A look back on the first round: a pick by pick view.
Last night's first round of the draft was one that was packed with drama and intrigue, much like the Kevin Costner fronted movie about the very same topic. The drama and intrigue wasn't totally driven by the Browns like the movie, although they definitely played a part in keeping the round interesting from start to finish. Instead the drama started with the number 2 overall pick, we'll get to that in a minute but to kick things off we'll look at the number one overall pick held by the aforementioned Cleveland Browns.
Pick 1: Cleveland Brown select Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
The Browns did the sensible thing. All draft season the only thing that draftniks could agree upon (for the most part) was that Myles Garrett was the best player available, the home run hit that this franchise has often not delivered in previous drafts. Adding Garrett to a defensive line that now boasts former first round pick Danny Shelton at Nose Tackle and last year's number 32 pick Emmanuel Ogbah with Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins behind them in Greg Williams new 4-3 front helps the Browns start to craft an identity. They added to the Offensive line in free agency and are building a front seven, for all the talk of analytics in the Browns front office, traditional team building philosophy preaches building up front and that is exactly what the Browns did with this pick.
Pick 2: Chicago Bears select Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
As I mentioned in the introduction this pick is where the intrigue started. This pick was originally held by the San Francisco 49ers, however rookie GM John Lynch swapped first round picks with the Bears GM Ryan Pace whilst also getting picks 67 and 111. As the subheading states the Bears used this pick on one year starter Mitch Trubisky, a QB who couldn't beat out Marquise Williams as starter at UNC (who was a UDFA for the Vikings last year and is currently a free agent). That is obviously rudimentary analysis that ignores other factors that go into a QB battle, to balance it out I'll point to the fact that many draft analyst including Bleacher Report's Matt Mill (@nfldraftscout) had him as their number 1 QB. The Bears clearly need a QB to build around as many doubt that Mike Glennon is a long term answer at the position despite the salary that he is commanding this year. However, it's worth asking if the number 2 overall was a bit rich for Mitch especially at the cost of 67 and 111 too for a team that is talent poor.
Pick 3: San Francisco 49ers select Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
With the third pick the 49ers selected the player they probably had in their mind for pick 2. Rookie head coach Kyles Shanahan brought in Robert Saleh as his Defensive Coordinator with the aim of building a defense in the image of the Seattle Seahawks. A good way to get this process started is by selected a player who has been compared to the Seahawks starting LEO, Michael Bennett. Thomas has been dubbed a 'tweener' by some and has some question marks against the run due to his lack of anchor but offers upside as a DE who can slide inside on passing downs much like Bennett, the 49ers just hope he has success in the same way. This is the third time in three years the 49ers have picked a Defensive lineman in the first round and it will be interesting to see what they do with their two 3-4 DE prototypes (Buckner and Armstead) in Saleh's 4-3 front.
Pick 4: Jacksonville Jaguars select Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Blake Bortles has been a turnover machine during his NFL career, despite an incredibly talented receiving corps that includes Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marquise Lee he hasn't been able to play consistently winning football. The new Jacksonville brain trust of Tom Coughlin, Doug Marrone and incumbent GM Dave Caldwell decided to take a leaf out of the Seahawks, Titans and Cowboys boks here by building a dominant, power running game to take some of the load off Blake. They're building a great defense in Jacksonville and a dominant run game can only help that get better. Much has been made of Fournette's weaknesses out of shotgun compared to dotting the 'i' (see this great piece by Graham Barfield: https://www.fantasyguru.com/articles/yards-created-fournettes-2015-and-2016) but I like the idea of sticking Fournette back there and building a boot-action/play action passing game, giving Bortles simpler reads and hopefully he can stop being an anchor to this team's potential.
Pick 5: Tennessee Titans select Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Titans have a legit stud in QB Marcus Mariota and have built an 'exotic smashmouth' offence using Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry to lighten his load but he needs weapons, correction he needed weapons but John Robinson went out and got him one. Corey Davis graded out as many draftnik's best receiver and was Josh Norris of Rotoworld's number 5 overall prospect. His pro comparison is Terrell Owens, pair that with a QB that has drawn Joe Montana comparisons and it's easy to get excited about this great young core they're building on offence.
Pick 6: New York Jets select Jamal Adams, S, LSU
When Adams visited the Jets last week they asked him why he was even bothering, they thought he'd be well gone by 6. He probably should have been well gone by 6. Adams is a punishing safety who can be another piece on the Jets' D. He can cover, he can hit and is apparently a natural born leader according to his LSU coaches. Bucky Brooks believes that he may well grade out as the best overall player in this draft when it's all said and done if that's the case the Jets got a steal. Even if he's not quite an All-Pro the Jets still got much needed talent for possibly the league's worst roster.
Pick 7: Los Angeles Chargers select Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Chargers didn't need another receiver, Keenan Allen, Dontrell Inman, Travis Benjamin, Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry is already a loaded receiving corps. But they clearly felt that Willams was too good of a match to pass on. Phillip RivPers love throwing the ball up for grabs and Willams is labelled a 'jump-ball specialist'. Matt Harmon's reception perception showed that Williams isn't a great separator but wins at the point of attack and as well as being a great deep ball player is also an effective player on flats and slants which has been a key long time part of the Chargers' offence. This pick becomes a great one if Allen has issues staying on the field again and it means the Chargers' season shouldn't grind to halt like it has the past few seasons if/when injuries hit.
Pick 8: Carolina Panthers select Christian McCaffrey, RB/KR/WR, Stanford
With this pick the Panthers may well have got their best receiving option as well as an incredibly productive collegiate runner. Some analysts questioned whether his frame can hold up to heavy work load but the reality is almost no runner ran between the tackles more often than McCaffrey. They can team McCaffrey up with Cam and form one of the most potent backfields in recent memory, defenses will truly have to pick their poison. McCaffrey could have been drafted here as slot receiver and it wouldn't have been far fetched. Carolina have given Cam big bodied playmakers to counteract his accuracy issues, but their receiving corps had trouble separating all year. McCaffrey should instantly provide help in the run and pass game for an offense that struggled last year.
Pick 9: Cincinnati Bengals select John Ross, WR, Washington
Last offseason the Bengals let Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu walk out the door, as result the passing game became a one man show starring AJ Green, especially with Eifert sidelined for much of the season. Ross should help lighten the load immediately. The fastest man in draft history is a homerun threat from anywhere, more than just a burner Ross beat cornerbacks with polished routes and excellent footwork. Andy Dalton was probably the happiest man in Cincy after this pick as now he has two legit WR1s that defenses are gonna have fits trying to cover.
Pick 10: Kansas City Chiefs select Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
The Chiefs traded up to this pick with the Bills to take their QB of the future. In a clear sign that John Dorsey and Andy Reid agree with the opinion held by some that they can win with Alex Smith but can't win it all. Mahomes may well give them the chance to achieve that one day but despite being possibly the most physically gifted QB in the draft he will need time. He's very raw and will need refining but you couldn't have picked a better landing spot for Mahomes than to learn from noted offensive mind Andy Reid. Also I for one can't wait to see Tyreek Hill to rack up 2000 yards when Mahomes gets a hold of this offense, KC become one of the most fun teams in the league.
Pick 11: New Orleans Saints select Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Saints defense has been chronically bad for several years now, with this pick they add a premier CB which immediately bolsters their defense. The NFC South is loaded with top level QBs and although the Saints love paying Arena Football eventually they need to try and do something to stop their opponents and this pick is a start.
Pick 12: Houston Texans select Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
The Texans traded up into this pick with the Browns, giving up next year's first rounder to pair with the Texans' second rounder they got in the Osweiller trade. They traded up a long way to get a QB but given the state of the Texans' QB room the past few years it was a clear need. Watson was QB1 to some in this draft and has tremendous pedigree, leaving Clemson as a National Championship winning QB. The Texans roster has a similar supporting cast to Watson's at Clemson and even a former Tiger in Nuk Hopkins so the transition will be interesting to see. The Texans better hope it works out for them though as they will have limited picks to add much else to this roster but they clearly believe they are just a QB away. Only time will tell if that's the case.
Pick 13: Arizona Cardinals select Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
A former walk on safety who transitioned to an EDGE guy at Temple and then played off the ball linebacker at the Senior Bowl, Reddick is an incredibly versatile talent for the Cardinals to add. It sounds as if they will sit him behind Dansby to help him learn the ins and outs of the position which would continue the trend of their first round picks red shirting their rookie years. Adding another former DB to their linebacking core seems odd when they are weak up front and there is always a chance to get talent later on up front. If they don't do anything about that though I'd hardly be sad as a Seahawks fan as I think both our offense and Todd Gurley could wreak havoc on this current Cards D.
Pick 14: Philadelphia Eagles select Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Barnett broke Reggie White's sake record at Tennessee, that's a big deal. He's clearly a talented pass rusher, some believe he may be better than Mr. Garrett from College Station, others think he's a poor athlete who is a very good snap jumper. What is clear is that he's joining a loaded D-Line in Philly. Fletcher Cox, Chris Long, Bennie Logan, Barnett and others will constantly present O-lines with difficulties. Philly are developing an embarrassment of riches up front and Barnett should have plenty of opportunity to be productive given the attention his fellow playmates should garner in double teams.
Pick 15: Indianapolis Colts select Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
In one offseason Chris Ballard has done what Ryan Grigson failed to do repeatedly, build a defense. He used free agency to retool his front seven and a top five player fell into his lap in the draft, Malik Hooker is a rare talent, drawing over ambitious comparisons to All-Pro Ed Reed with special ball skills. Ballard hopes that Hooker turns out like Ed Reed but in reality he only has to be a fraction of that to be a difference maker to this D.
Pick 16: Baltimore Ravens select Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The Ravens got a top CB in the middle of the round, some consider this a reach however I like the fit. With Eric Weddle roaming over the top Humphrey can afford to be as aggressive as wants and he immediately adds a boost to their defensive backfield.
Pick 17: Washington select Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabame
An interior pass rusher out of Alabama who grew up in Virginia only down the road from the facility. Nick Saban churns out defensive talent over and over but Allen may be the best interior guy he's turned out in years. Washington got an absolute steal at this point in the draft with many having Allen as a top 10 player, he'll immediately bolster the Washington D.
Pick 18: Tennessee Titans select Adoree' Jackson, CB/PR, USC
With their first pick the Titans gave Mariota a weapon on offense, now they looked towards their defense which also had issues last year. Jackson has elite speed which he can contribute to the return game with but will also be a massive help on this Titans defense which definitely leaves plenty to be desired. Another interesting addition on a team with a lot of interesting pieces.
Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers select OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
The Bucs added a top 10 player for great value with this pick. Howard will be another big bodied weapon for Winston to further help mask his accuracy issues but will also provide a big plus in the run game. Cameron Brate showed well at TE last year but he's more of a move TE than the in-line guy that Howard is, together they should make a nice young duo in 2TE sets.
Pick 20: Denver Broncos select Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
The Broncos needed help on O-line, Bolles will be a 25 year old rookie with one year D1 starting experience. He has the natural athleticism but it will be interesting to see how he develops as a pro. I'm glad the Broncos took him to save my Seahawks taking him, a 25 year old rookie isn't ideal. For comparison Luke Joeckel who the Seahawks acquired on his second contract is 25 now, Bolles will be 29/30 at the same point. If he can hold down a bookend of the line Broncos fans won't be complaining much though.
Pick 21: Detroit Lions select Jarrad Davies, LB, Florida
The Lions defense lacked speed last year, their linebackers couldn't cover and that's partly why they kept finding themselves in close games at the death. Hopefully this pick can improve their defense and give the Matthew Stafford and his offense a chance to win games with ease rather fighting games to the death.
Pick 22: Miami Dolphins select Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Charles Harris is a good pass rusher, maybe not the next best one on everyone's board and maybe not a first round talent. However, he adds some youth to the Dolphins defense and pass rush and that's always going to help when you play Brady twice a year.
Pick 23: New York Giants select Evan Engram, "TE", Ole Miss
I refer to Engram as a "TE" because in reality he's a beefed up wide receiver who will undoubtedly help the passing game but I can't imagine him helping their chronic inability to run the ball. Yes it will add flexibility to 11 personnel and enable them to flex him out to the slot and take advantage of any base looks they get but they seem unlikely. It's another weapon for Eli but their are a lot of mouths to feed on this offense and it almost guarantees sub-packages facing them for 95% of snaps which could help their feeble run game.
Pick 24: Oakland Raiders select Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
The Raiders pass defense was tragic last year, a lot of that was due to their revolving door of linebackers that can't cover but the chance to add a CB who could be a game changer for them. They'll just hope that the rape case against him isn't true and he comes out clean.\
Pick 25: Cleveland Browns select Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
The Browns added another defensive playmaker, yes he has limited INTs and counting stats but he played LB for a year. He had more TFLs in September than Myles Jack's entire UCLA career. Now that he'll get a chance to focus on safety it'll be interesting to see how he develops as a player, he could turn into an electric player at SS in Greg Williams' D.
Pick 26: Atlanta Falcons select Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
The Falcons needed to add support to their pass rush as Vic Beasley is not a down to down impact player. He led the league in sacks last year but those stats were bumped up by big games rather than persistent production. McKinley's frame should offer more in the run game and his relentless attitude fits perfectly with Dan Quinn's culture.
Pick 27: Buffalo Bills select TreDavious White, CB, LSU
Good marriage of need and talent matching up here to provide the Bills with much needed corner support. Good roster for the most part and the best available players at this point didn't match their needs aside from this. really like the value of this pick.
Pick 28: Dallas Cowboys select Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Many believe that the Cowboys wanted Takk Mckinley here, instead they settle for the second best Michigan DL available. Taco is a good athlete but I know Cowboy fans weren't thrilled. They needed pass rush help as that has been poor for a few years so a first round pass rusher is a good addition, just not sure if Taco Charlton is the right addition.
Pick 29: Cleveland Browns select David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla.)
A freakish athlete who can truly be a weapon for whoever is throwing the ball in Cleveland. May not help much with blocking initially like most young TEs but with their OL additions that shouldn't be so much of a factor initially. I just really like what the Browns achieved with this first round, two defensive playmakers and a potential difference maker on offense who are all freak athletes.
Pick 30: Pittsburgh Steelers select TJ Watt, LB, Wisconsin
Where Watt projects at the next level is interesting, he played EDGE but shows good off the ball backer skills. I see him as the successor to James Harrison when he finally gives it all up and will be a good contributor in the meantime.
Pick 31: San Francisco 49ers select Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The 49ers get a guy they considered at 2 for insanely good value. Hard to not love this pick (unless you're a Seahawks fan), Foster is a nasty linebacker who will set the tone for this defense and can play the Wagner role in their incarnation of the Seahawks D. The 'Hawks linebackers are the most overlooked players on the team and Lynch will be happy if Foster is half the player Wright and Wagner are or even Bowman and Willis from the Harbaugh Niners.
Pick 32: New Orleans Saints select Ryan Ramcyzk, OT,
Saints need defensive help, so take a back up tackle with health concerns. Will be a good bookend for the future but in a loaded class they really wanted Foster and may rue not getting a top defensive playmaker.
That's my view of the first round, I'll look at the Seahwaks drafts after the weekend then will meander my way around the league's rosters before September.
Thanks for reading,
James
Pick 1: Cleveland Brown select Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
The Browns did the sensible thing. All draft season the only thing that draftniks could agree upon (for the most part) was that Myles Garrett was the best player available, the home run hit that this franchise has often not delivered in previous drafts. Adding Garrett to a defensive line that now boasts former first round pick Danny Shelton at Nose Tackle and last year's number 32 pick Emmanuel Ogbah with Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins behind them in Greg Williams new 4-3 front helps the Browns start to craft an identity. They added to the Offensive line in free agency and are building a front seven, for all the talk of analytics in the Browns front office, traditional team building philosophy preaches building up front and that is exactly what the Browns did with this pick.
Pick 2: Chicago Bears select Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
As I mentioned in the introduction this pick is where the intrigue started. This pick was originally held by the San Francisco 49ers, however rookie GM John Lynch swapped first round picks with the Bears GM Ryan Pace whilst also getting picks 67 and 111. As the subheading states the Bears used this pick on one year starter Mitch Trubisky, a QB who couldn't beat out Marquise Williams as starter at UNC (who was a UDFA for the Vikings last year and is currently a free agent). That is obviously rudimentary analysis that ignores other factors that go into a QB battle, to balance it out I'll point to the fact that many draft analyst including Bleacher Report's Matt Mill (@nfldraftscout) had him as their number 1 QB. The Bears clearly need a QB to build around as many doubt that Mike Glennon is a long term answer at the position despite the salary that he is commanding this year. However, it's worth asking if the number 2 overall was a bit rich for Mitch especially at the cost of 67 and 111 too for a team that is talent poor.
Pick 3: San Francisco 49ers select Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
With the third pick the 49ers selected the player they probably had in their mind for pick 2. Rookie head coach Kyles Shanahan brought in Robert Saleh as his Defensive Coordinator with the aim of building a defense in the image of the Seattle Seahawks. A good way to get this process started is by selected a player who has been compared to the Seahawks starting LEO, Michael Bennett. Thomas has been dubbed a 'tweener' by some and has some question marks against the run due to his lack of anchor but offers upside as a DE who can slide inside on passing downs much like Bennett, the 49ers just hope he has success in the same way. This is the third time in three years the 49ers have picked a Defensive lineman in the first round and it will be interesting to see what they do with their two 3-4 DE prototypes (Buckner and Armstead) in Saleh's 4-3 front.
Pick 4: Jacksonville Jaguars select Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Blake Bortles has been a turnover machine during his NFL career, despite an incredibly talented receiving corps that includes Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marquise Lee he hasn't been able to play consistently winning football. The new Jacksonville brain trust of Tom Coughlin, Doug Marrone and incumbent GM Dave Caldwell decided to take a leaf out of the Seahawks, Titans and Cowboys boks here by building a dominant, power running game to take some of the load off Blake. They're building a great defense in Jacksonville and a dominant run game can only help that get better. Much has been made of Fournette's weaknesses out of shotgun compared to dotting the 'i' (see this great piece by Graham Barfield: https://www.fantasyguru.com/articles/yards-created-fournettes-2015-and-2016) but I like the idea of sticking Fournette back there and building a boot-action/play action passing game, giving Bortles simpler reads and hopefully he can stop being an anchor to this team's potential.
Pick 5: Tennessee Titans select Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
The Titans have a legit stud in QB Marcus Mariota and have built an 'exotic smashmouth' offence using Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry to lighten his load but he needs weapons, correction he needed weapons but John Robinson went out and got him one. Corey Davis graded out as many draftnik's best receiver and was Josh Norris of Rotoworld's number 5 overall prospect. His pro comparison is Terrell Owens, pair that with a QB that has drawn Joe Montana comparisons and it's easy to get excited about this great young core they're building on offence.
Pick 6: New York Jets select Jamal Adams, S, LSU
When Adams visited the Jets last week they asked him why he was even bothering, they thought he'd be well gone by 6. He probably should have been well gone by 6. Adams is a punishing safety who can be another piece on the Jets' D. He can cover, he can hit and is apparently a natural born leader according to his LSU coaches. Bucky Brooks believes that he may well grade out as the best overall player in this draft when it's all said and done if that's the case the Jets got a steal. Even if he's not quite an All-Pro the Jets still got much needed talent for possibly the league's worst roster.
Pick 7: Los Angeles Chargers select Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Chargers didn't need another receiver, Keenan Allen, Dontrell Inman, Travis Benjamin, Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry is already a loaded receiving corps. But they clearly felt that Willams was too good of a match to pass on. Phillip RivPers love throwing the ball up for grabs and Willams is labelled a 'jump-ball specialist'. Matt Harmon's reception perception showed that Williams isn't a great separator but wins at the point of attack and as well as being a great deep ball player is also an effective player on flats and slants which has been a key long time part of the Chargers' offence. This pick becomes a great one if Allen has issues staying on the field again and it means the Chargers' season shouldn't grind to halt like it has the past few seasons if/when injuries hit.
Pick 8: Carolina Panthers select Christian McCaffrey, RB/KR/WR, Stanford
With this pick the Panthers may well have got their best receiving option as well as an incredibly productive collegiate runner. Some analysts questioned whether his frame can hold up to heavy work load but the reality is almost no runner ran between the tackles more often than McCaffrey. They can team McCaffrey up with Cam and form one of the most potent backfields in recent memory, defenses will truly have to pick their poison. McCaffrey could have been drafted here as slot receiver and it wouldn't have been far fetched. Carolina have given Cam big bodied playmakers to counteract his accuracy issues, but their receiving corps had trouble separating all year. McCaffrey should instantly provide help in the run and pass game for an offense that struggled last year.
Pick 9: Cincinnati Bengals select John Ross, WR, Washington
Last offseason the Bengals let Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu walk out the door, as result the passing game became a one man show starring AJ Green, especially with Eifert sidelined for much of the season. Ross should help lighten the load immediately. The fastest man in draft history is a homerun threat from anywhere, more than just a burner Ross beat cornerbacks with polished routes and excellent footwork. Andy Dalton was probably the happiest man in Cincy after this pick as now he has two legit WR1s that defenses are gonna have fits trying to cover.
Pick 10: Kansas City Chiefs select Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
The Chiefs traded up to this pick with the Bills to take their QB of the future. In a clear sign that John Dorsey and Andy Reid agree with the opinion held by some that they can win with Alex Smith but can't win it all. Mahomes may well give them the chance to achieve that one day but despite being possibly the most physically gifted QB in the draft he will need time. He's very raw and will need refining but you couldn't have picked a better landing spot for Mahomes than to learn from noted offensive mind Andy Reid. Also I for one can't wait to see Tyreek Hill to rack up 2000 yards when Mahomes gets a hold of this offense, KC become one of the most fun teams in the league.
Pick 11: New Orleans Saints select Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
The Saints defense has been chronically bad for several years now, with this pick they add a premier CB which immediately bolsters their defense. The NFC South is loaded with top level QBs and although the Saints love paying Arena Football eventually they need to try and do something to stop their opponents and this pick is a start.
Pick 12: Houston Texans select Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
The Texans traded up into this pick with the Browns, giving up next year's first rounder to pair with the Texans' second rounder they got in the Osweiller trade. They traded up a long way to get a QB but given the state of the Texans' QB room the past few years it was a clear need. Watson was QB1 to some in this draft and has tremendous pedigree, leaving Clemson as a National Championship winning QB. The Texans roster has a similar supporting cast to Watson's at Clemson and even a former Tiger in Nuk Hopkins so the transition will be interesting to see. The Texans better hope it works out for them though as they will have limited picks to add much else to this roster but they clearly believe they are just a QB away. Only time will tell if that's the case.
Pick 13: Arizona Cardinals select Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
A former walk on safety who transitioned to an EDGE guy at Temple and then played off the ball linebacker at the Senior Bowl, Reddick is an incredibly versatile talent for the Cardinals to add. It sounds as if they will sit him behind Dansby to help him learn the ins and outs of the position which would continue the trend of their first round picks red shirting their rookie years. Adding another former DB to their linebacking core seems odd when they are weak up front and there is always a chance to get talent later on up front. If they don't do anything about that though I'd hardly be sad as a Seahawks fan as I think both our offense and Todd Gurley could wreak havoc on this current Cards D.
Pick 14: Philadelphia Eagles select Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Barnett broke Reggie White's sake record at Tennessee, that's a big deal. He's clearly a talented pass rusher, some believe he may be better than Mr. Garrett from College Station, others think he's a poor athlete who is a very good snap jumper. What is clear is that he's joining a loaded D-Line in Philly. Fletcher Cox, Chris Long, Bennie Logan, Barnett and others will constantly present O-lines with difficulties. Philly are developing an embarrassment of riches up front and Barnett should have plenty of opportunity to be productive given the attention his fellow playmates should garner in double teams.
Pick 15: Indianapolis Colts select Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
In one offseason Chris Ballard has done what Ryan Grigson failed to do repeatedly, build a defense. He used free agency to retool his front seven and a top five player fell into his lap in the draft, Malik Hooker is a rare talent, drawing over ambitious comparisons to All-Pro Ed Reed with special ball skills. Ballard hopes that Hooker turns out like Ed Reed but in reality he only has to be a fraction of that to be a difference maker to this D.
Pick 16: Baltimore Ravens select Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
The Ravens got a top CB in the middle of the round, some consider this a reach however I like the fit. With Eric Weddle roaming over the top Humphrey can afford to be as aggressive as wants and he immediately adds a boost to their defensive backfield.
Pick 17: Washington select Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabame
An interior pass rusher out of Alabama who grew up in Virginia only down the road from the facility. Nick Saban churns out defensive talent over and over but Allen may be the best interior guy he's turned out in years. Washington got an absolute steal at this point in the draft with many having Allen as a top 10 player, he'll immediately bolster the Washington D.
Pick 18: Tennessee Titans select Adoree' Jackson, CB/PR, USC
With their first pick the Titans gave Mariota a weapon on offense, now they looked towards their defense which also had issues last year. Jackson has elite speed which he can contribute to the return game with but will also be a massive help on this Titans defense which definitely leaves plenty to be desired. Another interesting addition on a team with a lot of interesting pieces.
Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers select OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
The Bucs added a top 10 player for great value with this pick. Howard will be another big bodied weapon for Winston to further help mask his accuracy issues but will also provide a big plus in the run game. Cameron Brate showed well at TE last year but he's more of a move TE than the in-line guy that Howard is, together they should make a nice young duo in 2TE sets.
Pick 20: Denver Broncos select Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah
The Broncos needed help on O-line, Bolles will be a 25 year old rookie with one year D1 starting experience. He has the natural athleticism but it will be interesting to see how he develops as a pro. I'm glad the Broncos took him to save my Seahawks taking him, a 25 year old rookie isn't ideal. For comparison Luke Joeckel who the Seahawks acquired on his second contract is 25 now, Bolles will be 29/30 at the same point. If he can hold down a bookend of the line Broncos fans won't be complaining much though.
Pick 21: Detroit Lions select Jarrad Davies, LB, Florida
The Lions defense lacked speed last year, their linebackers couldn't cover and that's partly why they kept finding themselves in close games at the death. Hopefully this pick can improve their defense and give the Matthew Stafford and his offense a chance to win games with ease rather fighting games to the death.
Pick 22: Miami Dolphins select Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Charles Harris is a good pass rusher, maybe not the next best one on everyone's board and maybe not a first round talent. However, he adds some youth to the Dolphins defense and pass rush and that's always going to help when you play Brady twice a year.
Pick 23: New York Giants select Evan Engram, "TE", Ole Miss
I refer to Engram as a "TE" because in reality he's a beefed up wide receiver who will undoubtedly help the passing game but I can't imagine him helping their chronic inability to run the ball. Yes it will add flexibility to 11 personnel and enable them to flex him out to the slot and take advantage of any base looks they get but they seem unlikely. It's another weapon for Eli but their are a lot of mouths to feed on this offense and it almost guarantees sub-packages facing them for 95% of snaps which could help their feeble run game.
Pick 24: Oakland Raiders select Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
The Raiders pass defense was tragic last year, a lot of that was due to their revolving door of linebackers that can't cover but the chance to add a CB who could be a game changer for them. They'll just hope that the rape case against him isn't true and he comes out clean.\
Pick 25: Cleveland Browns select Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
The Browns added another defensive playmaker, yes he has limited INTs and counting stats but he played LB for a year. He had more TFLs in September than Myles Jack's entire UCLA career. Now that he'll get a chance to focus on safety it'll be interesting to see how he develops as a player, he could turn into an electric player at SS in Greg Williams' D.
Pick 26: Atlanta Falcons select Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
The Falcons needed to add support to their pass rush as Vic Beasley is not a down to down impact player. He led the league in sacks last year but those stats were bumped up by big games rather than persistent production. McKinley's frame should offer more in the run game and his relentless attitude fits perfectly with Dan Quinn's culture.
Pick 27: Buffalo Bills select TreDavious White, CB, LSU
Good marriage of need and talent matching up here to provide the Bills with much needed corner support. Good roster for the most part and the best available players at this point didn't match their needs aside from this. really like the value of this pick.
Pick 28: Dallas Cowboys select Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Many believe that the Cowboys wanted Takk Mckinley here, instead they settle for the second best Michigan DL available. Taco is a good athlete but I know Cowboy fans weren't thrilled. They needed pass rush help as that has been poor for a few years so a first round pass rusher is a good addition, just not sure if Taco Charlton is the right addition.
Pick 29: Cleveland Browns select David Njoku, TE, Miami (Fla.)
A freakish athlete who can truly be a weapon for whoever is throwing the ball in Cleveland. May not help much with blocking initially like most young TEs but with their OL additions that shouldn't be so much of a factor initially. I just really like what the Browns achieved with this first round, two defensive playmakers and a potential difference maker on offense who are all freak athletes.
Pick 30: Pittsburgh Steelers select TJ Watt, LB, Wisconsin
Where Watt projects at the next level is interesting, he played EDGE but shows good off the ball backer skills. I see him as the successor to James Harrison when he finally gives it all up and will be a good contributor in the meantime.
Pick 31: San Francisco 49ers select Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
The 49ers get a guy they considered at 2 for insanely good value. Hard to not love this pick (unless you're a Seahawks fan), Foster is a nasty linebacker who will set the tone for this defense and can play the Wagner role in their incarnation of the Seahawks D. The 'Hawks linebackers are the most overlooked players on the team and Lynch will be happy if Foster is half the player Wright and Wagner are or even Bowman and Willis from the Harbaugh Niners.
Pick 32: New Orleans Saints select Ryan Ramcyzk, OT,
Saints need defensive help, so take a back up tackle with health concerns. Will be a good bookend for the future but in a loaded class they really wanted Foster and may rue not getting a top defensive playmaker.
That's my view of the first round, I'll look at the Seahwaks drafts after the weekend then will meander my way around the league's rosters before September.
Thanks for reading,
James
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