Zach and Jack closely monitored day one of the NFL Draft. Through all the surprises, stupidity, and questions we provide you our first round pick grades of the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Jacksonville Jaguars- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Jack’s Grade: B
Thoughts: I will die on the hill that the Jaguars should’ve taken a lineman to protect Lawrence. If it had to be Hutch or Walker I like that it’s Walker. He can play early downs opposite Josh Allen and let Chaisson take third downs until Walker can develop some pass rush moves. Walker will allow the Jags to mix up looks in the front though. He’s just not as ready as people think; this is more of an upside pick.
Zach’s Grade: C
Thoughts: I am also in the feeling that this should have been offensive lineman. I understand Walker’s physical upside, but how many of those guys do not workout. His stats do not shout elite pass rusher, nor does the tape. You are betting on him doing something he never did in college. The only reason this is not worse is because I truly believe Walker has the athleticism and attitude and leadership to have more flexibility if his pass rushing does not work out and transitions to more off ball play (which I believe he could thrive in where he rushes as a blitzer and in pass rushing situations).
- Detroit Lions- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Jack’s Grade: A-/B+
Thoughts: Hutchinson is not this generational talent people think he is. He is definitely not a Bosa or Myles Garrett. I’m glad he goes to a 4-3 defensive team because being a 4-3 end is going to be a better fit for Hutchinson. He still has some developing to do as a pass rusher, but should be serviceable for now. I also love the match of Dan Campbell and Hutchinson; this is a Dan Campbell player.
Zach’s Grade: A
Thoughts: This pick just makes sense. He is a local player whose play style and personality fits perfectly with your head coach in Detroit. He has a relentless motor so you do not have to worry about anything in that department. There are slight concerns but this is an obvious pick and the right one.
- Houston Texans- Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Jack’s Grade: A-
Thoughts: I LOVE THIS PICK! I love that they are taking a chance on Stingley. My only issue with and the only reason Stingley was my CB2 is because of the injury concern. He is high risk, high reward, but if he stays healthy the Texans just got their lockdown corner and arguably the best prospect this year when healthy. It is not an A+ only because of the injury risk.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: This is high risk high reward for the Texans. The athletic upside is immense and tape suggests he can be elite. But, it also wonders if Sauce was not the better choice here as he is bigger and perhaps more proven.
- New York Jets- Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: Some thought that Sauce may go 3 to the Texans or even 2 to the Lions. To get Sauce at 4 is a gift, and absolutely beautiful. The Jets are lacking an alpha in their cornerback room, and they just got their guy. He is going to have high expectations especially playing in NY, but I think he’ll be able to take it. This is my CB1 this year; he is a physical man to man corner. Good luck young buck, Diggs and Hill are going to challenge you every single snap.
Zach’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: This is a great pick and a great value and a massive need for the Jets. However, they had all of the lineman in play here. Even if the Becton news is overblown, they still need to get Zach Wilson more help to keep him upright. If they truly believed he was better than the lineman than props to them for sticking to their board.
- New York Giants- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Jack’s Grade: F
Thoughts: Why, just why? He is not this special talent people think he is. The media hype has gone to his head. This is not a need for NY given their roster, and how deep the edge class is. Thib has a bad personality in my opinion, he acts like a know-it-all, and I hate that. This isn’t about off the field issues, he doesn’t have legal issues and he gives back to the community; it’s about the interviews and the way he talks. He’s got a big head. The NY media is going to eat him alive…. What happened to wanting to do what’s best for Daniel Jones?
Zach’s Grade: C-
Thoughts: The only reason this is not lower is because Thib does have a lot of upside. He has red flags as well and the tape to me does not show elite pass rusher. He can contribute as a run defender and hopefully Martindale unlocks his physical upside. But, what concerns me is what happens if he does not start hot and the New York fandom turns on him after he preached over and over that he was the best in this class. He may start hot and never look back, but this is a bigger risk than people think.
Carolina Panthers- Ickey Ekwonu, OL, NCST
Jack’s Grade: A-
Thoughts: This is the dream scenario for Carolina, all the lineman fall to them. My first thought is, good on you for addressing the line. My second thought, I do not think Ekwonu will be a tackle at the pro level, I think he would be better suited kicking inside to guard. For Carolina who hasn’t had a left tackle since Jordan Gross, I would’ve personally gone with Cross or Neal, but at the end of the day Ickey will be a good player for the Panthers.
Zach’s Grade: A
Thoughts: Dream scenario for the Panthers. I am unsure how many of their scenarios had them getting their choice of the tackles but here we are. They take the correct one, and give Darnold a fair shot like it seems they have wanted all along. I just wonder if they could have traded back to acquire more assets, but I do not fault them at all for staying put and making the pick.
- New York Giants(Originally Chicago Bears)- Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
Jack’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Initial thought is Giants may be the luckiest team this draft so far. For the board to fall this way and have their choice of Neal and Cross at 7 is insane. Taking Neal was the right choice, he is my best pure tackle in this year’s class. Neal was talked about as the first overall pick at one point, to get him at 7 is crazy value. Thomas and Neal are probably the best young tackle tandem in the league.
Zach’s Grade: A-
Thoughts: Why did they take Thib first? Carolina was not taking him were they worried someone would trade up for him? The pure pick with Neal and NY makes sense, it is just weird how they went about it.
- Atlanta Falcons- Drake London, WR, USC
Jack’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: I like London. I think he’s a solid receiver prospect, but with the way the Falcons offense is composed, I thought that they would’ve gone with Olave to replace Ridley or Wilson who is great after the catch. I guess they want to play tall ball in Atlanta, which I never saw coming, but at least they addressed the biggest need.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: Massive shock here. We did not see this at all but one way to attack defenses is to just be bigger than any of your opponents. London and Pitts form one of the biggest pass rushing duos in the NFL. I like the fit, as London is a better route runner than people give him credit for and can be a reliable big bodied target. The only concern I have is Olave or Wilson could have added some speed to the room that is much needed. The way the board fell though, means the Falcons can go get another receiver on day two that would make this pick look even better. It has the potential to be a C grade or A, it just depends on how they full out their roster on day two and beyond.
- Seattle Seahawks(Originally Denver Broncos)- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Jack’s Grade: A super shocking A+
Thoughts: This was yet another dream scenario for a team in need of a franchise left tackle. With Cross climbing up boards over the last few weeks, I don’t know if anyone could’ve predicted that he would be here at 9. Even when he was I was waiting for that infamous Seattle reach pick. Good on Carroll and Schnieder for actually taking the best player available to solidify the line and help protect what seems to be starting QB Drew Lock. Just a side note: I feel like this was an F U to Russell Wilson.
Zach’s Grade: A
Zach’s Thoughts: The Seahawks have to be jumping that he was here so they did not have the opportunity to mess this pick up. They resist the urge to trade out and instead take Cross right in front of the New York Jets. Very smart move and an unusual smart move for a team that always seems to go wildcard in the first round.
- New York Jets(Originally Seattle Seahawks)- Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Jack’s Grade: B/B-
Thoughts: It was almost a dream scenario for the Jets as Cross almost fell right to their lap and almost walked out with the best 2 picks possible for their draft position. Instead they leave with Garrett Wilson. I’m not sure what to think about this pick. Wilson is good after the catch, but has some smaller red flags that could lead to bigger issues. For now I guess it’s a good pick? I personally would’ve taken Kenyon Green or trade down. I just don’t think receiver is as big a need as people think for the Jets.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: I have said all along he was not my receiver one in this draft. I have concerns he will struggle with drops at the next level. That being said, he does a lot for you and can make Zach Wilson’s life easier when you pair him with Elijah Moore. Both can take slants to the house and the offense run can be quick strike and much more efficient. Another plus is that they get a Deebo Samuel type player for a fraction of the cost. I just feel like they wish this could have been Cross.
- New Orleans Saints(Traded with Washington Commanders)- Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Jack’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: Olave is our WR1. The Saints have needed a WR2 for years now. For me the reason this isn’t an A is because Thomas and Olave are copies of each other. They are both top tier route runners. I would’ve thought this is Jameson Williams, a guy who can stretch the field. At least they got another weapon for Winston, good pick overall.
Zach’s Grade: A
Thoughts: I love the Saints getting ahead of the receiver run and taking the initiative. On top of this, the trade up did not require a ton. Olave is our wide receiver one and now the Saints have two elite route runners that do slightly different things in my opinion. Olave has more speed to run vertical routes while Thomas has more size. A very good and much improved receiver room from last year
- Detroit Lion(Trade with Minnesota Vikings)- Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: First thought is the Lions just finessed Minnesota. They gave up peanuts to move up from 32. Second thought is the Lions said they wanted to get more vertical and they got a guy who can do just that. This was a shock, but a good pick. The only reason this is not an A+ is because Williams is coming off a torn ACL suffered in January.
Zach’s Grade: A
Thoughts: This grade is as much about the trade itself as it is about the pick. They gave up so little to move that far and they went and got their guy. Williams shows they were not joking about getting more vertical and he offers a lot of juice to their receiving core. My only concern is whatever was going on with his interview after being picked. Was he unhappy about going to Detroit or is he just not a big interview guy?
- Philadelphia Eagles(Trade with Houston Texans, Originally Cleveland Browns)- Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
Jack’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: Davis is the best run stuffer in this year’s defensive line class and is a super freak athlete. The reason this pick is a B+ is because the more I think about this pick the less it makes sense. Cox is still in Philly and is an every down starter, they also have Milton Williams from last year, and Javon Hargrave who not only got paid a couple offseasons ago, but is coming off a pro bowl season. The + comes from the fact that they gave up peanuts to move up. Good trade, good player, but interesting selection. This trade and pick perfectly reflects Howie Roseman.
Zach’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: I do not hate it, but it is an odd fit although we love Davis so we do not question it. Howie worked his magic on this trade as the Eagles gave up day three picks to move up and get their guy. The reason this may be so good is that Davis can learn pass rushing from one of the better interior rushers in recent memory, Fletcher Cox.
- Baltimore Ravens- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Jack’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: The Ravens are one pick away from their dream pick in Jordan Davis, but instead walk away with our top prospect in this year’s class. Chuck Clark and Marcus Williams are both being paid big bucks, but this pick has to be made by Baltimore who is known for defense. They are going to be able to continue to give all kinds of looks on the defensive side by adding a third safety. I don’t know if anyone could’ve seen Hamilton falling that far.
Zach’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: The Ravens get the best player in the draft at pick 14. We know there are some concerns that have risen through the draft process, but do not overthink it. Hamilton is one of, if not the, best prospect in this draft. Safety is not a huge need for the Ravens, or even a need, but they go with the supreme talent and can sort it all out later.
- Houston Texans(Trade with Philadelphia Eagles, Originally Miami Dolphins)- Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Jack’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Green provides the Texans positional flexibility across the offensive line, which they need with Laremy Tunsil being the only name of note on the line. It doesn’t matter where they put Green, it is an upgrade. This is overall great for the Texans, they pick up a fourth and two fifths, and still get Kenyon Green.
Zach’s Grade: A
Thoughts: They passed on offensive lineman early and get a great pick here with Green. This is under the assumption they decide early on what his best position is and let him work towards it and develop. If they decide to use his versatility too much and stunt his growth, this grade could become much worse.
- Washington Commanders(Trade with New Orleans Saints, From Philadelphia Eagles, Originally Indianapolis Colts)- Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
Jack’s Grade: D
Thoughts: Only the Commanders could make a move like this. They have a slot receiver in Curtis Samuel, and Dotson is going to get beat up on the outside. Pickens, Watson, Burks, Moore were all still on the board. This is not the move we expected. Receiver yes, but wrong one.
Zach’s Grade: C
Thoughts: I am not super high on Dotson. I do not feel as though his speed at the combine shows up on film as much and I wonder if he will struggle to separate. He does run good routes though and has some of the best hands in this class. I feel as though he is best suited in the slot at the NFL and he can still be the running mate Scary Terry has so desperately needed. Not a great pick by Washington, but also not an awful reach either.
- Los Angeles Chargers- Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
Jack’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: To the consensus this is not a reach; however to me this is a reach pick. Not a super reach, but they probably could’ve traded back and still got their guy. At least they addressed the line, and have Herbert’s health in mind. Taking Johnson could point to the Chargers wanting to run the ball more. I thought Johnson was the best run blocking interior offensive lineman.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: This was one of two positions of need for the Chargers and they took care of it. Johnson was the logical choice with Kenyon gone. My only problem is that, unless they do add another running back later and try to be more balanced, his lack of elite pass blocking may be an issue in the AFC West.
- Tennessee Titans(Trade with Philadelphia Eagles, Originally New Orleans Saints)- Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Jack’s Grade: B+/B
Thoughts: My first thoughts are that the Titans got pretty good value for AJ Brown; pick 18 and a third round pick. They come up and get the best receiver available in Treylon Burks, but you are trying to replace a proven young superstar wide receiver with an upside receiver who has developing to do.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: There is risk in this move, but I definitely like Burks’s ability and potential as a prospect. AJ Brown is the proven player, but would you rather take a chance on a rookie or a 25 million dollar per year player? Each team may have their preference but I do not have an issue with the Titans move here.
- New Orleans Saints(Originally Philadelphia Eagles)- Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Jack’s Grade: C+
Thoughts: The reason this is a C+ and not a C or C- or even worse is because they addressed the need. You got Winston a second receiver, and now you try to keep Winston upright. My issue is this is not a high value pick. This is a super reach for me. Penning’s physicality is his way of trying to hide that he is beatable. He did not stand out at the FCS level. To say he’s going to replace Terron Armstead is a hot take. Armstead is one of the league’s best tackles. Penning needs time to develop and the Saints can not give that to him, this is a concerning pick for me.
Zach’s Grade: C+
Thoughts: Right position picked here, but from what I saw I have concerns about Penning. The Senior Bowl highlights that the analysts like to lean on were all penalties. He could have a serious holding problem at the next level where the NFL calls holding penalties for breathing the wrong way. I trust the Saints to get the most out of him as they seem very good at developing offensive lineman.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
Jack’s Grade: D
Thoughts: I believe in Mitch Trubisky. I believe that Pickett and Trubiksy are closer in style of play than you might think. I get that he’s the hometown kid, but that doesn’t mean you take him. Pickett is the most ready to play, he does not have the upside of some of the other QBs. I guess if Trubisky fails or can’t win the job you have a safe starter, but this is interesting for sure when you have the choice of all the QBs.
Zach’s Grade: B-
Thoughts: I do not hate this pick. On the positives, he is super safe, can compete right away, is insurance for Trubisky, and is a local kid that your fans can get behind. On the negative side, his upside to me is capped, you already have a similar version of him in Mitch, and you may have been better served banking on Willis or Howell. If Trubisky truly does not have what it takes mentally to be an NFL quarterback, this grade is better. If he starts hot and does not look back though, Pickett gains nothing by sitting and it is a worse grade.
- Kansas City Chiefs(Trade with New England Patriots)- Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Jack’s Grade: B+
Thoughts: I’m glad this wasn’t a trade up for a wide receiver. Kansas City traded with Patriots who are in the market for a corner to also get ahead of other teams in need of a corner. I like McDuffie, but I feel like his potential is down the line. The AFC is a bloodbath and the West is the heart of it. Although his upside isn’t as high I personally would’ve taken Kyler Gordon here. He is more ready to play now than McDuffie in my opinion, and is the best run defending corner in the class which I think the Chiefs could use in a division with Ekler, J. Williams, Gordon, Jacobs, and Drake.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: They traded up and went for the right position. I cannot say much about McDuffie’s play as I did not do a lot of scouting on him, but the Chiefs resisted the temptation to go WR or something else and took a true need here.
- Green Bay Packers(Originally Las Vegas Raiders)- Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Jack’s Grade: C-
Thoughts: Look I like Quay. I believed that he could be the first linebacker off the board this year, and I do pat myself on the back for being right, but this is clearly not a need. The Packers have Campbell and Barnes, I know everyone forgets about Barnes but he’s a quality backer. This is a deep linebacker class, and they could’ve added to the room later in the draft. The only reason this isn’t a lower grade is because I like Walker as a prospect. He has high upside if given the opportunity to sit at first which he can do in Green Bay. He can play situationally in GB as a rookie. He played all over the Georgia front, and he’ll probably be used to help give different looks in the front.
Zach’s Grade: D
Thoughts: This has nothing to do with Walker as a prospect, and everything to do with the position. Barnes is the starter next to Campbell and has been a gem find as an undrafted free agent. Even if you wanted to replace him, first round was not the choice when you need receiver so badly. Even if you wanted to argue receiver can be found later, Jermaine Johnson and players like Linderbaum were there. Instead they take a position they will regret. As with their next pick, what is the point of trading Adams for a first if your move does not greatly improve your team, and Walker does not.
- Buffalo Bills(Trade with Baltimore Ravens, Via trade with Arizona Cardinals)- Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Jack’s Grade: C
Thoughts: Either one of the Washington corners would’ve been the best fit in Buffalo in my opinion. This grade sits at a C because they drafted the right position and Elam is not a bad prospect. Elam has the coverage skills to have been a top 20 pick in this year’s class, but he has injury concerns and may be the worst run defending corner I’ve ever watched. Think Marcus Peters but worse. If Elam was a better run defender or this is a different corner it’s a higher grade.
Zach’s Grade: C+
Thoughts: The right position for the Bills, perhaps a little surprising on it being Elam. He has the coverage ability to be elite, but cannot tackle and had more than a few injuries in college. Think Marcus Peters like. If White comes back fully healthy, Elam is a nice two. Anything more and there could be problems.
- Dallas Cowboys- Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
Jack’s Grade: F
Thoughts: I have Tyler Smith graded as a mid-late day 2 prospect. He has a lot more developing to do than most people think. Technique wise he is one of the rougher prospects I watched at tackle, but yanno Dallas gonna Dallas. Now Smith can get destroyed on the line and Anthony Brown can continue to try to live up to the legendary piece of burnt toast that is Eli Apple.
Zach’s Grade: D
Thoughts: Dallas took their guy from the dark cave that is their war room. Like Darth Sideous on the Death Star, Jerry Jones made unpopular decisions from the veil of darkness. All jokes aside, this was Jerry being Jerry and reached on a player that he liked. I guess you have to trust in your offensive line coach to get the best out of him and hope that this was not a huge reach.
- Baltimore Ravens(Trade with Buffalo Bills)- Tyler Linderbuam, C, Iowa
Jack’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: I don’t know how they do it, but the Ravens seem to be the best drafting team in football. Their ability to trust the board and move up and down without missing their guy is incredible. They get Hamilton at 14, and as they made that pick they traded back into the first 10 picks later to go get their guy in Linderbaum. They even traded down with Buffalo and still landed Linderbaum. They got 2 of the best prospects in this year’s class and at insanely low draft positions for players of their caliber. Great job Baltimore; Green Bay could use some advice.
Zach’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Baltimore always seems to win the first round. They took Kyle Hamilton at 14. And then, in an even better move, somehow got a first for Hollywood and a third round pick. The recent news on Brown has not been the best with questions about his commitment to football and catching passes when it matters. Now the Ravens do not have to pay him and get a steal with Linderbaum. They can replace his production in the second or third round. Great trade and great pick.
- New York Jets(Trade with Tennessee Titans)- Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Jack’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: There were rumors that the Jets may take Johnson at 4 or even 10. The fact that they were able to take two different prospects at those picks and still be able to trade back into the first later on for peanuts and get their guy makes this a high value pick for me.
Zach’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Jets, to me, saved their Garrett Wilson pick a little by getting a massive steal with Johnson here. I thought both him, Karlaftis, and Thib would fall some, but turns out we were right about two out of three. Johnson is an elite run defender immediately as he develops his pass rushing more. The only pause I have is any of their three picks could have, and perhaps should have, been an offensive lineman.
- Jacksonville Jaguars(Trade with Tampa Bay Buccaneers)- Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Jack’s Grade: C-
Thoughts: There’s a couple ways to look at this. First, maybe the Jags want to be versatile up front to be able to give a variety of looks and generate pressure in a non-conventional sense. Walker, Lloyd, Allen, Chaisson, Key, the looks they could give could get confusing for opposing defenses. My second thought is that after the Urban Meyer year, Pederson’s first priority is trying to build the culture back up. Lloyd and Walker are both high character prospects. These are reasons why this is a C-. If not for these reasons this would be an F. Lloyd is a high reward prospect, but has developing to do. He is also high risk.
Zach’s Grade: D
Thoughts: This is more about the position picked than the player. Why was this not an offensive lineman? If you want to win with defense why hire Doug Pederson, why draft Trevor Lawrence. This is two out of two first round picks that were not needs. Lloyd is a fine prospect and a good leader with athletic upside, but you already did that pick with Walker at one. Lloyd needs some development, and sure he is a leader but Lawrence, your actual leader in theory, needs more help on the line. Did Jacksonville learn nothing from Andrew Luck’s years in Indy.
- Green Bay Packers- Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
Jack’s Grade: D
Thoughts: I’m giving Wyatt a slightly lower grade than I gave Q. Walker. I think Wyatt will help the Packers be able to give different looks on the front, but Wyatt is still more so based around upside and athleticism. He is not a sure thing. The point is the Packers continue to pass on first round wide receivers when it is desperately a need. If you don’t think the value is there, trade out don’t just take a player to take him. Your defense wasn’t the issue.
Zach’s Grade: D
Thoughts: Horrible drafting continues for Green Bay. Even if I liked Wyatt more as a prospect, this does not make sense. It is not as much nonsense as the Walker pick, but it is still ridiculous. One of these two firsts had to be receiver, there should have been a trade up if they did not have first round grades on Moore or Watson or any of the ones remaining. I do not feel Wyatt is even a great fit on their line and in their scheme. If Wyatt and a receiver were taken the grade may be lighter, but going with Quay Walker and Wyatt makes this all the worse of a pick. Green Bay needs to pray there is not a receiver run early in the second (and it looks like there could be). They also need to move Jordan Love already and get whatever value they can, but with all of the quarterbacks falling besides Pickett, they may have hurt themselves even more by not doing it before.
- New England Patriots(Trade with Kansas City Chiefs, Via trade with Miami Dolphins, Originally San Francisco 49ERS)- Cole Strange, OG, Tennessee-Chattanooga
Jack’s Grade: A
Thoughts: New England picks up a couple later picks and goes out and gets their guy in typical Patriots fashion. I liked Strange, I had a late first round grade on him, so I’m happy to see that there was a team who had a late first grade on him too. I’m more comfortable with NE taking a first round lineman than I am them taking a CB because they have a bad history of taking first round corners. If there’s a strength on the Pats, it’s always the O-Line. If Belichick takes him, he’s most likely going to work out. Strange will take the spot left from the Shaq Mason trade.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: Jack likes him so I gotta trust his judgment here. The position is a need, but even if this was the plan all along, why was Shaq Mason traded for the little he was. This grade more or less ties into the fact that they could have gotten Strange and a better pick for Mason. However, it seems like a Patriot player so this will most likely work out.
- Kansas City Chiefs- George Karlaftis, DL, Purdue
Jack’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Karlaftis was our number one end. He has probably the quickest first step of the edges/ends, and is still fairly new to the position. There’s no elite pass rusher in KC, but he should be able to learn a thing or two from All-Pro Chris Jones. Karlaftis has versatility along the front and is solid in the run and as a rusher. To get him at 29 is an absolute steal. Again, great job by KC showing trust in their receivers, and addressing actual needs.
Zach’s Grade: A+
Thoughts: Karlaftis was my number one pure defensive end, and the Chiefs get him here at immense value. He is a day one starter, a three down player, and can kick inside if asked in different situations. A nice blend of speed and power will serve him well, as will learning from Chris Jones. Do not be surprised if he is the best pass rusher to come out of this first round.
- Cincinnati Bengals- Daxton Hill. DB, Michigan
Jack’s Grade: D
This pick hurt me. For anyone who follows our stuff, you know that Dax Hill may have been my favorite prospect from this class. He is a playmaker. The issue is that either Cincy drafted him to be a full time safety or an outside corner, as their nickel position is already filled by Mike Hilton who in my book is the best nickel in the NFL. Can Hill be a full time safety or cornerback? Absolutely. I think he can be whatever a team asks him to be; however, it minimizes his ability to be the playmaker he was in college. Bates is still technically on the team. Hilton is on this team. This is a questionable pick with Booth and Gordon still on the board. I would’ve gone pure corner over Dax here. This grade is more about where is Dax going to fit in, not grading Dax as a player.
Zach’s Grade: B?
Thoughts: I love Hill, he is very versatile and can do a lot. The only reason I do not love it more is they have an elite slot corner and safety duo so where will he play? Do the Bengals have plans to make a trade? It is very odd and I just wonder what the plans are.
- Minnesota Vikings(Trade with Detroit Lions, Originally Los Angeles Rams)- Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Jack’s Grade: C-
This grade has nothing to do with Cine as a prospect. I actually really like Cine. He was my 4th ranked safety in the class. Third if you take out the versatile Dax Hill. For a guy with the reputation of being a hard hitter, Cine played a lot of the deep zone coverage. He does a nice mix of everything and is still raw. Harrison Smith is the perfect veteran safety for Cine to learn leadership and technique and strategy stuff from. This grade has to do with the fact that Minnesota moved back 20 spots in the first just to move up 10 picks in the second round and gain a third rounder… and this trade was with a division rival nonetheless. They were also sitting at 12 where they could’ve taken Hamilton. Cine is a fine prospect but he’s not Hamilton. They walk out with a good prospect, a guy who probably pairs with Smith to be arguably the best safety tandem in football; however, this is a bozo move. The Lions went up to get Jameson Williams, and your CB room is still basically only the old man, Pat Pete.
Zach’s Grade: B
Thoughts: Safety was a need, and Cine is a fine prospect and fit even, but this feels like it should have been a corner. Both Booth and Gordan were there, and they passed on both of them. If that early second they now possess is corner this is not a bad pick at all, but if they do not end up with one of those two, this pick may not help their defense as much as the corner would. It is also worth noting they passed on Kyle Hamitlon to get that early second swap with Detroit so the early second has to workout for them.