THE GOOD
Jacksonville Jaguars
1 (5) Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
2 (36) (from Baltimore) Myles Jack, ILB, UCLA
3 (69) Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Maryland
4 (103) Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
6 (181) Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana
6 (201) (from Pittsburgh) Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas
7 (226) Jonathan Woodard, DE, Central Arkansas
My Thoughts: The Jags had a tremendous draft. Any time you can add two of the top six players in the draft in the first two rounds, you’ve had a great draft. Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack will be the cornerstones for what is quickly becoming one of the most talented defenses in the league. Yannick Ngakowe and Sheldon Day will be instant impact performers as well. Not addressing the offensive line is the only issue I have with Jacksonville’s draft.
Baltimore Ravens
1 (6) Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
2 (42) (from Miami) Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
3 (70) Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
4 (104) Tavon Young, CB, Temple
4 (107) (from Miami) Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati
4 (130) (from Denver) Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska
4 (132) Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
4 (134) Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
5 (146) (from Jacksonville) Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
6 (182) Keenan Reynolds, WR, Navy
6 (209) Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia
My Thoughts: Very few teams draft as well as the Ravens do. I loved the Ronnie Stanley pick. The gap between Stanley and Laremy Tunsil had closed in the days leading up to the draft. Baltimore made the right decision taking Stanley. Kamalei Correa and Bronson Kaufusi are great picks because of the scheme versatility they both offer. I wouldn’t be surprised if both started next season. Baltimore picked five players in the fourth round and all five will make an impact in 2016. Tavon Young will play in sub packages as a dime corner. Chris Moore gives Baltimore another young receiver to go with Breshad Perriman. Alex Lewis could potentially start down the road at either tackle or guard. Willie Henry is another young rotation tackle that will contribute next season. Kenneth Dixon legitimately has a chance to start at running back. Ozzie Newsome completely revamped the roster and this infusion of young talent will help the Ravens contend again.
Cincinnati Bengals
1 (24) William Jackson III, CB, Houston
2 (55) Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
3 (87) Nick Vigil, ILB, Utah State
4 (122) Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
5 (161) Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State
6 (199) Cody Core, WR, Ole Miss
7 (245) Clayton Fejedelem, S, Illinois
My Thoughts: I really like what the Bengals did in this draft. They are one of the best organizations in the league at drafting and developing talent. William Jackson has elite ball skills and length. He’ll step in start as a rookie and make an impact. Same could be said for Tyler Boyd who I think from a scheme fit standpoint is the ideal complement to A.J Green. Boyd is more of a possession receiver. Andrew Billings in the fourth round may have been a steal. Billings will replace Domata Peko as the starting shade tackle. Christian Westerman in the fifth round was another steal. Westerman is athletic and a terrific run blocker who could either start or be a valuable back up. Keep an eye on Cody Core from Ole Miss. His best football is ahead of him.
San Diego Chargers
1 (3) Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2 (35) Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
3 (66) Max Tuerk, C, USC
4 (102) Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
5 (175) Jatavis Brown, ILB, Akron
6 (179) Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M
6 (198) (from Minnesota) Derek Watt, FB, Wisconsin
7 (224) Donavon Clark, G, Michigan State
My Thoughts: I really like what the Chargers did. The Joey Bosa pick was out of left field a little bit but I think he’ll be a great scheme for in DC John Pagano’s defense. Hunter Henry is the ideal complement to Antonio Gates and he makes the Bolts lethal in 12 personnel. Big Max Tuerk is one of the most physical and toughest lineman in the draft. I think he starts next season. Joshua Perry and Jatavis Brown will both play a significant role in the Chargers defense and both are future starters.
Dallas Cowboys
1 (4) Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
2 (34) Jaylon Smith, ILB, Notre Dame
3 (67) Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
4 (101) Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
4 (135) Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
6 (189) (from Oakland) Anthony Brown, CB, Purdue
6 (212) Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan
6 (216) Darius Jackson, RB, Eastern Michigan
6 (217) Rico Gathers, TE, Baylor
My Thoughts: Some experts are being hard on the Cowboys regarding their draft. Look, while I understand that they didn’t address all of their needs, especially on defense, this draft will be define by the performance of Ezekiel Elliott and Jaylon Smith. If Elliott ends up an elite running back and Smith bounces back from his knee injury, then this will be a great draft for Dallas. If they don’t, the Cowboys will continue to struggle. I don’t see it with Dak Prescott. I know some scouts love him, I don’t. He’s a back-up in my opinion. Darius Jackson and former hoopster Rico Gathers could be steals in this draft.
New York Giants
1 (10) Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
2 (40) Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
3 (71) Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
4 (109) B.J. Goodson, ILB, Clemson
5 (149) Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
6 (184) Jerrell Adams, TE, South Carolina
My Thoughts: The Giants reached for Eli Apple. They could have moved down and had him in the 15-25 range. I really like the Sterling Shepard pick. Shepard is a terrific route runner, has great hands and is tough as nails. Darian Thompson will play special teams as a rookie but he has the look of a future starter. BJ Goodson will start as a rookie. He’ll solidify the middle linebacker spot, a spot that has been a revolving door for the Giants in recent years. Jerell Adams in the sixth round? Are you kidding me? That was a great pick. Adams has big time upside.
Washington Redskins
1 (22) (from Houston) Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
2 (53) Su’a Cravens, S, USC
3 (84) Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
5 (152) (from New Orleans) Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple
6 (187) (from New Orleans) Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana
7 (232) (from Tampa Bay) Steven Daniels, ILB, Boston College
7 (242) Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia
My Thoughts: Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan is one of my favorite executives in the NFL. He knows how to build a team. In the 2015 draft, he focused on rebuilding the offensive line and defensive line. In this draft, McCloughan added a number one type receiver in Josh Doctson and he upgraded the secondary by adding a potential starter in Su’a Cravens. Kendall Fuller will replace Chris Culliver as the nickel defensive back. Matt Ioannidis and Steven Daniels are both stout and they are ideal fits in the 3-4 defense. I can see both of them starting as rookies. The Redskins are on the right track and they should once again contend in the NFC East.
Tennessee Titans
1 (8) (from Miami via Philadelphia & Cleveland) Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
2 (33) Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
2 (43) (from Philadelphia via Los Angeles) Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
2 (45) (from Los Angeles) Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
3 (64) Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State
5 (140) Tajae Sharpe, WR, Massachusetts
5 (157) (from New York Jets via Denver) LeShaun Sims, Southern Utah
6 (193) (from Atlanta) Sebastian Tretola, G, Arkansas
7 (222) Aaron Wallace, OLB, UCLA
7 (253) Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Mississippi
My Thoughts: Rookie GM Jon Robinson had a very productive first draft. Robinson used the deal with the Rams to maneuver around and acquire the players he wanted. Jack Conklin is not an elite tackle but he is a very good player and he’s consistent. I like Kevin Dodd’s versatility. I think he can play outside linebacker in the 3-4 and he can play defensive end in 40 sub packages. Austin Johnson has the size and the strength at the point of attack to be a terrific five technique defensive end. Umass’ Tajae Sharpe will be a contributor on this team next season. He is a terrific route runner who knows how to get open and has strong hands. Robinson had a great first draft as a GM.
Miami Dolphins
1 (13) (from Philadelphia) Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
2 (38) Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
3 (73) Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama
3 (86) Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers
6 (186) (from Miami via Minnesota) Jakeem Grant, WR, Texas Tech
6 (204) Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State
7 (223) Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky
7 (231) Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA
My Thoughts: Dolphins GM Chris Grier is another rookie general manager and just like Jon Robinson, he had a solid first draft. Laremy Tunsil is a great value pick if he can turn his life around. I know Thursday night was a circus with him but if he can move on from that and the Dolphins coaching staff teaches him how to be a pro, he can be special. Xavien Howard will step in and start as a rookie. He’s tall and long and has terrific ball skills. He’s ideally suited to play man to man coverage. Kenyan Drake is a third down back who has a terrific skill set. He’ll be a nice complement to Jay Ajayi. Leonte Carroo and Thomas Duarte are both big targets that could make a difference in the red zone.
Houston Texans
1 (21) (from Washington) Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
2 (50) (from Atlanta) Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame
3 (85) Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
4 (119) Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State
5 (159) KJ Dillon, S, West Virginia
5 (166) (from New England) D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson
My Thoughts: I know most “experts” don’t like what the Texans did in this draft but I disagree. I think Houston got better offensively. Will Fuller is a vertical threat who will complement DeAndre Hopkins well. Braxton Miller has the potential to be special. Bill O’Brien will have to find different ways to get him the ball, especially in the screen game. Nick Martin will step in and start as a rookie at center. He is big, strong at the point of attack and a terrific run blocker. Keep an eye on Tyler Ervin. He is a third down back in the mold of Darren Sproles and he is explosive in the open field. I think Houston filled all of their needs. The Texans have the pieces in place to win defensively. The offense needs to pick it up.
Oakland Raiders
1 (14) Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
2 (44) Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
3 (75) Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
4 (100) (from Tennessee via Philadelphia) Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
5 (143) (from Dallas) Deandre Washington, RB, Texas Tech
6 (194) (from Indianapolis) Cory James, OLB, Colorado State
7 (234) Vadal Alexander, G, LSU
My Thoughts: The Raiders continued to overhaul their defense in this draft. Karl Joseph has battled injuries but when healthy, he is a difference maker who could be a stalwart defensively for the Raiders from years to come. Jihad Ward is a swing defensive end, tackle who can move around in fronts depending on what package the defense is in. I wasn’t big on Shilique Calhoun coming out of Michigan State but he can contribute as a situational pass rusher. I’m curious to see what Oakland’s plan is for Connor Cook long term. I think he’s a developmental quarterback who could eventually start for someone else down the road. General manager Reggie McKenzie had a good weekend overall.
Chicago Bears
1 (9) (from Tampa Bay) Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
2 (56) (from Seattle) Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State
3 (72) Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
4 (113) (from Philadelphia via Tennessee) Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
4 (124) (from Seattle) Deon Bush, S, Miami
4 (127) (from New England) Deiondre’ Hall, CB, Northern Iowa
5 (150) Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
6 (185) DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, William & Mary
7 (230) Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan
My Thoughts: I don’t love this draft but I think Chicago got a lot of value. Leonard Floyd has a ton of upside but he could also be a bust. He struggles against the run mightily. Cody Whitehair is a day one starter. He’s big, physical and technically sound. Jonathan Bullard, Nick Kwiatkoski, Deon Bush and Deiondre Hall are all future starters and they will make an impact this season as situational players. Jordan Howard is one of my favorite backs in this draft. He’s a bruiser and he is deceptively quick in space. He needs to stay healthy. John Fox and GM Ryan Pace are starting to build a team to their liking. The Bears are on the rise, especially after this draft.
Green Bay Packers
1 (27) Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
2 (48) (from Indianapolis) Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
3 (88) Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
4 (131) Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford
4 (137) Dean Lowry, DE, Northwestern
5 (163) Trevor Davis, WR, California
6 (200) Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford
My Thoughts: Ted Thompson had another productive draft. Kenny Clark is a good fit but he may have been a reach at 27. I would have taken Vernon Butler. Jason Spriggs is a great value pick in the second round. He can eventually replace David Bahktiari at left tackle. Kyler Fackrell and Blake Martinez will have every opportunity to get on the field in 2016 and contribute defensively. They are good scheme fits in Dom Capers defense. I don’t get the Trevor Davis pick when you already have Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery, Jared Abberdaris and Jeff Janis on the roster. Where will Davis play? I also don’t understand why Thompson didn’t draft a guard or a running back in this draft. Eddie Lacy, James Starks, T.J Lang and Josh Sitton are all free agents after next season.
New Orleans Saints
1 (12) Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
2 (47) Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
2 (61) (from New England via Arizona) Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State
4 (120) (from Washington) David Onyemata, DT, University of Manitoba
7 (237) Daniel Lasco, RB, California
My Thoughts: Great draft for Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton. The Saints maximized all of their available picks and came away with at least three starters in this draft. Sheldon Rankins is a great fit in the Saints 4-3 defense and the ideal shade tackle to play next to Cameron Jordan. Michael Thomas will start at Z receiver and he has big time potential in the vertical passing game. Vonn Bell could play corner or free safety and he gives the Saints some versatility in the secondary. David Onyemata will be a factor in sub packages this season. A terrific value draft for the Saints over all.
Los Angeles Rams
1 (1) (from Tennessee) Jared Goff, QB, California
4 (110) Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
4 (117) (from Buffalo) Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
6 (177) (from Tennessee) Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
6 (190) Josh Forrest, ILB, Kentucky
6 (206) (from Carolina via Chicago) Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Mississippi
My Thoughts: This draft class is all about Jared Goff. If he becomes the franchise quarterback the Rams expect him to become, then the Rams will be a perennial playoff contender. Tyler Higbee has a ton of upside but he needs to stay out of trouble off the field. Pharoah Cooper has the look of a starting receiver. He runs good routes and is explosive after the catch. I thought the Rams did well considering they didn’t have a pick in day two.
Cleveland Browns
1 (15) (from Los Angeles via Tennessee) Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
2 (32) Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
3 (65) Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
3 (76) (from Los Angeles via Tennessee) Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
3 (93) Cody Kessler, QB, USC
4 (99) Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
4 (114) Ricardo Louis, WR, Auburn
4 (129) (from Carolina) Derrick Kindred, S, TCU
4 (138) Seth Devalve, WR/TE, Princeton
5 (154) (from Oakland) Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA
5 (168) (from Carolina) Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
5 (172) Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
5 (173) Trey Caldwell, CB, Louisiana-Monroe
7 (250) Scooby Wright III, ILB, Arizona
My Thoughts: The Browns are bringing in a total of 14 new players courtesy of this draft. I think there some talent in this group, namely wide receiver Corey Coleman and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah but there were also some picks that left you scratching your head. Why did they take five wide receivers? I know the Browns needed help at receiver and Hue Jackson wants to throw the ball, but why take that many receivers when you have so many needs? How about a couple of safeties Hue? The Cody Kessler pick is a head scratcher? I don’t see a starting quarterback with him but I could be wrong. I’m torn with the Browns because I don’t love their draft but they infused the roster with some talent and Sashi Brown and Paul Depodesta stayed out of the way and let Jackson pick the players. That’s a good thing. I hope the Brownies get some players out of this draft.
Seattle Seahawks
1 (31) (from Denver) Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
2 (49) (from Buffalo via Chicago) Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
3 (90) C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
3 (94) (from Denver) Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
3 (97) Rees Odhiambo, G, Boise State
5 (147) Quinton Jefferson, DT, Maryland
5 (171) Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
6 (215) Joey Hunt, C, TCU
7 (243) Kenny Lawler, WR, California
7 (247) Zac Brooks, RB, Clemson
My Thoughts: You want to know why the Seahawks contend year in and year out? Because they draft well. This draft is no exception. Germain Ifedi will step in at left tackle and start from the first mini camp on. Same with Jarran Reed who is a steal in the second round. CJ Procise and Nick Vannett will be contributors next season especially Procise who will be the team’s third down back. Pete Carroll and John Schneider are always on the same page and that’s what makes the Seahawks dangerous.
THE BAD
Denver Broncos
1 (26) (from Seattle) Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
2 (63) Adam Gotsis, DT, Georgia Tech
3 (98) Justin Simmons, CB, Boston College
4 (136) Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
5 (144) (from Baltimore) Connor McGovern, G, Missouri
6 (176) (from Cleveland) Andy Janovich, FB, Nebraska
6 (219) Will Parks, S, Arizona
7 (228) (from San Francisco) Riley Dixon, P, Syracuse
My Thoughts: I love the Paxton Lynch pick. Lynch has the most physical upside of any quarterback in this draft and his mobility makes him the perfect fit in Gary Kubiak’s offense. The rest of this draft does nothing for me. I don’t love Adam Gostis like Todd McShay does. I think he’ll be a good player but I don’t see a difference maker there. Justin Simmons has upside but he’s a couple of years away from starting. Devontae Booker is a nice value pick but where is he going to get carries in a crowded backfield? A punter in the seventh round makes zero sense when you already have one of the best punters in the game in Britton Colquitt. I like the move to trade up to take Lynch but the rest of this draft was rather uninspiring.
Philadelphia Eagles
1 (2) (from Cleveland) Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
3 (79) Isaac Seumalo, C, Oregon State
5 (153) Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
5 (164) (from Pittsburgh) Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
6 (196) Blake Countess, CB, Auburn
7 (233) Jalen Mills, S, LSU
7 (240) Alex McCalister, DE, Florida
7 (251) (from Arizona) Joe Walker, ILB, Oregon
My Thoughts: I get the Carson Wentz pick even though it doesn’t make any sense in the short term. Philly gave up a lot to get him and I don’t blame them. No quarterback, no chance in this league. He’s got franchise quarterback potential. The Eagles needed help at guard so the additions of Isaac Seumalo and Halapoulivaati Vaitai will give them some beef and athleticism but neither player is special. The rest of this draft leaves a lot to be desired. The Eagles had several needs in this draft but they drafted players who project more as back ups than starters.
Detroit Lions
1 (16) Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
2 (46) A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
3 (95) Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan
4 (111) Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
5 (151) Joe Dahl, G, Washington State
5 (169) (from Denver) Antwione Williams, ILB, Georgia Southern
6 (191) Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan
6 (202) (from Seattle) Anthony Zettel, DE, Penn State
6 (210) Jimmy Landes, LS, Baylor
7 (236) Dwayne Washington, RB, Washington
My Thoughts: I like what first year general manager Bob Quinn did to fortify the offensive and defensive lines. He recognizes that you win in the trenches. That being said, the Lions needed help at receiver and in the secondary and Quinn didn’t do enough in those respective areas.
Minnesota Vikings
1 (23) Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
2 (54) Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
4 (121) Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan
5 (160) Kentrell Brothers, ILB, Missouri
6 (180) (from San Francisco) Moritz Boehringer, WR, Germany
6 (188) David Morgan, TE, UTSA
7 (227) Stephen Weatherly, OLB, Vanderbilt
7 (244) Jayron Kearse, S, Clemson
My Thoughts: The Vikings needed to upgrade the receiver position and they did with Laquon Treadwell. Treadwell isn’t a vertical threat but he’s a big target who will be a weapon in the red zone. Mackensie Alexander will play the nickel spot. Mike Zimmer loves his corners and he can’t have enough of them. Willie Beavers will play right tackle in the NFL but he’ll slip inside to guard eventually. Kentrell Brothers looks like a two down thumper but lacks the coverage skills to play all three downs. The Vikings had a decent draft but I don’t feel like they got enough impact. They didn’t do enough to take the next step into contender status.
Carolina Panthers
1 (30) Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
2 (62) James Bradberry, S, Samford
3 (77) (from Cleveland via Detroit via Philadelphia) Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia
5 (141) (from Cleveland) Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
7 (252) Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State
My Thoughts: I don’t get Carolina’s draft? Why would you draft Vernon Butler when you already have Kawaan Short and Star Lotulelei? Butler is a good player but unless you plan on him starting in 2017, it was a wasted pick, especially when you look at the other needs this team has. James Bradberry and Daryl Worley are long and athletic but they will have big shoes to fill with Josh Norman gone. Bradberry will especially have a tough time adjusting to the speed of the game. Dave Gettleman not drafting an offensive tackle or another receiver makes no sense. Gettleman is a tough guy to read when it comes to decision making.
Tampa Bay Bucs
1 (11) (from Chicago) Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
2 (39) Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
2 (59) (from Kansas City) Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
4 (108) Ryan Smith, CB, North Carolina Central
5 (148) Caleb Benenoch, OT, UCLA
6 (183) Devante Bond, OLB, Oklahoma
6 (197) (from Washington) Dan Vitale, FB, Northwestern
My Thoughts: I love Vernon Hargreaves at the top of this draft. He’s a pure cover corner and he has the potential to be one of the ten best corners in the league for years to come. Tampa got great value with Noah Spence in the second round. I think playing the five technique defensive end in the 4-3 is his best position at the next level. The rest of this draft leaves a lot to be desired. A kicker in the third round? Really. I know Roberto Aguayo is good but he’s not third rounder good enough. General manager Jason Licht wanted to get four starters out of this draft. Well, that’s not going to happen.
San Francisco 49ers
1 (7) DeForest Buckner, DT, Oregon
1 (28) (from Kansas City) Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford
3 (68) Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
4 (133) Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
5 (142) (from San Diego) Ronald Blair, DT, Appalachian State
5 (145) John Theus, OT, Georgia
5 (174) Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss
6 (207) (from Denver) Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech
6 (211) Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida
6 (213) Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
7 (249) (from Kansas City) Prince Charles Iworah, CB, Western Kentucky
My Thoughts: I like DeForest Buckner in the first round. He has elite talent and he’s an ideal fit as a 3-4, five technique defensive end. He’s strong, can anchor down against the run and rush the passer. Josh Garnett is a good player but he’s not first round good. I don’t buy this nonsense that Kelly wanted to add a guard in the first round because of what happened to him in Philadelphia. The Niners reached for Garnett. Cornerbacks Will Redmond and Rashard Robinson both have potential but both also have issues. Aaron Burbridge and Kelvin Taylor could both make an impact offensively in 2016. I think the 49ers added some quality players but they could have done better with 12 picks going into this draft.
Kansas City Chiefs
2 (37) (from Jacksonville via Baltimore) Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
3 (74) (from Tampa Bay) Keivarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
4 (105) (from San Francisco) Parker Ehinger, G, Cincinnati
4 (106) (from Chicago via Tampa Bay) Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota
4 (126) Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida
5 (162) (from Seattle) Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
5 (165) Tyreek Hill, RB, West Alabama
6 (178) (from Dallas via San Francisco) D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech
6 (203) Dadi Lhomme Nicolas, OLB, Virginia Tech
My Thoughts: The Chiefs traded out of the first round and ended up with defensive tackle Chris Jones who is the ultimate boom or bust prospect. Jones has upside but he runs hot and cold. Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey addressed the secondary and the offensive line but I don’t think they got enough value out of their picks. Quarterback Kevin Hogan is an intriguing pick in the fifth round. I think he can develop into a starting quarterback. I just don’t think the Chiefs got enough value out of this draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
1 (25) Artie Burns, CB, Miami
2 (58) Sean Davis, S, Maryland
3 (89) Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
4 (123) Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
6 (220) Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington
7 (229) (from New York Giants) Demarcus Ayers, WR, Houston
7 (246) Tyler Matakevich, ILB, Temple
My Thoughts: The Steelers are never flashy when it comes to the draft. They hardly ever make a trade. They usually stand pat and draft players that fill a need and fit their scheme. Artie Burns wasn’t Mike Tomlin’s first choice at corner but he has terrific upside if he can play at a consistent level. Sean Davis is injury prone. I wouldn’t have taken him as high as the Steelers did. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave might be the best player the Steelers drafted. Washington linebacker Travis Feeney is worth watching. He is an explosive pass rusher with tons of upside. Other than those guys, I don’t feel the Steelers did enough in this draft. It was disappointing by their standards.
New England Patriots
2 (60) Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama
3 (78) (via New Orleans) Joe Thuney, G, NC State
3 (91) Jacoby Brissett, QB, NC State
3 (96) Vincent Valentine, DT, Nebraska
4 (112) (from New Orleans) Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
6 (208) Kamu Grugier-Hill, CB, Eastern Illinois
6 (214) Elandon Roberts, ILB, Houston
6 (221) Ted Karras, G, Illinois
7 (225) (from Dallas via Seattle) Devin Lucien, WR, Arizona State
My Thoughts: The Patriots draft was inconsistent to me. I like the Cyrus Jones pick. I think he fits the Patriots to a tee both in terms of physical characteristics and scheme wise. Joe Thuney is also a scheme fit. Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia likes athletic guards that can play in a zone blocking scheme. Thuney can do that. I know Jacoby Brissett came highly recommended from Bill Parcells and Charlie Weis but it’s still a peculiar pick to me. Defensive tackle Vincent Valentine has big time up side and will make an impact as a rookie. I thought the Patriots wiffed on day three. Malcolm Mitchell and Devin Lucien were their best picks.
THE UGLY
Atlanta Falcons
1 (17) Keanu Neal, S, Florida
2 (52) (from Houston) Deion Jones, ILB, LSU
3 (81) Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
4 (115) De’Vondre Campbell, OLB, Minnesota
6 (195) (from New York Giants via Houston) Wes Schweitzer, G, San Jose State
7 (238) Devin Fuller, WR, UCLA
My Thoughts: The Falcons draft was perplexing to me. Atlanta drafted strong safety Keanu Neal with the 17th overall pick. I’m trying to understand the logic behind taking a projected second rounder in the first round, but I can’t. Linebacker Deion Jones and tight end Austin Hooper were solid picks but the rest of this draft leaves a lot to be desired. This was a poor showing for the brain trust of Dimitroff, Pioli and Quinn.
Indianapolis Colts
1 (18) Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
2 (57) (from Green Bay) T.J. Green, S, Clemson
3 (82) Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
4 (116) Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
4 (125) (from Green Bay) Antonio Morrison, OLB, Florida
5 (155) Joe Haeg, North Dakota State
7 (239) Trevor Bates, OLB, Maine
7 (248) (from Green Bay) Austin Blythe, C, Iowa
My Thoughts: I understand that the Colts wanted to get bigger and more physical but outside of Ryan Kelly, TJ Green and Hassan Ridgeway, the Colts didn’t acquire enough quality talent to get tougher or bridge the gap in the AFC. This draft was a major disappointment when you consider all the changes that were made after the Colts announced Chuck Pagano would be back. Apparently nothing changed.
New York Jets
1 (20) Darron Lee, ILB, Ohio State
2 (51) Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
3 (83) Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
4 (118) Juston Burris, CB, NC State
5 (158) (from Washington) Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina
7 (235) (from Los Angeles via Houston and Denver) Lachlan Edwards, P, Sam Houston State
7 (241) Charone Peake, WR, Clemson
My Thoughts: I like the Darron Lee, Christian Hackenberg and Jordan Jenkins picks in the first three rounds but after day two, the Jets fell flat on their faces. They got nothing of substance in day three. For an organization that needed to make every pick count, the Jets didn’t do enough to close the gap between themselves and the Patriots. The only way they could do that is talent and the Jets didn’t acquire enough of it in this draft.
Arizona Cardinals
1 (29) Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
3 (92) Brandon Williams, CB, Texas A&M
4 (128) Evan Boehm, C, Missouri
5 (167) Marqui Christian, S, Midwest State
5 (170) Cole Toner, OT, Harvard
6 (205) Harlan Miller, CB, Southeastern Louisiana
My Thoughts: The Cardinals got lucky with Robert Nkemdiche because he fell in their lap thanks to his off the field issues. He will be a great player for them if they support him and he stays out of trouble. The Cardinals addressed other needs in this draft but for a team that is on the door step of the Super Bowl, I don’t think they got enough quality talent to help them take the next step. Don’t get me wrong. This is a good team that’s well coached but they didn’t do enough in this draft to get a step closer to winning a Super Bowl.