and the 5th at the QB position. He just catapulted himself into the realm of potentially being among the one or two best to be drafted because of the situation. We knew that whoever gets drafted by San Fran would have the cushiest of beginnings.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS FINAL GRADE: D
R2 (56): WR D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan
R4 (137): CB Tre Brown, Oklahoma
R6 (208) OT Stone Forsythe, Florida
Final Analysis
Seattle had very little draft capital to work with, but they addressed a few needs at both CB and on the OL.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS FINAL GRADE: C-
R1 (32): EDGE Joe Tryon, Washington
R2 (64): QB Kyle Trask, Florida
R3 (95): IOL Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame
R4 (129): WR Jaelon Darden, North Texas
R5 (176): LB K.J. Britt, Auburn
R7 (251): CB Chris Wilcox, BYU
R7 (259) LB Grant Stuard, Houston
Final Analysis
It is a shame that a team with an actual need at QB did not value Kyle Trask earlier. The Bucs get a developmental QB who has highly developable traits and potential. The Bucs did not have any real needs, so I will not waste a ton of breath here.
TENNESSEE TITANS FINAL GRADE: B
R1 (22): CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
R2 (53): OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
R3 (92): LB Monty Rice, Georgia
R3 (100): SCB Elijah Molden, Washington
R4 (109): WR Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville
R4 (135): EDGE Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
R6 (205): WR Racey McMath, LSU
R6 (215): S Brady Breeze, Oregon
Final Analysis
The Titans needed help at all levels of their defense. They addressed that need in the draft by snagging the 2nd best CB on our board with their number one pick. Many had Farley going much earlier in round one, but prior discussion about a previous injury may have hindered his stock late in the game. They were able to get a solid high upside OT at pick 53; they followed up with Georgia LB Monty Rice.
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM FINAL GRADE: B
R1 (19): LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky
R2 (51): OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
R3 (74): CB Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
R3 (82): WR Dyami Brown, North Carolina
R4 (124): TE John Bates, Boise State
R4 (163): S Darrick Forrest, Cincinnati
R6 (225): LS Camaron Cheeseman, Michigan
R7 (240): EDGE William Bradley-King, Baylor
R7 (246): EDGE Shaka Toney, Penn State
R7 (258): WR Dax Milne, BYU
Final Analysis
The Football Team went out and drafted to their needs and did not disappoint. They would have graded higher had they taken a Nick Bolton or Owuso Koramoah at LB rather than Jamin Davis, but who can argue with the pick. If Davis lives up to the potential, he will be a high-level NFL player in no time. They landed a steal on day two with WR Dyami Brown, our 57th rated player, and the 8th rated WR. Edge player Shaka Toney is also a very good prospect who fell to them on day three.