NFL Draft Round 1 Review

 

Pick 1: Carolina Panthers (via CHI)

The Panthers selected Bryce Young with the first pick, which I think is the clear choice. He has the highest intangibles of all the QBs in the draft. As long as his size doesn't become a problem for him, he will thrive in the NFL

Grade: S

Pick 2: Houston Texans

The Texans get their guy in C.J. Stroud. Stroud had low marks on the new test pre-draft, but looked like the best QB in the class on the field. I guess we will find out quickly if the test is bogus or not, but for now, I like the pick.

Grade: A

Pick 3: Houston Texans (via ARI)

The Texans grab another pick on draft night and take Will Anderson. Anderson was my second pick for edge rushers, but is still a beast. Should fit in just fine in Houston.

Grade: A

Pick 4: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were being mocked to take Will Levis for most of the offseason so far up until a few hours before the draft, it was rumored they were going to take Anthony Richardson, and they did. I like the pick, but at the same time he needs work. I think if Richardson progresses correctly he will end up being the best QB of the class, but who knows if the Colts will be able to develop him.

Grade: A-

Pick 5: Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

A lot of people including myself expected Seattle to take Jalen Carter here, but they went CB with Devon Witherspoon. I don't hate the pick, but I also don't think corner was the biggest need for the Seahawks.

Grade: B+

Pick 6: Arizona Cardinals (via LA>DET)

The Cardinals get more help for Kyler Murray with Parris Johnson Jr. OT. Good choice for the Cards to trade down and grab him. Got extra picks, and much needed OL help.

Grade: A

Pick 7: Las Vegas Raiders

I thought the Raiders would go CB here, but I also didn't think the best edge rusher in the class would still be there. Tyree Wilson is a great pick for the Raiders

Grade: A+

Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons

They did something right! Yes they could have used QB, but the 3 reliable QBs were gone and Bijan was just sitting there. The Falcons got what could be the best player in the draft. Phenomenal pick to fit into an up and coming offense.

Grade: S

Pick 9: Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR>CHI)

The Eagles stole Jalen Cater. How he fell this far is insane. Thought the Bears would have scooped him, but they went elsewhere.

Grade: S

Pick 10: Chicago Bears (via NO>PHI)

The Bears passed on Jalen Carter and moved down to beef up their OL in front of Justin Fields with Darnell Wright. If the Bears can protect Fields they can cause issues in the NFC North.

Grade: A

Pick 11: Tennessee Titans

The Titans got my 2nd choice for OL in the draft with Peter Skoronski. Looks like they are staying with Tannehill and Willis. Bold move, but more power to them, and this will help protect them as well.

Grade: B+

Pick 12: Detroit Lions (via CLE>HOU>ARI)

The Lions traded up to grab....RB Jahmyr Gibbs? This pick make zero sense after signing David Montgomery and they still have DeAndre Swift. Weird pick.

Grade: D

Pick 13: Green Bay Packers (via NYJ)

The Packers went WR right? Yeah, no. Of course they draft defense again. Lukas Van Ness will be good, but who is Jordan Love going to throw to?

Grade: B

Pick 14: Pittsburgh Steelers (via NE)

The Steelers trade up to grab OL Broderick Jones to help Pickett. This ended up being genius because of how many corners fell to them. They have the option of taking Joey Porter Jr. with their SECOND ROUND PICK. Nuts.

Grade: A

Pick 15: New York Jets (via GB)

Jets take Will McDonald. I don't like it. They was much better talent available on the board.

Grade: C

Pick 16: Washington Commanders

Commanders pass on QB and take CB Emmanuel Forbes who could turn out to be the best CB in the draft. Decent pick.

Grade: B+

Pick 17: New England Patriots (via PIT)

I don't know how he does it, but Belichick is a genius. Trades down and gets the best CB in the draft. Christian Gonzalez who should have gone in the Top 10

Grade: S

Pick 18: Detroit Lions

Lions grabbed Campbell here LB from Iowa. Another weird move from the Lions. Kancey was the clear pick here.

Grade: D

Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I think they were pleasantly surprised to see Kancey on the board. Stole him at 19.

Grade: A

Pick 20: Seattle Seahawks

I think everyone expected Nolan Smith to be scooped here. Nope. Carroll went to WR with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The best route runner in the draft is probably set to replace Tyler Lockett when he retires/tests Free Agency. Could be a good pick, time will tell.

Grade: A-

Pick 21: Los Angeles Chargers

Other teams that wanted a WR are happy here I think. Quentin Johnston is good, but Flowers and Addison were better picks here I think.

Grade: B

Pick 22: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens just resigned Lamar, so why not get him some more targets? Ravens took Flowers, who fits right in at Baltimore.

Grade: A

Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings

Holy steal. The Vikings had 3 teams select WR in front of them and possible stole away the best WR in the draft. If Addison hits, there could be 2 JJs running around in Minnesota.

Grade: S

Pick 24: New York Giants (via JAX)

The Giants saw their opportunity and jumped up to grab Deonte Banks to help their secondary. Could have gone WR here, but there wasn't really any left.

Grade: A-

Pick 25: Buffalo Bills (via NYG>JAX)

The Bills jump Dallas to grab Dalton Kincaid the clear best TE in the draft. The Bills get even more deep threat for Josh Allen.

Grade: A+

Pick 26: Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys take Mazi Smith buffing their DL more. Eh, could have done better here going TE or EDGE in my opinion, but not the worst.

Grade: B

Pick 27: Jacksonville Jaguars (via BUF)

Jags kept trading down and I'm assuming they got who they wanted. O-Line is a great option because Lawrence really seems to be developing well into a star QB.

Grade: A

Pick 28: Cincinnati Bengals

Myles Murphy was the pick. Also stolen in my opinion. The Bengals could use more D-Line as well, put some pressure on Allen in those AFC Championship games lol.

Grade: A

Pick 29: New Orleans Saints (via SF>MIA>DEN)

Saints stole Bryan Breese too. He was in my Top 15-20 players, and the Saints defense could use a little work.

Grade: A

Pick 30: Philadelphia Eagles

How on earth did Nolan Smith fall this far? The Eagles got 2 of the best players in the draft despite being at 9 and 30.

Grade: S+

Pick 31: Kansas City Chiefs

They grabbed Felix Anudike-Uzomah. They needed D-Line. Its a good pick. 

Grade: A 

P.S. Will Levis is still on the board KEKW