Some 16 games or so later, we are one small step closer to
understanding the ramifications of the 2018 NFL draft.
"Small," because it takes years to see the full
impact of each class. Player-development arcs, fit, schematic and coaching
changes, and seemingly infinite variables play into whether a draft class can
help a team's long-term plans.
After the first year, re-grading each organization's haul
boils down to a stew of instant-impact results and long-term projection. It's a
fine line, of course, but it isn't any more or less dangerous than instantly
grading a class after Mr. Irrelevant hears his name called.
Let's revise grades one year into the lifespan of the 2018
draft class, weighing each haul's performance against expectations and how it
fits into each organization's bigger plan.
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Virginia Tech S Terrell Edmunds (No. 28 overall),
Oklahoma State WR James Washington (No. 60 overall),
Oklahoma State QB Mason Rudolph (No. 76 overall),
Western Michigan OT Chuks Okorafor (No. 92 overall),
Penn State S Marcus Allen (No. 148 overall), NC State
RB Jaylen Samuels (No. 165 overall),
Alabama DT Joshua Frazier (No. 246 overall)
At the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers' selection of Terrell
Edmunds seemed a little odd given the team's solid safety situation and the
Martavis Bryant trade, which created a need at wide receiver. That made the
James Washington selection look great.
But Edmunds flipped those expectations.
He improved as the season continued, growing into his role
in the defensive backfield and doing key things such as covering tight ends en
route to garnering individual honors. Washington, on the other hand, finished
with just 16 catches, which still makes plenty of sense given the depth chart
at wideout.
Also interesting was some strong spot duty from Chuks
Okorafor in the offensive trenches. Jaylen Samuels played well, too, rushing
for 4.6 yards per carry and catching 26 passes after largely going ignored
until the second week of December.
For a would-be contender, Pittsburgh had to find immediate
value with non-ideal draft positioning in most rounds, which it did here.
GRADE: A
ARIZONA CARDINALS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
UCLA QB Josh Rosen (No. 10 overall),
Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk (No. 47 overall),
Michigan C Mason Cole (No. 97 overall),
Fordham RB Chase Edmonds (No. 134 overall),
Penn State DB Chris Campbell (No. 182 overall),
Cincinnati OT Korey Cunningham (No. 254 overall)
It's hard to give a tip of the cap to an organization that
blundered through 2018 while misusing a former MVP candidate such as David
Johnson and tying itself to the Sam Bradford train
before it fired its first-year head coach, Steve Wilks, to escape
culpability.
But it's also hard to ignore Josh Rosen.
The Arizona Cardinals couldn't go wrong at No. 10 with the
QB, and he flashed major upside at times, which is impressive given the
circumstances. Iffy coaching and an offensive line that coughed up 52 sacks
were only some of the problems Rosen had to deal with.
Elsewhere, Christian Kirk finished second on the team
in receiving and averaged 13.7 yards per catch before he landed on injured
reserve in December with a broken foot. The rapport there should help the
offense for a long time, especially if center Mason Cole keeps showing signs of
being a starter.
In other words: It was a solid draft class, but the front
office has to make better decisions.
GRADE: B
ATLANTA FALCONS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Alabama WR Calvin Ridley (No. 26 overall),
Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver (No. 58 overall),
South Florida DT Deadrin Senat (No. 90 overall),
Southern Mississippi RB Ito Smith (No. 126 overall),
LSU WR Russell Gage (No. 194 overall),
Yale LB Foye Oluokun (No. 200 overall)
A 7-9 finish probably isn't what the Atlanta Falcons
envisioned for 2018, but it's hard to win more when a handful of notable defensive playmakers end up on the shelf right away.
Still, the Calvin Ridley-rich-get-richer move worked, as the
former Alabama star receiver feasted in the same system as Julio Jones and
Mohamed Sanu, finishing with 821 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Isaiah Oliver flashed when given a chance, too, even
grabbing his first interception in Week 16. His continued emergence will give
the team flexibility in a defensive backfield that needs cap wiggle room to pay
other spots down the road.
What seemed like a top-heavy class didn't turn out that
way—not since 200th overall pick Foye Oluokun finished second on the team
in tackles at 91. It's a small example of how a lost season can accelerate the
development of and unearth long-term assets.
GRADE: A
BALTIMORE RAVENS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst (No. 25 overall),
Louisville QB Lamar Jackson (No. 32
overall),
Oklahoma OT Orlando Brown (No. 83 overall), Oklahoma
TE Mark Andrews (No. 86 overall),
Alabama CB Anthony Averett (No. 118 overall),
UCLA LB Kenny Young (No. 122 overall),
New Mexico State WR Jaleel Scott (No. 132 overall),
UCLA WR Jordan Lasley (No. 162 overall),
Texas S DeShon Elliott (No. 190 overall),
Wagner OT Greg Senat (No. 212 overall),
Alabama C Bradley Bozeman (No. 215 overall),
Ferris State DE Zach Sieler (No. 238 overall)
Well, having the gall to stick with Lamar Jackson under
center worked out.
The No. 32 pick finished with a 6-1 record and threw for six
touchdowns while giving defensive coordinators nightmares with his running
ability, which drummed up 695 yards and five scores on a 4.7-yards-per-carry
average.
It wasn't a banner year for the Baltimore Ravens' passing
game, so double-dipping on tight ends didn't produce immediate results. But
it's a good sign that Mark Andrews snagged 34 of his 50 targets on a
16.2-yards-per-catch average.
The focus on the running game put a spotlight on Orlando
Brown, who had a good year. He not only made everyone forget about his
worst-ever combine performance—he also didn't allow
a sack over 10 starts, per Pro Football Focus. Quietly, Kenny
Young finished fifth on the team in tackles.
While the class is a bit top-heavy, knocking out the most
important position (though we'll see if coordinators adapt to Jackson and force
him to the air more) earns top marks.
GRADE: A
BUFFALO BILLS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Wyoming QB Josh Allen (No. 7 overall),
Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds (No. 16 overall),
Stanford DT Harrison Phillips (No. 96 overall),
Weber State DB Taron Johnson (No. 121 overall),
Jacksonville State DB Siran Neal (No. 154 overall),
Virginia Tech OG Wyatt Teller (No. 166 overall),
Clemson WR Ray-Ray McCloud (No. 187 overall),
North Carolina WR Austin Proehl (No. 255 overall)
Though he didn't propel the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs
like Jackson did the Ravens, Josh Allen looked solid.
The numbers (52.8 percent completion percentage, more picks
than touchdowns) don't mean much given the circumstances. Allen showed a live
arm and got it done with his legs via eight rushing scores, which hinted at the
promise of a franchise-changing playmaker—provided he can clean up off-target throws.
Predictably, Tremaine Edmunds was the top Bills rookie,
and he wrapped up his first year with 121 total tackles, two sacks, 12 passes
defensed and two interceptions.
Sporadic, up-and-down performances from Wyatt Teller and
others at least hint at solid value that's worth grooming.
GRADE: B
CAROLINA PANTHERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Maryland WR DJ Moore (No. 24 overall),
LSU CB Donte Jackson (No. 55 overall),
Tennessee DB Rashaan Gaulden (No. 85 overall),
Indiana TE Ian Thomas (No. 101 overall),
Mississippi LB Marquis Haynes (No. 136 overall),
Maryland LB Jermaine Carter (No. 161 overall),
North Carolina LB Andre Smith (No. 234 overall),
Miami DT Kendrick Norton (No. 242 overall)
Like the Falcons, the Carolina Panthers didn't have things
go as planned in 2018 yet still got a few productive rookies out of some early
picks.
DJ Moore was a bit underrated in the draft process and
responded with 55 grabs for 788 yards and two scores, and he was second on the
team in receiving. Donte Jackson led the Panthers in interceptions with
four.
Stats aside, linebacker Jermaine Carter got a healthy dose of snaps, and tight end Ian Thomas caught a pair
of touchdowns, so a few longer-term prospects could shore up needs that may
arise as soon as this offseason.
With quarterback cemented, nailing down quality
skill-position talents while seeking out newer versions of Steve Smith Sr. and
Josh Norman is the proper way to go.
GRADE: B
CHICAGO BEARS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Georgia LB Roquan Smith (No. 8 overall),
Iowa C James Daniels (No. 39 overall),
Memphis WR Anthony Miller (No. 51 overall),
Western Kentucky LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe (No. 115 overall),
Delaware DE Bilal Nichols (No. 145 overall),
Utah LB Kylie Fitts (No. 181 overall),
Georgia WR Javon Wims (No. 224 overall)
Khalil Mack's arrival somewhat swept a stellar rookie
campaign from Roquan Smith under the rug.
Smith was borderline unstoppable, though, tallying 122 total
tackles, five sacks and an interception, and locking down the "next great
Chicago Bears inside linebacker" title for a long time.
Now if only he hadn't held out of training camp.
Anyway, if Carolina's Moore was underrated, Anthony Miller
was even more so coming out, yet the receiver muscled his way to a team-high
seven touchdown catches, which was more than big free-agent add Allen Robinson
had (4). Digging up a long-term Mitchell Trubisky target just outside the top
50 is big. And all of this shouldn't overshadow offensive lineman James
Daniels, who slid into an interior spot and stabilized a weak point.
That's a long way of saying the Bears' grade hasn't changed
much since draft night, as even a lower selection such as pick No. 145 Bilal
Nichols grabbed three sacks along the way.
GRADE: A+
CINCINNATI BENGALS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Ohio State C Billy Price (No. 21 overall),
Wake Forest S Jessie Bates (No. 54 overall),
Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard (No. 77 overall),
Texas LB Malik Jefferson (No. 78 overall),
Miami RB Mark Walton (No. 112 overall),
Illinois State DB Davontae Harris (No. 151 overall),
Virginia DT Andrew Brown (No. 158 overall),
Western Michigan CB Darius Phillips (No. 170 overall),
Toledo QB Logan Woodside (No. 249 overall),
Mississippi OG Rod Taylor (No. 252 overall),
Florida State WR Auden Tate (No. 253 overall)
The Cincinnati Bengals' draft class didn't pan out as
post-draft grades might have predicted.
Billy Price suffered an early foot injury and then later
returned and struggled. Top-100 pick Malik Jefferson could hardly get on the
field, and most other rookies had a hard time making the main roster.
The only highlights were Jessie Bates and Sam Hubbard. The
former, a rangy safety out of Wake Forest, not only grabbed three interceptions
while constantly being near the ball, but he also led the team in total tackles
at 111. The latter, an end out of Ohio State, entered the conversation late in
the season after Carl Lawson tore his ACL in Week 8 and was productive while
tallying six sacks.
Given the number of picks, two bright spots don't outweigh a
whole lot of mediocrity.
GRADE: C
CLEVELAND BROWNS
2018 DRAFT CLASS:
Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield (No. 1 overall),
Ohio State CB Denzel Ward (No. 4 overall),
Nevada OG Austin Corbett (No. 33 overall),
Georgia RB Nick Chubb (No. 35 overall),
Miami DE Chad Thomas (No. 67 overall),
Florida WR Antonio Callaway (No. 105 overall),
Memphis LB Genard Avery (No. 150 overall),
Texas A&M WR Damion Ratley (No. 175 overall),
Louisiana-Lafayette CB Simeon Thomas (No. 188 overall)
A-plus. The end.
Only kidding, at least partially. The Cleveland Browns freed
themselves of a coaching issue a little too late to make the playoffs yet
remained in the postseason hunt until the end because rookie QB Baker Mayfield
erupted, completing 63.8 percent of his passes and throwing 27
touchdowns.
Mayfield is a franchise-changing presence both in attitude
and performance, which has overshadowed the fact that the man drafted three
spots after him, Denzel Ward, was an elite rookie as well. Ward finished the season
seventh on the team in tackles and was superb in coverage, though he'll have to
clean up his tackling technique to avoid further concussions.
Elsewhere, Nick Chubb led the squad in rushing with 996
yards and eight scores on a 5.2 per-carry average, and Antonio Callaway
started to carve out a nice role in the passing attack. Complementary
advancement behind the two biggest developments will help define the team's
future.
GRADE: A+
DALLAS COWBOYS
2018 DRAFT CLASS:
Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch (No. 19 overall),
Texas OG Connor Williams (No. 50 overall),
Colorado State WR Michael Gallup (No. 81 overall),
Kansas DE Dorance Armstrong (No. 116 overall),
Stanford TE Dalton Schultz (No. 137 overall),
Western Kentucky QB Mike White (No. 171 overall),
Indiana LB Chris Covington (No. 193 overall),
Boise State WR Cedrick Wilson (No. 208 overall),
Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough (No. 236 overall)
Quietly, few rookies had a bigger impact than the Dallas
Cowboys' Leighton Vander Esch. The 140 total tackles look great, but the two
interceptions and seven passes defensed are reasons the Dallas defense
improved.
O-lineman Connor Williams wasn't perfect, but it's hard to
imagine an athlete of his skill level will struggle too much over the long term
next to guys such as Travis Frederick—especially after the Cowboys fixed their line-coaching problems midseason.
It shouldn't come as surprise to hear that Michael Gallup
lived up to some of his impressive tape, either, as he went over the 500-yard
mark despite grabbing just 33 of his 68 targets.
It was a top-heavy class in terms of immediate impact, but
that one impact (Vander Esch) propelled the Cowboys. The hope has to be the
rest of the class will steadily do the same.
GRADE: C
DENVER BRONCOS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
NC State DE Bradley Chubb (No. 5 overall),
SMU WR Courtland Sutton (No. 40 overall),
Oregon RB Royce Freeman (No. 71 overall),
Boston College DB Isaac Yiadom (No. 99 overall),
Iowa LB Josey Jewell (No. 106 overall),
Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton (No. 113 overall),
Wisconsin TE Troy Fumagalli (No. 156 overall),
Arizona State OG Sam Jones (No. 183 overall),
Washington LB Keishawn Bierria (No. 217 overall),
Arkansas RB David Williams (No. 226 overall).
Denver Broncos president of football operations John Elway's
quarterback stumbles continued in 2018, which wound up getting a head coach
(Vance Joseph) fired after a six-win season.
Somewhat lost during the subpar year were Bradley Chubb's
efforts across from Von Miller, as he racked up 12 sacks and help create
arguably the league's fiercest pass-rushing duo. And despite the problems under
center, the team's next pick, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, finished second
on the club in receiving while averaging a strong 16.8 yards per catch. His
emergence helped the team feel good enough to ship out Demaryius Thomas.
Depth (CB Isaac Yiadom) or other breakouts (RB Royce
Freeman) were part of the reason some of the class didn't make massive
contributions. The group also wasn't effective right away.
Viewed through a long-term lens, the Broncos' class contains
plenty of youthful depth and has interesting upside. Whether anyone but Chubb
lasts into a second contract is hard to say, though.
GRADE: C
DETROIT LIONS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Arkansas C Frank Ragnow (No. 20 overall),
Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson (No. 43 overall),
Louisiana-Lafayette DB Tracy Walker (No. 82 overall),
Alabama DT Da'Shawn Hand (No. 114 overall),
Oregon OL Tyrell Crosby (No. 153 overall),
San Diego State RB Nick Bawden (No. 237 overall)
The Detroit Lions had one of the strangest seasons, as
quarterback Matthew
Stafford took 40 sacks, LeGarrette Blount rushed 154 times and
the team won only six games—beating New England but losing to the likes of San
Francisco and Buffalo.
Naturally, the draft class followed a similar trajectory.
Offensive lineman Frank Ragnow was a workhorse in the trenches but a slow
starter. He has a great long-term outlook, though. Running back Kerryon Johnson
didn't get attention from the coaching staff right away, but when he did, it
turned into 641 yards on a 5.4 per-carry average.
The Lions didn't make a change on Black Monday, retaining
Matt Patricia, so it will be important to see how coaching affects the outlook
for some of the members of this class going into next year. Ragnow looks like a
safe bet to succeed, and Johnson can be special if used correctly, but the
"if" status applies to the second-round pick and beyond.
GRADE: C
GREEN BAY PACKERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Louisville CB Jaire Alexander (No. 18 overall),
Iowa CB Josh Jackson (No. 45 overall),
Vanderbilt LB Oren Burks (No. 88 overall),
Missouri WR J'Mon Moore (No. 133 overall),
Washington State OG Cole Madison (No. 138 overall),
Alabama P JK Scott (No. 172 overall),
South Florida WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (No. 174 overall),
Notre Dame WR Equanimeous St. Brown (No. 207 overall),
Cal DT James Looney (No. 232 overall),
Mississippi State LS Hunter Bradley (No. 239 overall),
Southeast Missouri LB Kendall Donnerson (No. 248 overall)
The upside of the Green Bay Packers' 2018 class is
outstanding.
A serious roster deficiency meant the Packers got to attack
a need and grab sheer value at an important position with back-to-back
cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. They finished the
year in the top six in total tackles on the team, missed three games between
them. They should feature heavily in the plan for a long time.
The quantity-based approach at rebuilding the wide receiver
corps wasn't as successful but wasn't a bust, either. Equanimeous St.
Brown seems to have upside, though the fact that Marquez Valdes-Scantling
finished third on the team in receiving (581 yards) isn't as impressive when
one considers he caught just 38 of 73 targets.
Oren Burks also brings long-term versatility to the
linebacker unit alongside Blake Martinez. From an instant-production
standpoint, we'd be remiss not to mention punter JK Scott, who started the
entire season.
Granted, the Packers only finished 6-9-1, but a fresh set of
coaching eyes on the class could unlock some of its serious upside.
GRADE: B
HOUSTON TEXANS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Stanford S Justin Reid (No. 68 overall),
Mississippi State OL Martinas Rankin (No. 80 overall),
UCF TE Jordan Akins (No. 98 overall),
Texas Tech WR Keke Coutee (No. 103 overall),
Wake Forest LB Duke Ejiofor (No. 177 overall),
Mississippi State TE Jordan Thomas (No. 211 overall),
Stanford LB Peter Kalambayi (No. 214 overall),
San Jose State CB Jermaine Kelly (No. 222 overall)
Credit goes to the Houston Texans for making good on their
one pick in the top 75, as Justin Reid was one of the best safeties in the
class alongside Cincinnati's Jessie Bates.
The 11-win Texans got 88 total tackles and 10 passes
defensed from Reid on a defense that allowed 19.8 points per game, so the
mixture of future upside and immediate impact is there.
After that...not so much.
Martinas Rankin is shuffling around the line without a
cemented position, and weapons aimed at helping the offense such as Jordan
Akins and Keke Coutee didn't make the necessary leap.
While this class isn't dead in the water over the long term,
that one of four top-103 picks made a big impact on a win-now team isn't a
great outcome.
GRADE: C
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Notre Dame OG Quenton Nelson (No. 6 overall),
South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard (No. 36 overall),
Auburn OG Braden Smith (No. 37 overall),
Rutgers DE Kemoko Turay (No. 52 overall),
Ohio State DE Tyquan Lewis (No. 64 overall),
NC State RB Nyheim Hines (No. 104 overall),
Northern Iowa WR Daurice Fountain (No. 159 overall),
Mississippi RB Jordan Wilkins (No. 169 overall),
Clemson WR Deon Cain (No. 185 overall),
Houston LB Matthew Adams (No. 221 overall),
Syracuse LB Zaire Franklin (No. 235 overall)
Quenton Nelson's pro success isn't much of a surprise.
Though hyperbole runs wild during the predraft process, he was truly the
closest thing to a can't-miss prospect in the trenches. Thanks to Nelson and
Braden Smith—who has gone from collegiate guard to superb right tackle
quietly—quarterback Andrew Luck stayed
healthy and suffered just 18 sacks all season.
And if those two weren't enough, let's chat about Darius
Leonard.
He didn't have the most fanfare after his selection, yet he
finished the regular season with 163 total tackles, seven sacks, eight passes
defensed, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Got all that?
Leonard did all this in 15 games, should be a shoo-in for
individual awards and is one of the NFL's best linebackers.
The Colts nailed it, and guys such as 169th pick Jordan
Wilkins are pitching in as well (5.6 yards per carry on 60 attempts), rounding
out one of the best classes of the year and one sure to withstand the test of
time. This shouldn't come as a surprise, but the Colts had the most rookie
snaps of any team, according to ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner.
GRADE: A+
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Florida DT Taven Bryan (No. 29 overall),
LSU WR DJ Chark Jr. (No. 61 overall),
Alabama S Ronnie Harrison (No. 93 overall),
NC State OT Will Richardson (No. 129 overall),
Nebraska QB Tanner Lee (No. 203 overall),
Wisconsin LB Leon Jacobs (No. 230 overall),
Mississippi State P Logan Cooke (No. 247 overall)
The Jacksonville Jaguars' draft class crashed and
burned—just as the season did—for the five-win team a year removed from a
near-Super Bowl appearance.
None of the team's top-100 picks suited up in all 16 games
outside Taven Bryan, who was unproductive with 20 combined tackles and one
sack. Breaking through along the Jacksonville line wasn't going to be easy, but
he looked like a replacement player most of the time.
DJ Chark Jr. didn't play well in the wake of Allen
Robinson's free-agent departure, either, and the two picks after him (Ronnie
Harrison and Will Richardson) landed on injured reserve.
The good news for this draft class? Jacksonville is in a bit
of cap purgatory after win-now spending and has a massive problem at
quarterback in Blake Bortles, meaning a potential rebuild over the next few
seasons could give these guys plenty of developmental snaps.
GRADE: C
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Mississippi DT Breeland Speaks (No. 46 overall),
Florida State DT Derrick Nnadi (No. 75 overall),
Clemson LB Dorian O'Daniel (No. 100 overall),
Texas A&M S Armani Watts (No. 124 overall),
Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith (No. 196 overall),
Tennessee OG Kahlil McKenzie (No. 198 overall)
Talk about a team that didn't need much help from its rookie
class.
Without a first-round pick, the Kansas City Chiefs were
content to go with developmental prospect Breeland Speaks, a
tackle-turned-end, but the project didn't pan out.
Experiments elsewhere have gone better, as Dorian O'Daniel
looks a bit like the future of inside 'backers in the NFL given his versatility
in certain packages. Derrick Nnadi looks as though he could be a long-term
starter inside along the defensive line.
The nice thing about this class is the Chiefs are in a
position of luxury, so they can afford to groom and wait. And keep in mind, a
solid-looking pick such as Armani Watts might have done a better job of
helping an inept secondary if he had lasted more than five games before going
on IR with a core muscle injury. Whiffing on the only top-50 pick is hard to
forgive, though.
GRADE: C
LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Florida State S Derwin James (No. 17 overall),
USC LB Uchenna Nwosu (No. 48 overall),
NC State DT Justin Jones (No. 84 overall),
West Virginia S/LB Kyzir White (No. 119 overall),
UCLA C Scott Quessenberry (No. 155 overall),
Texas Tech WR Dylan Cantrell (No. 191 overall),
Northwestern RB Justin Jackson (No. 251 overall).
We've touched on a few superb rookie safeties, yet none come
close to the Los Angeles Chargers' Derwin James.
James fell more than he should have on draft day, which
became evident after he put up a team-high 105 total tackles with 3.5 sacks, 13
passes defensed and three interceptions. He's superb everywhere, but he might
already be the league's best pressure-applying safety.
While it is hard to work in James' shadow, Uchenna Nwosu
shouldn't go unnoticed, as the starting linebacker's recorded 3.5 sacks.
D-lineman Justin Jones has put in 15 games of work as well, and linebacker
Kyzir White was briefly thrown into a starting role.
This is a top-heavy class for a Chargers team that was
already loaded with defensive stars. It isn't showing yet outside James, but
the core additions could create longevity for what is quietly a top-10 scoring
defense.
GRADE: B
LOS ANGELES RAMS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
TCU OT Joseph Noteboom (No. 89 overall),
Michigan State C Brian Allen (No. 111 overall),
Stephen F. Austin DE John Franklin-Myers (No. 135 overall),
Virginia LB Micah Kiser (No. 147 overall),
Oklahoma LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (No. 160 overall),
Tennessee RB John Kelly (No. 176 overall),
Maine OG Jamil Demby (No. 192 overall),
Rutgers DT Sebastian Joseph (No. 195 overall),
Louisville LB Trevon Young (No. 205 overall),
TCU LB Travin Howard (No. 231), SMU DE Justin Lawler (No.
244 overall)
It was always going to be a wait-and-see approach on this
draft class for the Los Angeles Rams.
Joseph Noteboom, the team's first pick, didn't get a ton of
chances to prove himself until offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth left with a
knee injury in Week 17. Defensive end John Franklin-Myers broke into early
playing time and showed upside while applying pressure—hence two sacks over 16
games in a rotation.
Otherwise, Micah Kiser has been confined to special teams,
and Brian Allen hasn't broken through in the offensive trenches.
Since Franklin-Myers is a producer and Noteboom showed
promise, there's a solid outlook for a few of the picks. But overall, starting
at 89th and peppering the roster with quantity instead of quality hasn't turned
up positive results.
GRADE: C
MIAMI DOLPHINS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (No. 11 overall),
Penn State TE Mike Gesicki (No. 42 overall),
Ohio State LB Jerome Baker (No. 73 overall),
Notre Dame TE Durham Smythe (No. 123 overall),
Arizona State RB Kalen Ballage (No. 131 overall),
Southern Miss DB Cornell Armstrong (No. 209 overall),
Ohio LB Quentin Poling (No. 227 overall),
New Mexico K Jason Sanders (No. 229 overall)
Lost in a middling 7-9 season was a strong draft class for
the Miami Dolphins.
Minkah Fitzpatrick won't get the attention classmates such
as Leonard will, but he was a stud in the defensive backfield for the Dolphins,
recording 80 tackles and nine passes defensed—not to mention two touchdowns,
with one of those going back for a score against Minnesota in Week 15.
Jerome Baker is right behind him at 79 tackles and has three
sacks and an interception that went back for a touchdown. Next to Raekwon
McMillan, Baker and his leadership make the Dolphins look good.
Maybe most disappointing was Mike Gesicki, who had just 32
targets. But other offensive rookies have produced when given a chance. Kalen
Ballage pounded out 123 rushing yards and a 75-yard score in Week 15.
With a key position solidified with a star and a weak point
addressed at linebacker, not to mention Gesicki's upside, the Dolphins have a
nice base to work with as they charge into a question mark of an
offseason.
GRADE: B
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
UCF CB Mike Hughes (No. 30 overall),
Pittsburgh OT Brian O'Neill (No. 62 overall),
Ohio State DE Jalyn Holmes (No. 102 overall),
Central Michigan TE Tyler Conklin (No. 157 overall),
Auburn K Daniel Carlson (No. 167 overall),
Appalachian State OG Colby Gossett (No. 213 overall),
Tulane DE Ade Aruna (No. 218 overall),
Cal LB Devante Downs (No. 225 overall)
The 8-7-1 Minnesota Vikings didn't get a ton of wins out of
their rookie class.
Cornerback Mike Hughes seemed like a sure thing since a
defensive mind such as Mike Zimmer targeted him and the rookie started to
perform like it over a trio of starts before he tore his ACL in mid-October.
Almost all of the picks struggled to make a difference after that, as a sure
thing such as kicker Daniel Carlson got cut in September after he missed
three kicks in a tie with Green Bay.
Brian O'Neill is the exception.
The offensive lineman wasn't a major name coming out of
Pittsburgh and still isn't, which is a shame given the fact that he didn't allow a sack.
Minnesota could have a great player in Hughes if he can come
back healthy, and O'Neill could become the team's best lineman. But a sprinkle
of bad luck and some miserable showings keep the grade low.
GRADE: C
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Georgia OT Isaiah Wynn (No. 23 overall),
Georgia RB Sony Michel (No. 31 overall),
Florida CB Duke Dawson (No. 56 overall),
Purdue LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (No. 143 overall),
Arizona State LB Christian Sam (No. 178 overall),
Miami WR Braxton Berrios (No. 210 overall),
LSU QB Danny Etling (No. 219 overall),
Western Carolina DB Keion Crossen (No. 243 overall),
Florida State TE Ryan Izzo (No. 250 overall)
The New England Patriots couldn't win in the health
department.
Offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and running back Sony Michel
were a superb top-31 one-two punch after the team lost Nate Solder
and Dion Lewis. Wynn didn't make it to the regular season because of a
torn Achilles in August, and Michel battled knee issues, which limited him to
13 games. He still led the team in rushing, but his sub-1,000 yards despite
three missed games should have fans hungry for more.
Duke Dawson went on injured reserve (hamstring), too, and
was only activated late in the season, yet undrafted talent J.C. Jackson is
getting the attention in the defensive backfield. Four other members of the
draft class also landed on injured reserve.
It's hard to knock the Patriots too much, as Michel has
top-five potential and Wynn can be a strong, versatile presence when he
returns.
GRADE: B
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
UTSA DE Marcus Davenport (No. 14 overall),
UCF WR Tre'Quan Smith (No. 91 overall),
Florida State OT Rick Leonard (No. 127 overall),
Wisconsin S Natrell Jamerson (No. 164 overall),
Boston College DB Kamrin Moore (No. 189 overall),
Louisiana Tech RB Boston Scott (No. 201 overall),
LSU C Will Clapp (No. 245)
It's all about Marcus Davenport.
So it goes, considering the New Orleans Saints coughed
up significant assets to move up and get him, which included
sacrificing their 2019 first-rounder.
The win-now move has worked well enough, as the UTSA
product's garnered 4.5 sacks over 13 games. As expected, throwing him on the
same front as Cameron Jordan, Sheldon Rankins and others has improved a quietly
strong defense that only allowed 22.1 points per game.
Elsewhere, Tre'Quan Smith made a solid impact by
finishing third on the team in receiving with 28 catches for 427 yards and five
touchdowns—perhaps most importantly earning defense's respect by averaging 15.3
yards per catch.
And while the Saints have consistently made solid drafting
decisions over the past few years, the exception is fourth-round pick Rick
Leonard, who didn't even make the roster. But these things happen occasionally,
and the gamble to win with quarterback Drew Brees worked.
GRADE: B
NEW YORK GIANTS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Penn State RB Saquon Barkley (No. 2 overall),
UTEP OG Will Hernandez (No. 34 overall),
Georgia LB Lorenzo Carter (No. 66 overall),
NC State DT B.J. Hill (No. 69 overall), Richmond
QB Kyle Lauletta (No. 108 overall),
Miami DT R.J. McIntosh (No. 139 overall)
The New York Giants carry one of the more simpler
evaluations out there.
While the team was misguided in doing a soft rebuild around
quarterback Eli Manning by overpaying for guys like Nate Solder (four years,
$62 million), Saquon Barkley was a gimme pick who ended his rookie year
with 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns on an average of five yards per carry—and he
surpassed the 2,000-total yard threshold.
Will Hernandez was one of the safer picks in the class, too,
and the lineman bulldozed his way to a solid year while helping increase
Barkley's numbers. Linebacker Lorenzo Carter didn't produce as notably, but
getting 43 total tackles and four sacks over 15 games from him was a good
value. Ditto for B.J. Hill, who pounced on quarterbacks for 5.5 sacks and
48 tackles over 16 games. Keep in mind that quarterback Kyle Lauletta is
waiting in the wings.
Viewed as a whole, the draft class is the one area the
Giants didn't stumble while prepping for the future, which is a good thing for
the long-term outlook.
GRADE: A
NEW YORK JETS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
USC QB Sam Darnold (No. 3 overall),
Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd (No. 72 overall),
Miami TE Christopher Herndon (No. 107 overall),
Tulane CB Parry Nickerson (No. 179 overall),
Connecticut DT Foley Fatukasi (No. 180 overall),
Virginia State RB Trenton Cannon (No. 204 overall)
It could take a long time before the magic of hindsight
smiles or frowns on the New York Jets for offering their 2018 first-rounder and
a trio of second-round picks to the Colts to select quarterback Sam Darnold at
No. 3.
So far, things haven't looked bad.
Darnold appeared in 13 games, completing 57.7 percent of his
passes with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Those aren't amazing numbers,
but he was flanked by a line that let up 37 sacks, an offensive attack that
didn't run the ball well, ho-hum names for receiving weapons and a defense that
coughed up 27.6 points per game.
That isn't to say other rookies weren't trying. Nathan
Shepherd pitched in on the defensive end rotation and Christopher Herndon
finished second on the team in receiving—even if it was while only catching 39
of 56 targets. The rest were developmental prospects (Foley Fatukasi) or on the
roster but doing little (Trenton Cannon).
Even if Darnold is the only one to pan out, sometimes the
quarterback is the only thing that matters about a class. For now, the grade is
shrug-worthy.
GRADE: C
OAKLAND RAIDERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
UCLA OT Kolton Miller (No. 15 overall),
Sam Houston State DT P.J. Hall (No. 57 overall),
North Carolina A&T OT Brandon Parker (No. 65 overall),
LSU DE Arden Key (No. 87 overall),
Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson (No. 110 overall),
Michigan DT Maurice Hurst (No. 140 overall),
Florida P Johnny Townsend (No. 173 overall),
Washington LB Azeem Victor (No. 216 overall),
Oklahoma State WR Marcell Ateman (No. 228 overall).
The Oakland Raiders haven't done much right lately, hence
the 4-12 mark and the trades of Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper—guys who
not-so-coincidentally keyed postseason runs for Chicago and Dallas.
Jon Gruden's bad luck extended to the draft class, as Kolton
Miller's struggles aren't exactly a secret. He's a good conversation starter over
the validity of the combine process, considering his great testing numbers and Orlando Brown's "bad" numbers, given their career trajectories.
As for the rest of the class, defensive tackle P.J. Hall
only got into 14 games and didn't record a sack. O-lineman Brandon Parker is a
one-dimensional run-blocker extraordinaire who gets exposed in the passing
game, and defensive end Arden Key only got one sack.
All that aside, the Raiders look better than they should
because they pounced on Maurice Hurst at No. 140 after his health-related fall, as he put up four sacks over 13
games. But as a whole, unless coaching shifts create avenues for improvement,
this was a dud of a draft class.
GRADE: D
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
2018 DRAFT CLASS
South Dakota State TE Dallas Goedert (No. 49 overall),
Pittsburgh CB Avonte Maddox (No. 125 overall),
Florida State DE Josh Sweat (No. 130 overall),
TCU OT Matt Pryor (No. 206 overall),
OT Jordan Mailata (No. 233 overall)
The Philadelphia Eagles did just enough to slip into the
playoffs this year, which came on the heels of a draft class that did just
enough to find a starter or two.
Dallas Goedert, a 6'4", 260-pound hulking tight end,
didn't have problems exploiting mismatches to finish fourth on the team in
receiving with 33 catches for 334 yards and four touchdowns. And while his name
isn't getting noticed yet, cornerback Avonte Maddox has been stellar in a key
role down the stretch.
Otherwise, the draft class hinged on upside and guys with
injury histories—such as Josh Sweat (ankle)—staying healthy, which they didn't.
At the least, general manager Howie Roseman balanced the risks by finding
sure things like running back Josh Adams in undrafted free agency, as the Notre
Dame product wound up leading the team in rushing with 511 yards.
Since this class has two starters already, the defending
champions had a solid beginning with their latest haul.
GRADE: B
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey (No. 9 overall),
Washington WR Dante Pettis (No. 44 overall),
BYU LB Fred Warner (No. 70 overall),
Southern Mississippi S Tarvarius Moore (No. 95 overall),
NC State DE Kentavius Street (No. 128 overall),
Kansas State DB D.J. Reed (No. 142 overall),
Florida DB Marcell Harris (No. 184 overall),
Temple DT Jullian Taylor (No. 223 overall),
Middle Tennessee WR Richie James (No. 240 overall)
The San Francisco 49ers played it safe in this draft class,
which makes sense for a team that needed assured production around what it
thinks is a franchise passer in Jimmy Garoppolo.
And 49ers general manager John Lynch had the right
idea. Mike McGlinchey played solid ball over the fifth-most snaps of any
rookie, according to Wagoner. Fred
Warner was one spot in front of him and posted a team-high 124 total
tackles.
Dante Pettis didn't have world-beating upside, yet he reeled
in 27 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns, which tied for the team high.
His 17.3 yards per catch led the club among players with 20 or more catches,
and he did this damage over just 12 games.
After those three, the most notable rookie was D.J.
Reed Jr., who played plenty in the defensive backfield over 15 games, finishing
seventh on the team in tackles.
From here, the 49ers might risk more in drafts. But nailing
down a quarterback protector, receiving threat and surefire linebacker play
equates to a solid approach.
GRADE: B
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny (No. 27 overall),
USC DE Rasheem Green (No. 79 overall),
Washington TE Will Dissly (No. 120 overall),
UCF LB Shaquem Griffin (No. 141 overall),
Oklahoma State DB Tre Flowers (No. 146 overall),
Texas P Michael Dickson (No. 149 overall),
Ohio State OT Jamarco Jones (No. 168 overall),
Temple DE Jake Martin (No. 186 overall),
Florida International QB Alex McGough (No. 220 overall)
Some self-inflicted wounds hurt the Seattle Seahawks in the
review department.
The coaching staff, for example, didn't play first-rounder
Rashaad Penny much, giving him more than 10 carries in a game just once. A
Chris Carson breakout at running back didn't help, but the potential for that
made the Penny pick questionable in the first place.
Also questionable was grabbing tight end Will Dissly, given
their other roster options. He wound up only playing in four games due to
injury and is tough to evaluate, while veteran tight end Nick Vannett put
together a solid season.
Luckily for the Seahawks, it isn't all bad. Jake
Martin, the 186th pick, had three sacks. Tre Flowers could be starter
material, and Michael Dickson, while a punter, went to the Pro Bowl.
Linebacker Shaquem Griffin even showed promise when on the field, though he's
still adjusting to different usage.
There is a ton of potential with this draft class, though
the immediate returns were mixed.
GRADE: B
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Washington DT Vita Vea (No. 12 overall),
USC RB Ronald Jones (No. 38 overall),
North Carolina DB M.J. Stewart (No. 53 overall),
Auburn CB Carlton Davis (No. 63 overall),
Humboldt State OG Alex Cappa (No. 94 overall),
Pittsburgh S Jordan Whitehead (No. 117 overall),
Pennsylvania WR Justin Watson (No. 144 overall), Wisconsin
LB Jack Cichy (No. 202 overall)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't win—in more ways than
one.
Defensive lineman Vita Vea had a slow start to his rookie
year and played in 13 games, tallying three sacks. He started improving
noticeably down the stretch, which is why defensive coordinator Mark
Duffner said Vea looked to be in "midseason form," according to Scott Smith of
the team's official website. The problem was, that quote went live December
19.
At least Vea got started. Running back Ronald Jones played
in nine games and finished behind four names in rushing. The two rookie
cornerbacks didn't pick off a pass, and neither did safety Jordan Whitehead in
a starting role, though he at least finished second on the team in tackles with
76.
There is a scenario where some of these picks will pan out,
but the performance so far and track record of the organization hint at little
change.
GRADE: D
TENNESSEE TITANS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Alabama LB Rashaan Evans (No. 22 overall),
Boston College edge-rusher Harold Landry (No. 41 overall),
Arizona S Dane Cruikshank (No. 152 overall),
Washington State QB Luke Falk (No. 199 overall)
Rashaan Evans was a ho-hum pick for the Tennessee Titans,
and he put together a ho-hum season until December, when he flipped a switch
and seemed to figure things out. Over five December games, Evans picked up 26
of his 53 total tackles while the Titans won four times.
It was also easy to praise the team for the selection of
pass-rusher Harold Landry, and he predictably responded with 4.5 sacks while
working in a rotation.
It was a top-heavy class—especially given the limited number
of picks—but the Titans had an appealing balance of surefire production and
massive upside. It played out that way and should continue to do so while
giving the defense two foundational pieces.
GRADE: A
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
2018 DRAFT CLASS
Alabama DT Daron Payne (No. 13 overall),
LSU RB Derrius Guice (No. 59 overall),
Louisville OT Geron Christian (No. 74 overall),
Penn State S Troy Apke (No. 109 overall),
Virginia Tech DT Tim Settle (No. 163 overall),
Alabama LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (No. 197 overall),
Virginia Tech CB Greg Stroman (No. 241 overall),
SMU WR Trey Quinn (No. 256 overall)
The Washington Redskins' miserable track record for keeping
players healthy (15-plus on IR in each of the past two seasons) continued in
2018 and ravaged the rookie class. Derrius Guice, Geron
Christian, Troy Apke and Trey Quinn finished the year on injured
reserve.
The only top-160 pick to make it out of the season unscathed
was at least a great one, as Daron Payne plugged in brilliantly next to
Jonathan Allen and keyed one of the NFL's better defenses for most of the
season, grabbing five sacks along the way.
Tim Settle was an underrated prospect and played like it
within the defensive tackle rotation, while Shaun Dion Hamilton took
playing time from veterans such as linebacker Zach Brown.
But as we have seen here before, organizational or coaching
issues seemed to get in the way of the class' development.
GRADE: C
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