AFC North Draft Review

This division should be quite interesting this season. Just about everyone is picking Cleveland to take a major jump and win it given the way they finished last year and their additions during the off season. This is definitely the best Browns team in I don’t know how long but the Steelers and Ravens aren’t going to just roll over and hand them the division title. Pittsburgh should be a more harmonious locker room and yes a less talented one too. Baltimore is in full transition to the Lamar Jackson era with a lot of changes on defense too. The Bengals…well they are the Bengals, with a new coach but still with Andy Dalton at the controls, let’s assume they really aren’t in contention here.

Baltimore Ravens

(25) Marquise Brown WR
(85) Jaylon Ferguson OLB
(93) Miles Boykin WR
(113) Justice Hill RB
(123) Ben Powers OG
(127) Iman Marshall CB
(160) Daylon Mack DT
(197) Trace McSorley QB/Ath

Immediate Impact: WR Marquise Brown, OLB Jaylon Ferguson
The Ravens desperately need help at WR and Brown is pro ready and he’s a gamebreaker. His speed is deadly and while he’s small, he will find a way to get open and make big plays. Ferguson is a bit raw but the team lost Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith in the off season and Tim Williams hasn’t exactly busted out. The team needs pass rushers and there is one thing Ferguson is really good at and that’s getting to the QB.

Best Value: WR Miles Boykin
There is an outside chance Boykin could become a starter pretty quickly. He’s the opposite of Brown in the fact that he’s a 6’4 big-bodied WR and the Ravens could use that too. He really only has to beat out Jordan Lasley and Chris Moore for playing time because Willie Snead lines up in the slot. Lasley and Moore aren’t that big of an obstacle for a guy like Boykin.

Sleepers: CB Iman Marshall, DT Daylon Mack
Marshall was a high-profile recruit at USC who never really lived up to the hype but was always good. He’s a really good athlete with solid cover skills and Brandon Carr is 32 and Jimmy Smith is 30 and hasn’t always been the picture of health. Marlon Humphrey is going to need a long-term running mate at CB and Marshall might be that guy. Mack is slightly shorter than your typical DT at 6’1 and he is best suited to play NT but it just so happens the Ravens use a NT. Their starter Brandon Williams happens to be 30 so he could use someone to take some snaps away from him to keep him fresh, Mack can do that and eventually replace Williams.

Overall Analysis
I really like this draft. Marquise Brown had a foot injury so he didn’t get a lot of pub before the draft but the kid is a player. Ferguson and Boykin may be a bit raw but they need players at those positions so they will play. RB Justice Hill is another speed demon type of back and he should be a great complement to newly signed Mark Ingram and holdover Gus Edwards. OG Ben Powers needs a little work but he adds some nice depth inside where the Ravens can really use it. Marshall and Mack were well worth their draft slots and could really pay off down the road. I’m not overly enthusiastic about Trace McSorley because he’s not an NFL QB but as a 6th round flyer on a kid who’s a good athlete and willing to play just about anywhere, I have no problem with that. He could be this team’s version of the Saints Taysom Hill and if he runs some gadget plays and takes some of the hits Lamar Jackson would otherwise take, he’s totally worth a 6th round pick.

Cincinnati Bengals

(11) Jonah Williams OT
(52) Drew Sample TE
(72) Germaine Pratt LB
(104) Ryan Finley QB
(125) Renell Wren DT
(136) Michael Jordan OL
(182) Trayveon Williams RB
(210) Deshaun Davis LB
(211) Rodney Anderson RB
(223) Jordan Brown CB

Immediate Impact: OT Jonah Williams
The Bengals offensive line wasn’t good last year and one of the major reasons was Bobby Hart at RT. Hart was basically a turnstile and it just so happens Williams is best suited at RT. He played LT at Alabama too but in the NFL, he will be at his best on the right side. It shouldn’t take long for him to push Hart to the bench or possibly off the roster.

Best Value: QB Ryan Finley
I might like Finley a little more than most but I think he’s more pro ready than a lot of this year’s QB class. He doesn’t have overwhelming arm strength but he makes up for it with good anticipation and better accuracy than most. He should fit into Zac Taylor’s offense quite well. It should be similar to the one the Rams run that Jared Goff excels in. Finley could give Andy Dalton a little competition, it’s not like Dalton has set the world on fire and Taylor has no allegiance to him. At worst, Finley is a solid backup QB.

Sleeper: DT Renell Wren
Wren has great size and a quick first step on the interior defensive line. The Bengals have Geno Atkins and Andrew Billings as starters but their backups aren’t anything to write home about. Atkins is also undersized and on the wrong side of 30. Wren was a good prospect to get in round 4 and I think he has a chance to actually make a difference on their defense.

Overall Analysis
Williams isn’t a flashy pick and he may never be a Pro Bowl player but he’s a solid addition on the right side of the line and fills a big need. TE Drew Sample wasn’t very productive in college but Washington doesn’t feature their TEs so he may produce more in the pros if given the chance, one thing he will do is block. I didn’t love the pick as there were more productive TEs available (Jace Sternberger) and if you are going to pick an underutilized college TE I would have gone for Dawson Knox from Ole Miss. Germaine Pratt fills a need because the Bengals desperately need LBs but I think there were better LBs on the board. Finley and Wren were value picks in the fourth round. I also like their other fourth rounder OL Michael Jordan out of Ohio St. I’m not sure he will make the starting unit but he can compete for the RG spot and he has plenty of versatility and will be a great bench piece as a rookie. The Bengals took two RBs in round six, Trayveon Williams and Rodney Anderson. Williams is a smaller back who flashed at times but lacks consistency while Anderson is a big back who missed time with injury. Neither is a perfect addition nor are they as threat to Joe Mixon but they are very talented depth added in a late round, smart moves. They were sandwiched around another LB, Deshaun Davis, who is a run-stuffer and probably a special-teamer. Don’t be surprised if Davis finds his way onto the field, the LB corps isn’t very good and Davis can play. 7th round CB Jordan Brown looks the part but he’s raw and the CB group is fairly solid, he’s a practice squad guy for now.

Cleveland Browns

(46) Greedy Williams CB
(80) Sione Takitaki LB
(119) Sheldrick Redwine S
(155) Mack Wilson LB
(170) Austin Seibert K
(189) Drew Forbes OL
(221) Donnie Lewis Jr. CB

Immediate Impact: CB Greedy Williams
Considering the team traded its first-round pick for Odell Beckham Jr. it probably shouldn’t have ended up with someone who could start right away yet here we are. Williams fell to 46th overall most likely because he isn’t much of a tackler but the man can cover. The Browns hit big with Denzel Ward last year in round one but that puts pressure on their #2 CB. Terrance Mitchell and TJ Carrie are veterans but Williams has elite coverage skills. He doesn’t like to tackle but I think the team will get over that when they see just how good he is at sticking to his man.

Best Value: Williams (and it’s not even close)
The greatest cover corner in history was Deion Sanders and he couldn’t tackle worth a damn. I’m not saying Williams is Sanders but he’s functional enough as a tackler to let it slide and take advantage of his coverage skills. A top-notch cover corner at #46 overall is a frickin’ steal.

Sleeper: LB Mack Wilson
Wilson didn’t dominate later in his Alabama career the way it looked like he might early on. There is still a lot to like and he could fill a position of need if the team doesn’t re-sign Joe Schobert at MLB next year. Wilson will be a solid backup this year for sure and he has starting potential in the future.

Overall Analysis
The Browns traded their first-round pick for Odell Beckham Jr. so they already won this draft. Greedy Williams is icing on the cake and I think he’ll be a starter earlier than some might think. LB Sione Takitaki was a decent choice in the third round and the team needed LB depth. S Sheldrick Redwine may prove to be a smart pickup as free agent Morgan Burnett is a stop-gap measure at best and his best football may be behind him. Wilson was a value pick. K Austin Seibert isn’t a bad choice after watching the team struggle at kicker last season. Greg Joseph stabilized the position eventually but he’s far from a sure thing and Seibert brings the added value of having punting experience too. Sixth round pick OL Drew Forbes and seventh round pick Donnie Lewis Jr. are developmental prospects that are likely to be stashed on the practice squad if they show some promise in training camp. It’s been a long time since the Browns had a deep enough roster to not be looking for contributors late in the draft but here we are. I’m not crowning this team Super Bowl champs like some people but this is the best Browns roster in 20 years and they are a legitimate threat to win the AFC North.

Pittsburgh Steelers

(10) Devin Bush LB
(66) Diontae Johnson WR
(83) Justin Layne CB
(122) Benny Snell RB
(141) Zach Gentry TE
(175) Sutton Smith OLB
(192) Isaiah Buggs DL
(207) Ulysees Gilbert III LB
(219) Derwin Grey OL

Immediate Impact: LB Devin Bush, CB Justin Layne
The Steelers defense misses Ryan Shazier a whole lot so they drafted his clone in Devin Bush. That’s a high standard to live up to but Bush is an exceptional athlete and talent and he should slide right in at ILB for the Steelers. They spent some draft capital to move up to get him but he will prove to be well worth it. The team may have signed Steven Nelson in free agency to replace Artie Burns opposite Joe Haden but Nelson may want to watch out. Layne is a big CB with great ball skills (he used to be a WR) and he will compete for a starting job. At worst, Layne probably spells the end for Burns on the roster.

Best Value: Layne
Seriously, he had first-round potential and they got him in the third round. He could kick Steven Nelson to the nickel roll and start opposite Haden on the outside. He’s a big CB with the physical skills to be a #1 corner and Joe Haden isn’t going to be around forever.

Sleeper: OLB Sutton Smith
The Steelers defense has always had great pass rushing OLBs but right now they only have TJ Watt. Bud Dupree has been a serviceable starter but he’s in the fifth year of his contract and I think the team will be moving on. Smith is undersized but he played as an undersized DE in college and he made it work. He has a lot of pass rush moves and the team can find a way to use him. As a situational pass rusher for now and who knows down the road.

Overall Analysis
It’s hard to argue with the Steelers draft. Moving up for Devin Bush was costly but he fills a huge need. WR Diontae Johnson is a smaller WR out of the MAC and I’m not going to argue with the Steelers when drafting WRs, they are exceptionally good at it. Justin Layne was a steal. Fourth round RB Benny Snell isn’t fancy but he’s effective and he should help them save some wear and tear on James Connor. Zach Gentry may have been a little bit of a reach which is hard to be in the fifth round but he’s pretty raw and wasn’t very productive. I guess if you’re going to bet on a TE there are worse ones to choose. Sutton Smith could bring some pass rushing value now and in the future. DL Isaiah Buggs is never going to stuff the stat sheet but he’s actually very versatile and makes for nice depth on a Steelers defensive line that has never been about stats. Gilbert and Grey are longshots for this roster but they were worth the risk in the last two rounds.

AFC South Draft Review

The Texans won the division last year but the Colts will be nipping at their heels. The Colts had a better draft and a better off season so they may have made up the difference. Jacksonville is hoping Nick Foles can lead their offense to get them back into contention. The Titans are hoping for a big leap from Marcus Mariota and if they don’t get it, they will be a middling team again. Mariota has plenty of weapons so he’s out of excuses.

Houston Texans

(23) Tytus Howard OT
(54) Lonnie Johnson CB
(55) Max Scharping OL
(86) Kahale Warring TE
(161) Charles Omenihu DE
(195) Xavier Crawford CB
(220) Cullen Gillaspia RB/FB

Immediate Impact: CB Lonnie Johnson
Jonathan Joseph is 35 and Bradley Roby is on a one-year contract. Johnson has the size and skill to be a fantastic outside CB. The team needs the depth too because Aaron Colvin, their nickel corner, wasn’t very good last year. Johnson will be a starter at some point this season and I think it happens sooner rather than later.

Best Value: Johnson
The team got an eventual starting CB at the #54 pick overall, that’s good value.

Sleeper: DE Charles Omenihu
I wouldn’t want to compare a later round pick with a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year like JJ Watt but Omenihu is a big DE and Watt is 30 years old. Omenihu isn’t going to be Watt but he could be his eventual replacement and for now he can give Watt a break now and again. He’s a solid player who wasn’t always used well at Texas, he should be a better pro than he was a college player.

Overall Analysis
You’ll see I didn’t include the offensive linemen in any of the above categories, that’s because I can’t figure out what the Texans were doing. They clearly got snaked by Philadelphia when the Eagles moved one spot ahead of them and stole Andre Dillard, but apparently, they lost their minds because Tytus Howard wasn’t a great choice. They need help now and Howard isn’t ready to start right now, he may be better than Julie’n Davenport at LT but not by much. With guys like Jawaan Taylor, Kaleb McGary, Greg Little, Cody Ford, and Dalton Risner still on the board, Howard was a reach. The second offensive lineman they grabbed was Max Scharping, clearly, they didn’t watch him play last season against Iowa. He was destroyed by AJ Epenesa, while that’s not unusual for many guys, it doesn’t bode well for him against NFL talent. TE Kahale Warring is an interesting prospect with some upside, he needs some work but he could pay off in the end. Omenihu is a very good 5th round pick. CB Xavier Crawford could make the roster given the state of the Texans secondary. The last player, RB/FB Cullen Gillaspia is only making this team as a special team’s player.

Indianapolis Colts

(34) Rock Ya-Sin CB
(49) Ben Banogu DE
(59) Parris Campbell WR
(89) Bobby Okereke LB
(109) Khari Willis S
(144) Marvell Tell III S
(164) EJ Speed LB
(199) Gerri Green OLB
(240) Jackson Barton OL
(246) Javon Patterson OL

Immediate Impact: CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR Parris Campbell
The Colts defense played surprisingly well last season with Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore actually holding up at CB. However, there isn’t a lot of depth and Ya-Sin can step in and play some nickel and help solidify the secondary. Campbell is a slightly larger version of TY Hilton and Andrew Luck seems to have quite the rapport with Hilton. Campbell is far better than free agent signee Devin Funchess and I think he takes the starting job away from him sooner rather than later.

Best Value: Campbell
They got Campbell at the end of round two and like I said I think he becomes a starter this season. He’s a speed demon and he and Hilton could form a deadly duo.

Sleeper: S Marvell Tell III
Tell passes the eyeball test but he’s inconsistent. If someone on the Colts defensive coaching staff can get consistent effort and heady play out of him, he could be a Pro Bowler, if not he’ll be out of the league in two years. The Colts aren’t exactly stacked at safety so he could find playing time if he gets his head on straight and does what they ask him to do.

Overall Analysis
Ya-Sin and Campbell were rock solid picks. Both will contribute immediately even if they don’t start from day one. Banogu is an undersized pass rusher who will likely be a situational pass rusher this season. The Colts have a number of young pass rushers who are still finding their way, whomever finds their way first will end up sticking around long-term. Bobby Okereke, EJ Speed, and Gerri Green are depth pieces at LB but none are ready to contribute on defense. They need to contribute on special teams if they want to stick around. Khari Willis isn’t the athlete Tell is but he’s got some range and like I said the team isn’t stacked at safety. The two late round offensive linemen, Barton and Patterson, seem like longshots on a team where the offensive line actually played well last year. However, Barton has the size and length you look for in a developmental prospect while Patterson has the college experience edge and could potentially stick around.

Jacksonville Jaguars

(7) Josh Allen DE/OLB
(35) Jawaan Taylor OT
(69) Josh Oliver TE
(98) Quincy Williams LB
(140) Ryquell Armstead RB
(178) Gardner Minshew II QB
(235) Dontavius Russell DT

Immediate Impact: DE Josh Allen, OT Jawaan Taylor
The Jaguars were the luckiest team in the draft and they didn’t overthink it. First, Josh Allen fell to 7th overall, that was insane, he’s arguably the best player in this draft. Then Jawaan Taylor falls to the second round, I had them taking Taylor in round one with the seventh pick they ended up using on Allen. That’s two starters right out of the gate.

Best Value: Taylor
Apparently, the reason Taylor fell was due to some questions about the healthy of his knees. It had to be something like that because the guy has first-round talent. He’ll be an immediate starter at RT for the Jags and while there will be some growing pains, he’s a hell of a steal in round 2.

Sleeper: RB Ryquell Armstead
The Jaguars are setting their team up to have a strong running game and a great defense, the one flaw in the plan may be counting on Leonard Fournette to carry the ground game. He hasn’t been the picture of consistency, they also signed Alfred Blue to back him up, he’s not great either. They have Thomas Rawls but he’s more injury prone than Fournette. Armstead comes from Temple but he’s a big, power back who could really surprise and if he’s the only guy left standing, he might not have a choice but to carry the load. Deep sleeper but I think there’s potential.

Overall Analysis
The team covered their biggest need in free agency with QB Nick Foles so they were able to let the draft come to them, and boy did it ever. I love Josh Allen and he may just end up being the player the Jags hoped they were drafting when they took Dante Fowler Jr. a few years ago. They traded Fowler and now Allen slides in as the chess piece of the front seven. Taylor fills the biggest need on offense at RT and he should excel there. TE Josh Oliver probably won’t dominate but he’ll play as the only other guy they have is Geoff Swaim. LB Quincy Williams was a bit of a reach but he’s just depth for now. Really like the Armstead pick and he could pay dividends. Gardner Minshew is a decent QB prospect but he’s not better than Cody Kessler was, but he is better than third-stringer Tanner Lee. DT Dontavius Russell probably won’t make the team.

Tennessee Titans

(19) Jeffery Simmons DT
(51) AJ Brown WR
(82) Nate Davis OL
(116) Amani Hooker S
(168) D’Andre Walker OLB
(188) David Long Jr. LB

Immediate Impact: WR AJ Brown
WR Tajae Sharpe should really watch out for Brown. Brown can play any of the three WR positions but with Corey Davis at one outside spot and newly signed free agent Adam Humphries in the slot it’s Sharpe’s position that Brown will be gunning for and he’s good enough to take it. He’s one of my favorite WRs in the draft and a dark horse for rookie of the year if he and Mariota connect.

Best Value: S Amani Hooker
Calling Hooker a safety is a bit of an understatement. He can play safety, he can play the slot, he can line up at LB if necessary. For now, he’ll compete with veteran Kenny Vaccaro to be the starting safety alongside Kevin Byard. Hooker could win the job and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised; he has more versatility than Vaccaro. Whether he starts or not he will play a ton and as a fourth-round pick, he will far outplay his draft slot.

Sleeper: OLB D’Andre Walker
The team lost starting OLBs Brian Orakpo (retirement) and Derrick Morgan (free agency) in the off season. Cameron Wake was signed but he’s 37. Harold Landry looks solid but he needs a running mate off the edge. Walker was DE at Georgia but he has OLB size and skills so he could make a run at being the guy opposite Landry for the long haul. I like his skill set and the opportunity he has on this defense.

Overall Analysis
The team took Jeffery Simmons with their first pick and they know he probably won’t give them anything this season as he recovers from a torn ACL. That’s okay because he’s a top 5 talent and they got him 19th overall. They also made up for their first-round pick not likely contributing but hitting on so many others. Brown is a fantastic WR and he will help Marcus Mariota become a better QB, or at least expose the fact he isn’t one if he can’t pull it off. OL Nate Davis is a bit of a reach and I likely would have taken someone who was ready to contribute sooner at OG, he’s a developmental prospect and they need more help inside now. Hooker might be the steal of the draft. His versatility makes him a great matchup player in today’s NFL. Walker was more than worth his draft slot and could be a very nice addition. David Long Jr. is an undisciplined LB who will have to make the team as a special-teamer if he wants to stick around.

NFC East Draft Review

The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles should fight it out for this division. They have the only settled QB situations as the Giants try to stay relevant while they hold on to Eli Manning (and Daniel Jones waits in the wings) and try to compete without Odell Beckham and the Redskins move into the Dwayne Haskins era. Neither the Cowboys or Eagles did much to immediately help themselves through the draft but I think the Eagles did a better job getting some future help.

Dallas Cowboys

(58) Trysten Hill DT
(90) Connor McGovern OL
(128) Tony Pollard RB
(158) Michael Jackson CB
(165) Joe Jackson DE
(213) Donovan Wilson S
(218) Mike Weber RB
(241) Jalen Jelks DE

Immediate Impact: None
The team traded their first-round pick for WR Amari Cooper which means they didn’t pick until round 2. Cooper already had a major impact as his arrival turned around the Cowboys season last year. They expect him to be a major contributor as their #1 WR. However, this draft class isn’t going to help much this season. Maybe a little depth here and there but not much more.

Best Value: RB Mike Weber
Weber lost his job at Ohio St. to JK Dobbins but he’s a still a talented back. He has an all-around game and he showed more athleticism in workouts than people thought he had. The Cowboys don’t have a solid all-around back behind starter Ezekiel Elliott and they really should have someone to take some of the pressure off of him. Weber can be that guy and while he’s not really a threat to break out he can hold is own and getting a solid backup RB in round 7 is solid value.

Sleeper: DE Joe Jackson
He’s a not an elite pass rusher which is why he fell to the fifth round. However, Jackson is a strong edge-setter against the run and considering the Cowboys want Demarcus Lawrence to rush the passer and Robert Quinn has never been a run-stuffer Jackson can actually carve out a niche on this defensive line. He’s not flashy, he just steady and steady is in short supply on the Cowboys defensive line.

Overall Analysis
For the Cowboys sake they better hope this draft is remembered for getting them Amari Cooper because the rest of it probably won’t be. Their first pick came in round 2 and they just couldn’t help themselves and they took a defensive lineman with some off-the-field issues, sound familiar? That hasn’t really worked out in the past for them so I’m skeptical. Also, Trysten Hill is a DT and I would have preferred they take a DE where there were still some good players left on the board; Chase Winovich, Jaylon Ferguson, Anthony Nelson, to name a few. OG Connor McGovern is a depth piece and the Cowboys have made a concerted effort to make themselves one of the best offensive lines in football. They have paid heavily for it and if they can’t afford La’el Collins when he hits free agency, they may move Connor Williams to RT and McGovern can take over at LG. Tony Pollard is a gadget player, a RB/WR hybrid, maybe he makes their running game less predictable (it’s all Elliott all the time). CB Michael Jackson and S Donovan Wilson are secondary players that might fill needs but they seem a bit raw to help any time soon. Jackson and Weber are my favorite picks from this group and they are backup players at best. DE Jalen Jelks might find a spot as a situational pass rusher and perhaps a special team’s guy.

New York Giants

(6) Daniel Jones QB
(17) Dexter Lawrence DT
(30) Deandre Baker CB
(95) Oshane Ximines OLB/DE
(108) Julian Love CB
(143) Ryan Connelly LB
(171) Darius Slayton WR
(180) Corey Ballentine CB
(232) George Asafo-Adjei OL
(245) Chris Slayton DL

Immediate Impact: DT Dexter Lawrence, CB Deandre Baker
Lawrence is a mammoth human being and while he may look like a nose tackle, and he can play there, he also has the movement skills to play end on their 3-man d-line. He will pair nicely up front with Dalvin Tomlinson and make life easier for the LBs in James Bettcher’s 3-4 defense. Baker isn’t the most athletic corner but I don’t care what the stop watches and tape measures say about this guy, he’s a top-notch cover corner. Measurements never liked Darrell Revis or Marcus Peters either and that never stopped those two from excelling.

Best Value: CB Julian Love
Clearly, the Giants don’t love their CB depth chart and that’s for good reason (they drafted 3 total). Love may not play a ton this year but he should contribute and I wouldn’t be shocked if he eventually ends up starting opposite Baker in couple of years. Love is another guy the measurements don’t love but he played at high level at Notre Dame against some very good competition. He won’t win many races but he doesn’t let his man get open very easily.

Sleeper: OT George Asafo-Adjei
The Giants offensive line has seen an influx of new bodies over the past two years with LT Nate Solder and LG Will Hernandez coming in last year and this off season they traded for RG Kevin Zeitler. They still need a better RT than Chad Wheeler. Asafo-Adjei isn’t a household name and he seems like a backup OT kind of guy but in New York that could change. He could give Wheeler a challenger at RT and either Wheeler rises to the occasion or Asafo-Adjei steals his job.

Overall Analysis
Overall, I really like this draft; Lawrence, Baker, Ximines, Love and Connelly are all good pickups. I hate that they took Jones at #6 overall. Daniel Jones might be an NFL starting caliber QB but you don’t take a “might be” at #6. I don’t care that the Manning connected coach David Cutcliffe had him at Duke, Jones was not valued that high. After Jones the Giants did well. Lawrence and Baker are fantastic picks that they got good value on. OLB Oshane Ximines is raw but he will be well coached by James Bettcher and used properly he will add great value as a pass rusher this season. Julian Love was a fantastic pick for sure. LB Ryan Connelly isn’t the pretty player on the field but he’s effective. I’m never a huge fan of taking a big, fast WR who can’t catch but if you’re going to take a chance you might as well do it in round 5 when you’ve already taken six picks, welcome aboard Darius Slayton. CB Corey Ballentine made news the week after the draft by getting shot several times, it looks like he will recover just fine but it may set him back in terms of contributing to the team. He’s a small school prospect who probably needed the full off-season program to get prepared. Good news if there’s no long-term effects from the shooting but it’s a wait-and-see sort of thing. Asafo-Adjei should at least help the depth on the offensive line. Chris Slayton is a defensive tackle they hope adds depth but he may be a practice squad sort of guy.

Philadelphia Eagles

(22) Andre Dillard OT
(53) Miles Sanders RB
(57) JJ Arcega-Whiteside WR
(138) Shareef Miller DE
(167) Clayton Thorson QB

Immediate Impact: OT Andre Dillard
Unfortunately for the Eagles I’m afraid this one might be the case. In a perfect world Jason Peters stays healthy all season and the Eagles get at least one more season out of their great LT. Peters is 37 years old and has had plenty of injury issues in the past few years so in steps Dillard. It is the reason they drafted him but they are hoping he doesn’t have to fill an immediate need.

Best Value: RB Miles Sanders
The Eagles didn’t get anyone at a great value and that’s not surprising given they only had five picks. Sanders is a talented back with quite a bit of tread left on his tires since he sat behind Saquon Barkley at Penn St. before becoming the starter last season. Sanders should be a solid addition to the Eagles backfield.

Sleeper: DE Shareef Miller
Chris Long, Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham are all pass rushers on the wrong side of 30. Miller may not be anything more than an occasional pass rusher this season but he has some skill and they could use him in the future. This isn’t a big class so there aren’t a lot of guys to choose from as a sleeper.

Overall Analysis
The Eagles made a move in the round one to move ahead of the Texans to take Andre Dillard, the Texans surely would have selected him at 23 if he had been there. Clearly, they understand that 37-year-old Jason Peters is on his way out and Dillard is a very capable replacement. Peters may give them a year but Dillard allows them to leave Lane Johnson on the right side where he has proven to be one of the best in the league. Miles Sanders is a very good pickup. The team traded for Jordan Howard but he’s a one-dimensional back. They have some other backs but no one really stands out. Sanders should be pretty good for them. If Dillard was there eventual Peters replacement JJ Arcega-Whiteside is there eventual Alshon Jeffrey replacement. Jeffrey is expensive and Arcega-Whiteside is the same type of tall, powerful WR who lacks great speed but can win jump balls. Miller has a chance down the road but this season it might be tough to find snaps at DE. Thorson could be the eventual backup to Carson Wentz, that’s his ceiling, but that’s a perfectly fine ceiling for a 5th round pick.

Washington Redskins

(15) Dwayne Haskins QB
(26) Montez Sweat OLB
(76) Terry McLaurin WR
(112) Bryce Love RB
(131) Wes Martin OL
(153) Ross Pierschbacher C/G
(173) Cole Holcomb LB
(206) Kelvin Harmon WR
(227) Jimmy Moreland CB
(252) Jordan Brailford OLB

Immediate Impact: QB Dwayne Haskins, OLB Montez Sweat
I like Haskins as a prospect and he went to a team that desperately needs a starter and a face of the franchise. Enter Haskins. He’s going to need a little seasoning after only starting for one year at Ohio St. but it was a pretty impressive year. He can handle Jay Gruden’s offense and he should do just fine. Sweat was a combine star who fell in the draft due to some health issues. If those issues don’t end up affecting him, he’s a steal at #26 overall and the Redskins need pass rushing help.

Best Value: Sweat
If he’s healthy he’s a top ten player in this draft. A pass rusher with his ability is worth his weight in gold and he should excel in the Washington’s defense.

Sleeper: WR Kelvin Harmon
While Terry McLaurin is getting some notice as a possible starter and he has a connection with Haskins having already played with him at Ohio St., it’s Harmon I’m interested to watch. He’s a powerfully built slot receiver who reminds me a bit of Anquan Boldin. He’s tough in a crowd and while McLaurin can be a deep speed guy the team may need a better power receiver if Josh Doctson doesn’t make more progress.

Overall Analysis
After early indications that the Redskins might do something crazy like trade up really far to take Haskins they instead sat still and he fell to them. They proceeded to have an excellent draft overall. They made a move up to get Sweat after he fell due to his heart issues but he’s a star at a major position of need so it made sense to get him. WR Terry McLaurin played with Haskins at Ohio St. so he comes with a built-in rapport and he adds a nice deep threat element to the offense. RB Bryce Love is a bit of a gamble given his injuries this last season but he could be great if he returns to his 2017 form. Interior offensive linemen Wes Martin and Ross Pierschbacher are middle round picks but for a team that plans to start Ereck Flowers at LG and Chase Rouliler at center these two could find there way into the lineup sooner rather than later. LB Cole Holcomb, CB Jimmy Moreland, and OLB Jordan Brailford are longshots for the roster but they will bring competition to the roster for camp. WR Kelvin Harmon will make the roster and contribute.

 

AFC West Draft Review

The AFC West is still Kansas City’s to lose but with the team dropping Kareem Hunt last season and the Tyreek Hill situation now the offense has taken some hits and the defense is in flux. The Los Angeles Chargers are another playoff team so this division is going to be quite competitive at the top. The Broncos are trying to keep pace with the top two teams while Oakland is trying to find their way into contention.

Denver Broncos

(20) Noah Fant TE
(41) Dalton Risner OL
(42) Drew Lock QB
(71) Dre’Mont Jones DT
(156) Justin Hollins OLB
(187) Juwann Winfree WR

Immediate Impact: TE Noah Fant, OL Dalton Risner
The Broncos TE group is made up of a bunch of guys that have had injury issues and none of them are gamechangers even when they’re healthy. Fant is a weapon and Joe Flacco likes to use the TE. The Broncos new offensive coordinator is coming in from San Francisco where they used George Kittle quite effectively last season, Fant is going to have a big year. He’s an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The team’s offensive line is pretty rough and Risner has versatility. He could play inside at any of the three positions, I think he may end up as the starting center at this point. No matter where he plays he makes the better up front.

Best Value: QB Drew Lock
Lock was a consideration for the Broncos when they had the #10 pick in the first round before they traded down to #20. Then they still decided to pass and take Fant. The fact they got Lock in the second round at #42 is crazy. He is definitely their QB of the future and depending on how Flacco plays that future could come sooner rather than later. Flacco lost his job last year in Baltimore when he got hurt and Lamar Jackson took over his spot, I would advise him not to get hurt again or he’ll be out of this job too.

Sleeper: DT Dre’Mont Jones
A guy out of Ohio St. who was a potential first-round pick coming into the season shouldn’t be considered a sleeper but Jones sort of fell off the map during the pre-draft process. He didn’t work out well and his combine was less than mediocre. In a draft class filled with a lot of quality DTs he was a forgotten man. Jones is a far better player on the field than he is working out in shorts. The Broncos need some interior d-line help and Jones will play early and often.

Overall Analysis
Fant, Risner and Jones will all contribute immediately but the real success of this draft will be judged by what Drew Lock eventually becomes. John Elway has struck out multiple times at QB and he needs to hit on this one. I like Lock and this is actually a pretty solid set up for him. Being a second-round pick takes some pressure to perform right away off of him and having Flacco on the team means he doesn’t have to start right away. He’ll eventually take the job but it will be on an easier timeline than some of the other QBs drafted ahead of him. OLB Justin Hollins could actually make this team. After losing Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett in the off season the team needs some depth behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, Hollins could be that guy. I wouldn’t expect much out of Winfree but you never know.

Kansas City Chiefs

(56) Mecole Hardman WR
(63) Juan Thornhill S
(84) Khalen Saunders DT
(201) Rashad Fenton CB
(214) Darwin Thompson RB
(216) Nick Allegretti OL

Immediate Impact: S Juan Thornhill
The Chiefs don’t have much opposite new safety Tyrann Mathieu when it comes to pass coverage. Thornhill has some CB skills and he’s a fantastic athlete. His versatility will match up well with Mathieu and give new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo some options in the secondary.

Best Value: Thornhill
I expect him to end up a starter and considering they got him at the end of round 2 that’s pretty good value.

Sleeper: DT Khalen Saunders
Saunders is a small school prospect who was a little shorter than teams generally like coming in at only 6’0. That’s not going to stop him from being a good player in the NFL. The Chiefs need some help on a transitioning defensive line and Saunders will be a nice addition inside at DT.

Overall Analysis
The Chiefs traded their first-round pick to Seattle for Frank Clark and they used their second-round pick on a WR. I understand they had to cover themselves at WR with the Tyreek Hill situation likely not ending well, however, I’m not sure why they picked Hardman. Hardman isn’t a bad WR but there were better WRs on the board. Even if you want a smaller, shifty speed receiver like Hill both Parris Campbell and Andy Isabella were still available. I don’t like the Clark trade either because while there were no elite pass rushers left where they were picking in round one, I don’t believe they got a great one in Clark either. I’ll take Zach Allen, Jachai Polite, Chase Winovich or Jaylon Ferguson (all third-round draft picks) at their salaries instead of Clark at $105 million. Rashad Fenton is a developmental CB at best and they need help there sooner not later. Thompson might have a chance to stick around since the team doesn’t have much beyond Damien Williams and Carlos Hyde at RB. They should really hope Alegretti isn’t on the gameday roster, practice squad at best.

Los Angeles Chargers

(28) Jerry Tillery DT
(60) Nasir Adderley S
(91) Trey Pipkins OL
(130) Drue Tranquill LB
(166) Easton Stick QB
(200) Emeke Egbule LB
(242) Cortez Broughton DL

Immediate Impact: DT Jerry Tillery
The Chargers needed to get someone to line up inside next to Brandon Mebane and someone that could be a part of the rotation because Mebane is aging and simply shouldn’t play as many snaps. Tillery fits the bill. He’s not the biggest DT in terms of weight but he’s disruptive and tough.

Best Value: S Nasir Adderley
Adderley had first-round potential and the Chargers got him at the end of the second round, that’s pretty good value. He brings big play ability and good versatility; two traits defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will love. He won’t have to play right away with Derwin James and Adrian Phillips set to start at safety but Bradley will find ways to use him.

Sleeper: LB Drue Tranquill
This team is so in need of good LBs they signed 36-year-old Thomas Davis from the Panthers. Tranquill is a very good coverage LB and Gus Bradley will find ways to use him. With Davis aging and Denzel Perryman better suited to stopping the run Tranquill can find playing time in sub packages right away and eventually become a bigger part of this defense.

Overall Analysis
With just seven picks this isn’t a huge class but the Chargers were a playoff team last season so they really only have a few places they need help. Tillery is an excellent addition on the d-line and their last pick Cortez Broughton has a chance to stick because he can play both inside and outside on the d-line. Adderley adds great depth to the secondary and his versatility will come in handy much the way Desmond King’s does. Tranquill adds a coverage element at LB and while it may be a long-shot for Emeke Egbule to make the roster as a pass rusher (they have that covered pretty well) he was worth taking a shot on. The only pick I really question is taking OT Trey Pipkins in round 3. The team probably needs more immediate competition at RT and Pipkins is a small school prospect that probably isn’t going to be ready to provide it right away. There were guys like Bobby Evans and Yodny Cajuste still on the board and they would have helped a lot sooner.

Oakland Raiders

(4) Clelin Ferrell DE
(24) Josh Jacobs RB
(27) Jonathan Abram SS
(40) Trayvon Mullen CB
(106) Maxx Crosby DE
(129) Isaiah Johnson CB
(137) Foster Moreau TE
(149) Hunter Renfrow WR
(230) Quinton Bell DE

Immediate Impact: DE Clelin Ferrell, RB Josh Jacobs
I didn’t like the Ferrell pick, he’s a good prospect but at #4 overall, he was a reach. Also, taking him instead of Josh Allen at DE was crazy, Allen might end up being the best player in this draft. Ferrell is too inconsistent, considering the d-line he played on in college he should have dominated at Clemson. Jacobs went from a RB looking at sharing at least some of the load with free agent Isaiah Crowell to rookie having to shoulder it all when Crowell tore his Achilles the week after the draft. Jacobs is a very good all-around back and the Raiders are going to need all his skills.

Best Value: Jacobs
The Raiders didn’t get anyone that really fell to them and they reached a couple of times. Jacobs is a starting RB who will likely go for between 1500-1800 all-purpose yards this season, he’s that good. He isn’t on the level of guys like Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott but getting him 24th overall is a pretty good pick.

Sleeper: TE Foster Moreau
Moreau isn’t the athletic marvel that Noah Fant is, he’s not the all-around star TJ Hockenson is and he not the pass catcher a guy like Jace Sternberger is but he does many things well. He can block and catch and at the end of the day he’s better than most of what the Raiders have on their depth chart at TE. Lee Smith is the starter for now, Moreau could end up with the job this season.

Overall Analysis
Ferrell was a reach, especially with guys like Josh Allen, Ed Oliver and Devin White on the board. Ferrell could be good but he could be a colossal bust. Josh Jacobs will be good; I actually like that pick quite a bit. Jonathan Abram isn’t a bad safety but he’s a bit one dimensional, he’s a in-the-box safety and while the team could use his help against the run, he’s not great in coverage. They obviously like Trayvon Mullen at CB but he’s inconsistent too. There were better CBs on the board at 40 too; Joejuan Williams, Greedy Williams, and Lonnie Johnson just to name a few. DE Maxx Crosby could be a nice situational pass rusher and they definitely need all the help they can get there. They obviously thought they needed help at CB since they took two, Isaiah Johnson being the second one. He’s a really good athlete but a very raw CB, he’s not going to help right now (Amari Oruwariye was still on the board there, he would have helped more). Foster Moreau could really surprise and make an impact on this team. This team did a lot of off season work on their WR corps adding Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams and JJ Nelson to last year’s rookie Marcell Ateman. All that said, no matter how deep their WR corps looks on paper I’m not betting against Hunter Renfrow making this team, that was a solid 5th round pick. While the team does need as much help as possible rushing the passer, 7th round pick Quinton Bell is probably destined for the practice squad.

NFC North Draft Review
This division should be quite competitive. The Bears really stepped up last season with a great defense and they added some good offensive pieces in the draft. The Packers are changing coaching staffs after Mike McCarthy’s long tenure but they still have Aaron Rodgers and if Matt LaFleur can update the offense, they should be pretty good. Minnesota should bounce back after a bit of a disappointing season. Detroit is in their second year under Matt Patricia so they hope to be more competitive than they were last season.

Chicago Bears

(73) David Montgomery RB
(126) Riley Ridley WR
(205) Duke Shelley CB
(222) Kerrith Whyte Jr. RB
(238) Stephen Denmark CB

Immediate Impact: RB David Montgomery
The Bears traded Jordan Howard away and they signed Mike Davis in free agency but Montgomery is good enough to take the job away from Davis. Tarik Cohen is the playmaker at RB but he isn’t built to carry the load and he needs a power back to share it with, Montgomery is a great complement to Cohen. Montgomery also brings the versatility Howard didn’t, when he’s in the game he can catch the ball so Matt Nagy will like that quite a bit.

Best Value: WR Riley Ridley
With Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Taylor Gabriel there probably isn’t a ton of snaps to go around at WR but Ridley will find a way to contribute. He’s an excellent route runner and Matt Nagy will find a way to use him because of it. The fact he fell into the 3rd round was a bit surprising but it was because he isn’t a dynamic athlete, however, he is a very good WR.

Sleeper: CB Duke Shelley
He’s an undersized CB but he’ll be a very good slot corner. It’s an important position in the NFL today and the Bears need help there. Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara are a solid starting duo but the team is counting on Buster Skrine to be the nickel back, he’s 30 and has bounced around a bit. Shelley has a chance to contribute.

Overall Analysis
This isn’t a large draft class because the Bears traded their 1st round pick for Khalil Mack and their 2nd round pick to move up last year to take Anthony Miller, two very smart moves. Montgomery and Ridley should be solid additions and the team can hope Shelley, Whyte and Denmark can become developmental players but there isn’t a lot of open roster space on the Bears so it doesn’t hurt them that the draft class is small. When you consider Mack was added in place of a 1st round pick, this is a good draft for the Bears.

Detroit Lions

(8) TJ Hockenson TE
(43) Jahlani Tavai LB
(81) Will Harris S
(117) Austin Bryant DE
(146) Amari Oruwariye CB
(184) Travis Fulgham WR
(186) Ty Johnson RB
(224) Isaac Nauta TE
(229) PJ Johnson DL

Immediate Impact: TE TJ Hockenson
Hockenson is the best TE on the roster and that includes newly signed free agent Jesse James. Hockenson can be dynamic in the passing game, a dangerous red zone threat and he’ll be tough and consistent blocker both in the run game and when necessary in pass protection. If the new offense features him Matt Stafford will have a new favorite target when the team needs a big play.

Best Value: CB Amari Oruwariye
In the fifth round the Lions somehow lucked into a tall, athletic CB who played at a very high-level last year at Penn St. Darius Slay is the top CB in Detroit but Jalen Tabor hasn’t put it all together opposite him and Oruwariye has the ability to be a starter in the NFL. Some may say he doesn’t like to be physical and doesn’t hit but he covers damn well and when teams look to avoid Slay, he will take advantage with his coverage skills.

Sleeper: S Will Harris
The Lions have Quandre Diggs, Miles Killebrew and Tavon Wilson at safety but Harris adds an element of athleticism they just don’t have in the back end. He has good size at 6’1 207 and Matt Patricia knows he needs better production from the back end of his defense. Between Harris and Oruwariye he has added that needed athleticism and Harris will find a place to play here.

Overall Analysis
Hockenson is the star of this draft class and he will make an impact on the offense in many ways. This team wants to run the ball better and he will certainly help with their run blocking and be a threat in the passing game. The team also grabbed Isaac Nauta later in the draft and add in free agent Jesse James and it’s quite clear the team wasn’t happy with their TE depth chart. Nauta should contribute as a third or fourth TE depending on what holdover Michael Roberts provides. LB Jahlani Tavai, S Will Harris and CB Amari Oruwariye bring some athleticism to the back seven this team was seriously missing. Tavai will give their LBs a run for their money for playing time. He’s a more modern LB than Devon Kennard or Christian Jones. Fulgham is a small-school guy but beyond Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola and Kenny Golladay the Lions don’t have much at WR so he could stick. Ty Johnson will have it tougher at RB unless CJ Anderson is too out of shape to be useful. Kerryon Johnson, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner are basically locks for the roster. DL PJ Johnson’s size might endear him to the coaching staff but they already have big bodies so he may be looking at a year on the practice squad.

Green Bay Packers

(12) Rashan Gary DL
(21) Darnell Savage Jr. S
(44) Elgton Jenkins C/G
(75) Jace Sternberger TE
(150) Kingsley Keke DL
(185) Ka’dar Hollman CB
(194) Dexter Williams RB
(226) Ty Summers LB

Immediate Impact: TE Jace Sternberger, S Darnell Savage Jr.
The Packers still have Jimmy Graham but he isn’t the Jimmy Graham of old so they need some new blood at TE. Sternberger is a top-notch pass catcher and he will add to their offense. Rodgers knows how to use the TE so Sternberger will have an impact. I’m not a fan of the Savage pick but the team needs a deep safety. Adrian Amos and Josh Jones are better playing closer to the line of scrimmage, Savage has the speed to cover everything deep.

Best Value: C Elgton Jenkins
Jenkins should be an eventual starter for the Packers and that might happen sooner rather than later. C Corey Lindsay is a solid center but he is a bit undersized, LG Lane Taylor will be 30 this season and new RB Billy Turner may have been a big free agent signing but he hasn’t always been a consistent player. Jenkins can play anywhere on the interior of the line and that makes him a very valuable sub for now and he’ll eventually be a starter.

Sleeper: RB Dexter Williams
Williams is a well-built RB and he’s in the same mold as Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams so he should fit right in. Jones has had some injury issues in the past and Jamaal Williams has never been all that consistent. Dexter Williams hasn’t played a ton of snaps at Notre Dame so he’s still fresh and he has plenty of talent. If the team can keep his head on straight and get the most out of him, he could become a valuable piece on offense.

Overall Analysis
I didn’t love their first two picks. Rashan Gary is a fantastic athlete but simply never produced much at Michigan. The best hope they have is having Mike Daniels work ethic rub off on Gary and he starts to live up to his incredible potential. Savage is a fast safety but I think they over drafted him. He was a late riser in the draft process but there were better players available. Love the Jenkins and Sternberger picks, great value picks with long-term potential for the franchise. I don’t expect Keke or Hollman to make the roster, Keke is too undersized on the d-line and Hollman is fighting an uphill battle for a roster spot in the secondary. LB Ty Summers could make the roster as a backup LB where there isn’t much depth and he could play special teams.

Minnesota Vikings

(18) Garrett Bradbury C/G
(50) Irv Smith Jr. TE
(102) Alexander Mattison RB
(114) Dru Samia OL
(162) Cameron Smith LB
(190) Armon Watts DL
(191) Marcus Epps S
(193) Olisaemeka Udoh OL
(217) Kris Boyd CB
(239) Dillon Mitchell WR
(247) Olabisi Johnson WR
(250) Austin Cutting LS

Immediate Impact: C Garrett Bradbury, TE Irv Smith Jr.
Bradbury is going to start this season the only question is where; my guess is at center. The Vikings have Pat Elflein so they could have Bradbury start out at LG but I think they move Elflein to guard instead. That would improve two positions because I think Bradbury is a better center while Elflein improves their guard spot. Irv Smith Jr. isn’t taking Kyle Rudolph’s job just yet but the team will play more two TE sets now because of him and he’ll be a weapon for them.

Best Value: CB Kris Boyd
Boyd is definitely a better CB than a seventh-round pick. He’s a fighter and a scrapper and he might be better in the slot than Mackensie Alexander. With Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes on the outside Boyd’s best chance at playing time is beating out Alexander and Mike Hughes.

Sleeper: WR Dillon Mitchell
The Vikings have Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs but other than that the WR group is pretty devoid of talent. Laquon Treadwell is still hanging on but that is more about the lack of guys to beat him out than his abilities. Mitchell was the go-to WR at Oregon and he has good size and speed and could be a nice downfield threat for Kirk Cousins.

Overall Analysis
This is a large draft class and given the Vikings roster isn’t in bad shape a lot of these guys are headed to either the practice squad or to another team when they get cut. Bradbury is a guy that could be a future Pro Bowler at center and Irv Smith Jr. will be a nice weapon in the passing game right away. RB Alexander Mattison isn’t anything special but the team has very little behind Dalvin Cook and Cook is injury prone so as long as Mattison doesn’t fall on his face in training camp he should make the team. Dru Samia isn’t an overly athletic player but he’s experienced and the Vikings need interior help so he should be good. The defensive line and linebacking corps aren’t exactly stacked so Armon Watts and Cameron Smith might have a chance to make the roster. S Marcus Epps has some versatility but I don’t see him actually making the roster. Udoh is a small school prospect and while the team needs offensive line help, they need it now and Udoh isn’t ready right now. Johnson is a possession receiver but I don’t think he’s good enough to make the roster. It’s rare for a long snapper to get drafted but when a team has 12 picks they figure why not? The only question is whether or not he’ll have to serve his two-year commitment to the Air Force before he can play for the Vikings.