2015 Draft Grades
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Atlanta Falcons:
- Atlanta had an excellent draft adding a starting corner, slot corner, defensive end, running back, and slot receiver. In all Atlanta nailed 4 starters this year and two more who could start in two years. The gem of Atlanta's draft class in two years may be third round pick Tevin Coleman. Atlanta hasn't been relevant since their running game sputtered out a few years ago. I think Coleman could help boost the Falcons offense tremendously.
Round 1: Vic Beasley, Defensive End
Round 2: Jalen Collins, Cornerback
Round 3: Tevin Coleman, Running Back
Round 4: Justin Hardy, Wide Receiver
Round 5: Grady Jarrett, Defensive Tackle
Round 7: Jake Rodgers, Offensive Tackle
Round 7: Akeem King, Safety
Team Draft Grade: B+
- Atlanta had an excellent draft adding a starting corner, slot corner, defensive end, running back, and slot receiver. In all Atlanta nailed 4 starters this year and two more who could start in two years. The gem of Atlanta's draft class in two years may be third round pick Tevin Coleman. Atlanta hasn't been relevant since their running game sputtered out a few years ago. I think Coleman could help boost the Falcons offense tremendously.
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Carolina Panthers:
- Carolina's draft was puzzling to me as they did a solid job in the first round with Shaq Thompson, drafted tight end Devin Funchess to be a wide receiver, made another solid pick in offensive tackle Daryl Williams, a decent pick in David Mayo, and a need pick in Cameron Artis-Payne. Carolina had a lot of holes to fill yet I came away underwhelmed with their efforts.
Round 1: Shaq Thompson, Outside Linebacker/Safety
Round 2: Devin Funchess, Tight End
Round 4: Daryl Williams, Offensive Tackle
Round 5: David Mayo, Inside Linebacker
Round 5: Cameron Artis-Payne, Running Back
Team Draft Grade: B-
- Carolina's draft was puzzling to me as they did a solid job in the first round with Shaq Thompson, drafted tight end Devin Funchess to be a wide receiver, made another solid pick in offensive tackle Daryl Williams, a decent pick in David Mayo, and a need pick in Cameron Artis-Payne. Carolina had a lot of holes to fill yet I came away underwhelmed with their efforts.
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New Orleans Saints:
- The Saints covered all their basis in this draft taking the best players on their board regardless of position. Left Tackle Andrus Peat, Inside Linebacker Stephone Anthony, Rush Linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha, and Cornerback P.J Williams will most likely start immediately while Quarterback Garrett Grayson will be an excellent protege for Drew Brees. The Saints had an excellent first three rounds and decent -at best- last four. Overall they put themselves in a strong position going into the future.
Round 1: Andrus Peat, Left Tackle
Round 1: Stephone Anthony, Linebacker
Round 2: Hau'Oli Kikiaha, Rush Linebacker
Round 3: Garrett Grayson, Quarterback
Round 3: P.J Williams, Cornerback
Round 5: Davis Tull, Outside Linebacker
Round 5: Tyeler Davison, Defensive Tackle
Round 5: Damian Swann, Cornerback
Round 7: Marcus Murphy, Running Back
Team Draft Grade: C+
- The Saints covered all their basis in this draft taking the best players on their board regardless of position. Left Tackle Andrus Peat, Inside Linebacker Stephone Anthony, Rush Linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha, and Cornerback P.J Williams will most likely start immediately while Quarterback Garrett Grayson will be an excellent protege for Drew Brees. The Saints had an excellent first three rounds and decent -at best- last four. Overall they put themselves in a strong position going into the future.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
- Tampa Bay did a very nice job creating itself an identity in this draft. Jameis Winston was only the start. By adding players like Offensive Guard Ali Marpet and Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith on top of that in the second round only helped solidify the Tampa Bay offense going forward. Tampa also added strong linebacking prospect Kwon Alexander in round 4 as the only defensive player taken in 2015. This was an offensive draft and Tampa made it a point to let Everyone know what type of team they want to be going forward.
Round 1: Jameis Winston, Quarterback
Round 2: Donovan Smith, Offensive Tackle
Round 2: Ali Marpet, Guard
Round 4: Kwon Alexander, Outside Linebacker
Round 5: Kenny Bell, Wide Receiver
Round 6: Kaelin Clay, Wide Receiver
Round 7: Joey Iosefa, Running Back
Team Draft Grade: B
- Tampa Bay did a very nice job creating itself an identity in this draft. Jameis Winston was only the start. By adding players like Offensive Guard Ali Marpet and Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith on top of that in the second round only helped solidify the Tampa Bay offense going forward. Tampa also added strong linebacking prospect Kwon Alexander in round 4 as the only defensive player taken in 2015. This was an offensive draft and Tampa made it a point to let Everyone know what type of team they want to be going forward.
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Philadelphia Eagles:
- Chip Kelly now has complete control of player personnel and it shows. This was an underwhelming draft with the only good selection with strong value was Eric Rowe in round two. Rowe can potentially play Cornerback or Safety and will most likely start at Cornerback when the Eagles begin training camp. First round selection Nelson Agholor will make an impact, most likely in the slot early, as his skill-set is geared toward the "Z" or potentially a low level "Y" Receiver. I don't expect the other draftees to make much of an impact.
Round 1: Nelson Agholor, Wide Receiver
Round 2: Eric Rowe, Cornerback
Round 3: Jordan Hicks, Inside Linebacker
Round 6: JaCorey Shepherd, Cornerback
Round 6: Randall Evans, Cornerback
Round 7: Brian Mihalik, Defensive End
Team Draft Grade: C+
- Chip Kelly now has complete control of player personnel and it shows. This was an underwhelming draft with the only good selection with strong value was Eric Rowe in round two. Rowe can potentially play Cornerback or Safety and will most likely start at Cornerback when the Eagles begin training camp. First round selection Nelson Agholor will make an impact, most likely in the slot early, as his skill-set is geared toward the "Z" or potentially a low level "Y" Receiver. I don't expect the other draftees to make much of an impact.
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Washington Redskins:
- The Redskins were reaching this entire draft and while they helped their team the reaches caused them to miss out on some much better prospects. Brandon Scherff was a 6-10 prospect so he had good value and filled a need, Preston Smith was a good prospect, but would have been there at least one round later. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder was the only other good prospect who was taken in the proper range by the Redskins. With ten picks I expected more impact.
Round 1: Brandon Scherff, Offensive Tackle/Guard
Round 2: Preston Smith, Defensive End
Round 3: Matt Jones, Running Back
Round 4: Jamison Crowder, Wide Receiver
Round 4: Arie Kouandio, Guard
Round 5: Marterll Spaight, Outside Linebacker
Round 6: Kyshoen Jarrett, Safety
Round 6: Tevin Mitchel, Outside Linebacker
Round 7: Austin Reiter, Center
Team Draft Grade: C-
- The Redskins were reaching this entire draft and while they helped their team the reaches caused them to miss out on some much better prospects. Brandon Scherff was a 6-10 prospect so he had good value and filled a need, Preston Smith was a good prospect, but would have been there at least one round later. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder was the only other good prospect who was taken in the proper range by the Redskins. With ten picks I expected more impact.
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Dallas Cowboys:
- Dallas did a good job addressing needs and depth. Rush Linebacker Randy Gregory could be a stud, Byron Jones was a reach but could pay out if allowed to play in zone coverage, Chaz Green and Laurence Gibson are good depth on the offensive line, and Damien Wilson could win an Inside Linebacker spot. The problem comes that Rounds one and three where Jones and Chaz Green were each taken a round too early.
Round 1: Byron Jones, Cornerback
Round 2: Randy Gregory, Rush Linebacker
Round 3: Chaz Green, Offensive Tackle
Round 4: Damien Wilson, Inside Linebacker
Round 5: Ryan Russell, Defensive End
Round 7: Mark Nzeocha, Outside Linebacker
Round 7: Laurence Gibson, Offensive Tackle
Round 7: Geoff Swaim, Tight End
Team Draft Grade: B-
- Dallas did a good job addressing needs and depth. Rush Linebacker Randy Gregory could be a stud, Byron Jones was a reach but could pay out if allowed to play in zone coverage, Chaz Green and Laurence Gibson are good depth on the offensive line, and Damien Wilson could win an Inside Linebacker spot. The problem comes that Rounds one and three where Jones and Chaz Green were each taken a round too early.
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New York Giants:
- This was a hit or miss draft for the Giants with a quick miss in round one with Ereck Flowers -Mid-late frst round right tackle-turned into a powerful hit in round two -Safety Landon Collins was a expected to go much earlier-, and two good hits late with receiver Geremy Davis and offensive tackle Bobby Hart. The Giants upgraded their starting units and depthwith their six picks.
Round 1: Ereck Flowers, Offensive Tackle
Round 2: Landon Collins, Strong Safety
Round 3: Owa Odighizuwa, Defensive End
Round 5: Mykkele Thompson, Safety
Round 6: Geremy Davis, Wide Receiver
Team Draft Grade: B-
- This was a hit or miss draft for the Giants with a quick miss in round one with Ereck Flowers -Mid-late frst round right tackle-turned into a powerful hit in round two -Safety Landon Collins was a expected to go much earlier-, and two good hits late with receiver Geremy Davis and offensive tackle Bobby Hart. The Giants upgraded their starting units and depthwith their six picks.
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Minnesota Vikings:
- The Vikings got closer to an "A" grade than any team and for good reason. Rick Spielman and his scouting department simply took over this draft and added EIGHT potential starters including two offensive tackles -In two seasons-, a pass rushing defensive end, a high end receiver, middle linebacker, and cornerback. This was the best draft of 2015 hands down.
Previous Selections: B-
Round 1: Trae Waynes, Cornerback
Round 2: Erick Kendricks, Middle Linebacker
Round 3: Danielle Hunter, Defensive End
Round 4: T.J Clemmings, Offensive Tackle
Round 5: Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Round 6: Tyrus Thompson, Offensive Tackle
Round 6: B.J Dubose, Defensive End
Round 7: Austin Shephard, Offensive Tackle
Round 7: Edmond Robinson, Outside Linebacker
Team Draft Grade: B+
Detroit Lions:
- Detroit had a great draft, filling many needs. Detroit gained a great starting center from Denver in Manny Ramirez, an excellent guard in Laken Tomlinson, and a good offensive tackle late in Corey Robinson. Not only did they sure up the offensive line but they added a duel threat running back in Ameer Abdullah, a player I was extremely high on. Defensively Detroit gained cornerback Alex Carter, athletic defensive tackle Gabe Wright, and slot corner Quadre Diggs. Overall Detroit improved their team in every area of need.
Round 1: Laken Tomlinson, Guard
Round 2: Ameer Abdullah, Running Back
Round 3: Alex Carter, Cornerback
Round 4: Gabe Wright, Defensive Tackle
Round 5: Michael Burton, Fullback
Round 6: Quadre Diggs, Cornerback
Round 7: Corey Robinson, offensive Tackle
Team Draft Grade: B
Chicago Bears:
- The Bears had a good draft replacing receiver Brandon Marshal with Kevin White, gained a defensive tackle in Eddie Goldman, the best center in the draft in Hronis Grasu, as well as strong depth at running back and safety. The Bears did a very nice job with only six picks.
Round 1: Kevin White, Wide Receiver
Round 2: Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle
Round 3: Hroniss Grasu, Center
Round 4: Jeremy Langford, Running back
Round 5: Adrian Amos, Safety
Round 6: Tayo Fabuluje, Offensive Tackle
Team Draft Grade: B
Green Bay Packers:
- The best selection the Packers made was in round two when they took Quinten Rollins, a former basketball player who is an exciting play maker. Brett Hundley is an excellent quarterback of the future, Jake Ryan has a good bit of potential at rush linebacker, and Damarious Randall could be an instant starter at safety.
Round 1: Damarious Randall, Safety
Round 2: Quinten Rollins, Safety/Cornerback
Round 3: Ty Montgomary, Wide Receiver
Round 4: Jake Ryan, Outside Linebacker
Round 5: Brett Hundley, Quarterback
Round 6: Aaron Ripkowski, Fullback
Round 6: Christian Ringo, Defensive End
Round 6: Kennard Backman, Tight End
Team Draft Grade: B
NFC South Winner: Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings got closer to an "A" grade than any team and for good reason. Rick Spielman and his scouting department simply took over this draft and added EIGHT potential starters including two offensive tackles -In two seasons-, a pass rushing defensive end, a high end receiver, middle linebacker, and cornerback. This was the best draft of 2015 hands down.
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Seattle Seahawks:
- I'm disappointed in Seattle's draft, they reached for underachievers throughout and only took one player (Tyler Lockett) who could be considered being a great pick. This draft gets a solid C+ but disappoints on many levels.
Previous Selections:
Round 2: Frank Clark, Defensive End
Round 3: Tyler Lockett, Wide Receiver
Round 4: Terry Poole, Offensive Tackle
Round 4: Mark Glowinski, Guard
Round 5: Tye Smith, Cornerback
Round 6: Obum, Gwacham, Defensive End
Round 6: Kristjan Sokoli, Defensive End
Round 7: Ryan Smith-Murphy, Safety
Grade: C+
- I'm disappointed in Seattle's draft, they reached for underachievers throughout and only took one player (Tyler Lockett) who could be considered being a great pick. This draft gets a solid C+ but disappoints on many levels.
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San Francisco 49ers:
- The 49ers had an up and down draft, reaching for Arik Armstead who was still a solid pick, then reaching for a 4th round pick in the 2nd, getting solid third and forth round selections. Armstead has the physical traites to be a great player in a year or two. Overall the 49ers were rarely solid, only good or bad on their picks. This was a solid draft that could have been much better.
Round 1: Arik Armstead, Defensive Tackle
Round 2: Jaquiski Tartt, Safety
Round 3: Eli Harold, Outside Linebacker
Round 4: Blake Bell, Tight End
Round 4: Mike Davis, Running Back
Round 4: DeAndre Smelter, Wide Receiver
Round 5: Bradley Pinion, Punter
Round 6: Ian Silberman, Guard
Round 7: Rory Anderson, Tight EndGrade: B-
- The 49ers had an up and down draft, reaching for Arik Armstead who was still a solid pick, then reaching for a 4th round pick in the 2nd, getting solid third and forth round selections. Armstead has the physical traites to be a great player in a year or two. Overall the 49ers were rarely solid, only good or bad on their picks. This was a solid draft that could have been much better.
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Arizona Cardinals:
- Arizona took care of some needs but also reached for a couple players -Marcus Golden and Shaq Riddick- but overall a solid draft. Golden is an athletic pass rusher that needs to learn pass rush technique and how to use power while D.J Humphries will start immediately on the line. More could have been done but they filled needs at Running Back, Left Tackle, Rush Linebacker, and Defensive Tackle.
Round 1: D.J Humpheries, Offensive Tackle
Round 2: Markus Golden, Rush Linebacker
Round 3: David Johnson, Running Back
Round 4: Rodney Gunter, Defensive Tackle
Round 5: Shaq Riddick, Defensive End
Round 5: J.J Nelson, Wide Receiver
Round 7: Gerald Christian, Tight End
Team Draft Grade: B-
- Arizona took care of some needs but also reached for a couple players -Marcus Golden and Shaq Riddick- but overall a solid draft. Golden is an athletic pass rusher that needs to learn pass rush technique and how to use power while D.J Humphries will start immediately on the line. More could have been done but they filled needs at Running Back, Left Tackle, Rush Linebacker, and Defensive Tackle.
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St. Louis Rams:
- The Rams draft was solid, but not something that will make the team a contender for the division. Gurley was a huge reach with his knee, Hevenstein was a forth round prospect, Manion was a disaster, yet the good picks they made were great picks that will help the team this year.
Round 1: Todd Gurley, Running Back
Round 2: Robert Havenstein, Tackle
Round 3: Jamon Brown, Offensive Tackle
Round 3: Sean Manion, Quarternack
Round 4: Andrew Donnal, Offensive Tackle
Round 6: Bud Sasser, Wide Receiver
Round 6: Cody Wichmann, Guard
Round 7: Bryce Hager, Inside Linebacker
Round 7: Martin Ifedi, Defensive End
Team Draft Grade: B-
- The Rams draft was solid, but not something that will make the team a contender for the division. Gurley was a huge reach with his knee, Hevenstein was a forth round prospect, Manion was a disaster, yet the good picks they made were great picks that will help the team this year.
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Miami Dolphins:
- Miami had a great first few rounds that saw them take a great receiver, powerful run stopping nose tackle, strong guard, and great running back. I loved DeVante Parker coming in, great size, great route runner, good athleticism, and good hands. Had it not been for an injury Parker may have been a Top 8 selection. Jordan Phillips is a strong Nose Tackle who can stuff the run as well as anyone in this draft and has great hands at the point of attack. Jamil Douglas is an interior offensive lineman who will start immediately and upgrade the protection and run blocking of the Dolphins. If Jay Ajay can remain healthy he will compete for a starting spot.
Round 1: DeVante Parker, Wide Receive
Round 2: Jordan Phillips, Nose Tackle
Round 4: Jamil Douglas, Guard
Round 5: Bobby McCain, Cornerback
Round 5: Jay Ajayi, Running Back
Round 5: Ced Thompson, Safety
Round 5: Tony Lippett, Wide Receiver
Team Draft Grade: B-
New York Jets:
- The Jets are going back to what made them successful. The Jets drafted the top defensive tackle in the draft, a good pass rusher, and a developmental defensive tackle. Offensively Devin Smith at receiver is going to start immediately. Smith has great hands, is smart, and is a big body who could compete for the "X" job early. Bryce Petty will start the season as a backup but will have the opportunity to start later in the season.
Round 1: Leonard Williams, Defensive Tackle
Round 2: Devin Smith, Wide Receiver
Round 3: Lorenzo Mauldin, Rush Linebacker
Round 4: Bryce Petty, Quarterback
Round 5: Jarvis Harrison, Guard
Round 7: Deon Simon, Defensive Tackle
Team Draft Grade: B-
Buffalo Bills:
- Buffalo didn't do much with this draft, it was solid all around, but nobody stands out as a special player. Ronald Darby may end up the closest thing to a star this group gets.
Round 2: Ronald Darby, Cornerback
Round 3: John Miller, Guard
Round 5: Karlos Williams, Cornerback
Round 6: Tony Steward, Outside Linebacker
Round 6: Nick O'Leary, Tight End
Round 7: Dez Lewis, Wide Receiver
Team Draft Grade: B-
New England Patriots:
- No beating around the bush here, the Patriots would have had a solid B if they wouldn't have drafted that Navy long snapper who has a five year military commitment hanging over his head. While a solid draft that pick killed their score and at the end of the day they get a B- simply because the scoring average goes down hard with an F. On the bright side the Pats did a great job addressing their defensive line as well as their interior offensive line. The patriots are better than they were before the draft.
Round 1: Malcom Brown, Defensive Tackle
Round 2: Jordan Richards, Safety
Round 3: Geneo Grissom, Defensive End
Round 4: Trey Flowers, Defensive End
Round 4: Tre Jackson, Guard
Round 4: Shaq Mason, Guard/Center
Round 5: Joe Cardona, Long Snapper
Round 6: Matt Wells, Rush Linebacker
Round 6: A.J Derby, Tight End
Round 7: Darryl Roberts, Cornerback
Round 7: Xzavier Dickson, Linebacker
Team Draft Grade: B-
AFC East Winner: Miami Dolphins - Miami had a great first few rounds that saw them take a great receiver, powerful run stopping nose tackle, strong guard, and great running back. I loved DeVante Parker coming in, great size, great route runner, good athleticism, and good hands. Had it not been for an injury Parker may have been a Top 8 selection. Jordan Phillips is a strong Nose Tackle who can stuff the run as well as anyone in this draft and has great hands at the point of attack. Jamil Douglas is an interior offensive lineman who will start immediately and upgrade the protection and run blocking of the Dolphins. If Jay Ajay can remain healthy he will compete for a starting spot.
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Cincinnati Bengals:
- I don't say this often, but the Bengals got this draft right. The two starting offensive tackles are deep into their thirties, so the Bengals grab Cedric Ogbuehi, the best overall tackle in this draft when healthy to play on the right side in round one. They follow that up with Jake Fisher, the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft to play the left side in round two. In round three the Bengals grabbed who many believed was the best overall linebacker in this draft in Paul Dawson before nabbing two solid safeties in Josh Shaw -round four- and Derron Smith -round 6-. This was a good draft for the Bengals who nailed rounds one through three.
Round 1: Cedric Ogbuehi, Left Tackle
Round 2: Jake Fisher, Offensive Tackle
Round 3: Tyler Kroft, Tight End
Round 3: Paul Dawson, Linebacker
Round 4: Josh Shaw, Safety
Round 4: Marcus Hardison, Defensive Tackle
Round 5: C.J Uzomah,, Tight End
Round 6: Darren Smith, Safety
Round 6: Mario Alford, Wide Receiver
Team Draft Grade: B
- I don't say this often, but the Bengals got this draft right. The two starting offensive tackles are deep into their thirties, so the Bengals grab Cedric Ogbuehi, the best overall tackle in this draft when healthy to play on the right side in round one. They follow that up with Jake Fisher, the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft to play the left side in round two. In round three the Bengals grabbed who many believed was the best overall linebacker in this draft in Paul Dawson before nabbing two solid safeties in Josh Shaw -round four- and Derron Smith -round 6-. This was a good draft for the Bengals who nailed rounds one through three.
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Pittsburgh Steelers:
- The Steelers reached early. Rush linebacker Alvin Dupree was a player I had as a mid to late second round pick, and cornerback Senquez Golston wasn't in my top 100. Sammie Coates was a great value in round three, terrible hands but good size and athletic ability, cornerback Doran Grant was a solid selection in round four, and free safety Gerod Holliman was an absolute steal in round seven.
Round 1: Alvin Dupree, Rush Linebacker
Round 2: Senquez Golson, Cornerback
Round 3: Sammie Coates, Wide Receiver
Round 4: Doran Grant, Cornerback
Round 5: Jesse James, Tight End
Round 6: L.T Walton, Defensive Tackle
Round 6: Anthony Chickillo, Defensive End
Round 6: Gerod Holliman, Free Safety
Team Draft Grade: C+
- The Steelers reached early. Rush linebacker Alvin Dupree was a player I had as a mid to late second round pick, and cornerback Senquez Golston wasn't in my top 100. Sammie Coates was a great value in round three, terrible hands but good size and athletic ability, cornerback Doran Grant was a solid selection in round four, and free safety Gerod Holliman was an absolute steal in round seven.
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Cleveland Browns:
- The Browns got a very exciting and solid draft class for the first time in years picking up seven potential starters. This is a testament to the vision of general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine, but getting the players to perform to their potential is another story entirely. The Browns also had several questionable picks in Rounds 4-7 -Campbell, Johnson, Telfer, and Pollard- which lowers their draft grades. At that token the Browns picked up the top interior offensive lineman in this draft -Cameron Erving-, one of the top two interior defensive linemen -Danny Shelton-, the number two -in my rankings- running back in this class with Duke Johnson, explosive defensive tackle Xavier Cooper, and natural 34 rush linebacker Nate Orchard.
Round 1: Danny Shelton, Nose Tackle
Round 1: Cameron Erving, Guard/Center
Round 2: Nate Orchard, Rush Linebacker
Round 3: Duke Johnson, Running Back
Round 3: Xavier Cooper, Defensive Tackle
Round 4: Ibraheim Campbell, Safety
Round 4: Vince Mayle, Wide Receiver
Round 6: Charles Gaines, Cornerback
Round 6: Malcolm Johnson, Tight End
Round 6: Randall Telfer, Tight End
Round 7: Hayes Pollard, Inside Linebacker
Round 7: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Cornerback
Team Draft Grade: B-
- The Browns got a very exciting and solid draft class for the first time in years picking up seven potential starters. This is a testament to the vision of general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine, but getting the players to perform to their potential is another story entirely. The Browns also had several questionable picks in Rounds 4-7 -Campbell, Johnson, Telfer, and Pollard- which lowers their draft grades. At that token the Browns picked up the top interior offensive lineman in this draft -Cameron Erving-, one of the top two interior defensive linemen -Danny Shelton-, the number two -in my rankings- running back in this class with Duke Johnson, explosive defensive tackle Xavier Cooper, and natural 34 rush linebacker Nate Orchard.
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Baltimore Ravens:
- The Ravens had an excellent first three rounds with receiver Brashad Perriman, tight end Maxx Williams, and defensive tackle Carl Davis. The overall talent and value for those three picks is off the charts. Joe Flacco should have a good shot at having a career season in 2015.
Round 1: Brashad Perriman, Wide Receiver
Round 2: Maxx Williams, Tight End
Round 3: Carl Davis, Defensive Tackle
Round 4: Za'Darius Smith, Defensive End
Round 4: Buck Allen, Running Back
Round 4: Tray Walker, Cornerback
Round 5: Nick Boyle, Tight End
Round 5: Robert Meyers, Guard
Round 6: Darren Waller, Wide receiver
Team Draft Grade: B
- The Ravens had an excellent first three rounds with receiver Brashad Perriman, tight end Maxx Williams, and defensive tackle Carl Davis. The overall talent and value for those three picks is off the charts. Joe Flacco should have a good shot at having a career season in 2015.
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Tennessee Titans:
- The Titans had a great first two rounds, a poor middle, and great late round draft. I particularly liked the picks of Andy Gillik and Tre McBride in rounds 6 and 7 respectively. Dorial Green Beckham is raw but extremely gifted, but has issues off the field, and Jeremiah Poutasi will more than likely transition to Guard as he is not a starting NFL Tackle. If both work out the combination of Mariota and Beckham may be one of the most deadly combinations since Cullpepper and Moss.
Round 1: Marcus Mariota, Quarterback
Round 2: Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver
Round 3: Jeremiah Poutasi, Guard
Round 4: Angelo Blackson, Defensive Tackle
Round 5: David Cobb, Running Back
Round 6: Deiontrez Mount, Outside Linebacker
Round 6: Andy Gillik, Center/Guard
Round 7: Tre McBride, Wide Receiver
Grade: B-
- The Titans had a great first two rounds, a poor middle, and great late round draft. I particularly liked the picks of Andy Gillik and Tre McBride in rounds 6 and 7 respectively. Dorial Green Beckham is raw but extremely gifted, but has issues off the field, and Jeremiah Poutasi will more than likely transition to Guard as he is not a starting NFL Tackle. If both work out the combination of Mariota and Beckham may be one of the most deadly combinations since Cullpepper and Moss.
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Houston Texans:
- Houston had an excellent draft reaching a bit for Kevin Johnson in the first round but bounced back strong drafting Bernardrick McKinney to start at inside linebacker, Christian Covington to add the the defensive line rotation, and an absolute steal in wide receiver Jaelen Strong in round three. Kenny Hilliard could also gain significant playing time as a third down back.
Round 1: Kevin Johnson, Cornerback
Round 2: Bernardrick McKinney, Inside Linebacker
Round 3: Jaelen Strong, Wide Receiver
Round 5: Keith Mumphery, Wide Receiver
Round 6: Reshard Cliett, Outside Linebacker
Round 6: Christian Covington, Defensive Tackle
Round 7: Kenny Hilliard, Running Back
Team Draft Grade: B
- Houston had an excellent draft reaching a bit for Kevin Johnson in the first round but bounced back strong drafting Bernardrick McKinney to start at inside linebacker, Christian Covington to add the the defensive line rotation, and an absolute steal in wide receiver Jaelen Strong in round three. Kenny Hilliard could also gain significant playing time as a third down back.
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Jacksonville Jaguars:
- Jacksonville may be the big winner in this draft with an outstanding class top to bottom. Jacksonville got a physical beast in Dante Fowler, a great offensive guard in A.J Cann, a starting receiver with great body control and hands in Rashad Greene, and a great strong safety in James Sample. Overall every one of their picks with exception of the last two could be starters by the end of camp.
Round 1: Dante Fowler Jr. Defensive End
Round 2: T.Y Yeldon, Running Back
Round 3: A.J Cann, Guard
Round 4: James Sample, Safety
Round 5: Rashad Greene, Wide Receiver
Round 6: Michael Bennett, Defensive Tackle
Round 7: Neal Sterling, Wide Receiver
Round 7: Ben Koyack, Tight End
Team Draft Grade: B+
- Jacksonville may be the big winner in this draft with an outstanding class top to bottom. Jacksonville got a physical beast in Dante Fowler, a great offensive guard in A.J Cann, a starting receiver with great body control and hands in Rashad Greene, and a great strong safety in James Sample. Overall every one of their picks with exception of the last two could be starters by the end of camp.
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Indianapolis Colts:
- The colts had some great picks late but their early picks were only solid with the exception of Henry Anderson -third Round-. The Colts improved their team, and if Dorsett can stay healthy may be the front runner in the AFC.
Round 1: Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver
Round 3: D'Joun Smith, Cornerback
Round 3: Henry Anderson, Defensive End
Round 4: Clayton Geathers, Safety
Round 5: David Parry, Defensive Tackle
Round 6: Josh Robinson, Running Back
Round 7: Denzell Goode, Offensive Guard
Team Draft Grade: B-
AFC South Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars - The colts had some great picks late but their early picks were only solid with the exception of Henry Anderson -third Round-. The Colts improved their team, and if Dorsett can stay healthy may be the front runner in the AFC.
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Denver Broncos:
- The Broncos are another team that reached far more than they should have. After a great pick in trading up for Shane Ray they reached for Tyler Sambrailo and Jeff Heurman -Rounds 2 and 3 respectively-. Championship teams always hit on rounds one through three and Denver didn't hit on two or three. They did, however, hit on center Max Garcia in the forth for decent value -though there were better prospects available-, and cornerback Lorenzo Doss in the fifth.
Round 1: Shane Ray, Rush Linebacker
Round 2: Ty Sambrailo, Offensive Tackle
Round 3: Jeff Heuerman, Tight End
Round 4: Max Garcia, Florida
Round 5: Lorenzo Doss, Cornerback
Round 6: Darius Kilgo, Defensive Tackle
Round 7: Trevor Siemian, Quarterback
Round 7: Taurean Nixon, Cornerback
Round 7: Josh Furman, Linebacker
Team Draft Grade: C+
San Diego Chargers:
- Asside from Melvin Gordon in round one this was a sub-par draft for the Chargers. While Gordon will be a game changer, Denzell Perryman is basically the same player as Monte' Te'o in terms of playing style. Those two are the only two players with a chance of starting for the team.
Round 1: Melvin Gordon, Running Back
Round 2: Denzel Perryman, Inside Linebacker
Round 3: Craig Mager, Cornerback
Round 5: Kyle Emanuel, Outside Linebacker
Round 6: Darius Philon, Defensive Tackle
Team Draft Grade: C+
Oakland Raiders:
- The Raiders had an excellent first three rounds getting the top offensive weopon in this draft -Amari Cooper- a strong defensive end, and a starting tight end; but tapered off after those picks reaching for guard John Feliciano and others. The Raiders filled needs across the board and gave their offense a fighting chance in 2016.
Round 1: Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver
Round 2: Mario Edwards Jr, Defensive End
Round 3: Clive Walford, Tight End
Round 4: John Feliciano, Guard
Round 5: Ben Heeney, Inside Linebacker
Round 5: Neiron Ball, Outside Linebacker
Round 6: Max Valles, Inside Linebacker
Round 7: Anthony Morris, Offensive Tackle
Round 7: Dexter Mcdonald, Cornerback
Team Draft Grade: C+
Kansas City Chiefs:
- Kansas City helped itself tremendously both offensively and defensively through Cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Steven Nelson as well as Receiver Chris Conley and Guard/Center Mitch Morse. Inside Linebacker Ramik Wilson will also compete for a spot in the defensive rotation.
Round 1: Marcus Peters, Cornerback
Round 2: Mitch Morse, Guard/Center
Round 3: Chris Conley, Wide Receiver
Round 3: Steven Nelson, Cornerback
Round 4: Ramik Wilson, Inside Linebacker
Round 5: D.J Alexander, Outside Linebacker
Round 5: James O'Shaughnessy, Tight End
Round 6: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Defensive Tackle
Round 7: Da'Ron Browns, Wide Receiver
Team Draft Grade: B
AFC West Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
- The Broncos are another team that reached far more than they should have. After a great pick in trading up for Shane Ray they reached for Tyler Sambrailo and Jeff Heurman -Rounds 2 and 3 respectively-. Championship teams always hit on rounds one through three and Denver didn't hit on two or three. They did, however, hit on center Max Garcia in the forth for decent value -though there were better prospects available-, and cornerback Lorenzo Doss in the fifth.