First Round Thoughts

What a first day of the NFL Draft! Unexpected draft movement was made during the first round. Cleveland was the busiest shuffling around to get who they wanted. After Day 1, I am going to grade each team how they did with their draft choices.

Houston Texans:  (A-) 
DE Jadaveon Clowney (1st Overall)

Jadaveon Clowney is the most athletic lineman I have seen in the past decade and it is hard to pass up on him. The guy is strong and quick and is going to disrupt a lot of offenses with J.J. Watt in Houston. When the focus is on one, the other is going to be left open. Although I would've liked to see Houston move back and collect some picks to help their team, selecting Clowney number 1 was the ideal pick and immediately boosts the Texans front 7.

St Louis Rams: (A+) 
OT Greg Robinson (2nd Overall) ; DT Aaron Donald (13th Overall)

No one experienced more of a difference-making draft than the St. Louis Rams. With a gift of the 2nd overall pick from the Washington Redskins, the Rams were able to select an athletic offensive tackle who could go on to be one of the best in the game. Not only did they make noise and provide protection for Sam Bradford, the Rams also boosted an already talented front 7, if not the best behind the San Francisco 49ers, in selecting Aaron Donald. Aaron Donald is one of my favorite players from this draft, and the Rams solidified a need on the offensive line, and solidified a need on defense to keep up with the best defensive conference in the league. Rams certainly struck gold here.

Jacksonville Jaguars: (D) 
QB Blake Bortles (3rd Overall)

I don't know whether it is bad personally for Blake Bortles or for the Jaguars to have him. Jaguars provide a weak supporting cast on the offensive side of the ball. Chad Henne is considered the starter from Day 1 so Bortles doesn't even get to play yet. Either his talents will not be what scouts thought or the Jaguars will never get the job done for a talented quarterback. This is a 50/50. Jaguars passed on arguably two of the best athletes in this draft class (Sammy Watkins and Khalil Mack). Together Mack and Watkins would've brought more hope for the future than Blake Bortles. Bad pick by the Jaguars. Hope in the later rounds they capitalize on their first round pick.

Cleveland Browns: (C+)
CB Justin Gilbert (8th Overall) ; QB Johnny Manziel (22nd Overall)

This is a head-scratcher here. Cleveland moved from 4th to 9th in a trade for Buffalo, then move the 9th pick they just obtained from Buffalo and traded spots with the Minnesota Vikings at 8 to select Justin Gilbert. Later on at 22nd, they traded their 26th pick from Indianapolis to Philadelphia to select Johnny Manziel. In the end it seems Cleveland got who they wanted, but in the process they gave up a lot of picks to teams for the rest of this draft. Manziel is going to be a good pro, but nothing spectacular. Justin Gilbert is athletic, but I had Kyle Fuller and Darqueze Dennard (who slipped to Cincinnati at 24) ranked higher than Gilbert. Gilbert can make the picks, just question whether he will be a man-to-man corner at the line of scrimmage. Too much moving around to get who they wanted. Gilbert was a stretch.

Oakland Raiders: (A)
OLB Khalil Mack (5th Overall)

I can not believe the Raiders actually made a smart and beneficial pick for the future of the ball club. No odd ball picks or stretching to grab someone who anyone wasn't expecting. Reggie McKenzie just earned himself a longer stay in Oakland with the Mack pick. Not only is Mack helpful for this future, Raiders seemed determined to win now and went out and signed 5 new guys on defense with experience and toughness in the offseason. Mack is a great tackler and gets to the quarterback, but also can pick off passes. His game will transition well for the Raiders defense and coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver are going to bring the best out of Mack and the rest of this defense. Justin Tuck and Lamarr Woodley can lead the ropes and teach Mack. I think it is safe to say so far with just Khalil Mack, Raiders got that much better.

Buffalo Bills: (A) 
WR Sammy Watkins (4th Overall)

Sammy Watkins was my 2nd ranked prospect in this draft. Bills jumped up and snagged a play-maker they desperately have needed in the last half decade. Currently the Bills have the oft-injured Stevie Johnson, Robert Woods, and Mike Williams who was acquired from Tampa Bay. Adding Watkins into the mold allows E.J. Manuel to create some plays not just with his feet but an extra target to help this Bills team score. Could have gone Greg Robinson had he of been available this far down, but Watkins is the biggest play-maker in this draft along with Odell Beckham. Jaguars were dumb for letting him slide to Buffalo. Bills can address protection in the 2nd round for E.J. Manuel.

Atlanta Falcons: (A) 
OT Jake Matthews (6th Overall)

I don't think there is anyone more happier than Matt Ryan right now who can finally breathe and relax in the pocket. Being pressured 203 times last year is alarming especially if your quarterback is at more risk for injury. Pass protection was a no-brainer here. Jake Matthews possesses great mechanics and balance to hold off defenders. Should be a plug-in day 1 at left tackle no doubt. Has NFL blood in his veins and he is tough. Could end up being really good like his dad (Bruce Matthews) and he found himself a Hall of Fame career, but lets not jump-the-gun here. In other words, Jake Matthews is the most complete offensive tackle and most ready to play other than Greg Robinson and Taylor Lewan.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  (B-)
WR Mike Evans (7th Overall)

Potentially one of the most skilled tall receivers in the draft. Evans had a productive 2 years at Texas A&M. Benefited from a solid O-Line and a star quarterback in Johnny Manziel to get him the ball. Evans causes a lot of match-up problems for defenders and can go up to get it. Although he doesn't possess a lot of speed, he is large target who runs routes exceptionally well. Evans and Jackson will be threats, but I am concerned whether Evans will put in hard work consistently. The work ethic is a concern and what are his skills away from a solid O-Line and Johnny Manziel? Has as much upside as anyone, just has to prove it. Good step for the Buccaneers receiving core future.

Minnesota Vikings: (B+)
OLB Anthony Barr (9th Overall) ; QB Teddy Bridgewater (32nd Overall)

The Vikings finally addressed a need in a QB. Matt Cassel is a great back-up quarterback, but he is not meant to be the quarterback for 16 games. Bridgewater slid, but the Vikings made sure they got him and Bridgewater will put in the effort to make sure it was worth it. One of their top picks in the last 3 years will be Anthony Barr. The lack of experience is just fascinating how many sacks he was still able to accumulate based purely on athleticism. Vikings have a new coach, former DC from Cincinnati, and now have a solid DC in George Edwards. With coaching from the two, they will bring out the best in Anthony Barr. Solid first day for the Vikings.

Detroit Lions: (B-)
TE Eric Ebron (10th Overall)

It seems the Lions have gave up on Brandon Pettigrew and his new replacement looks to wow the team. Lions just added another dangerous play-maker and a Vernon Davis 2.0. Ebron has wide receiver speed for a tight end and good hands. Lions should set record pass rankings with the amount of play-makers they possess. As athletic as Ebron is, he lacks prototypical blocking skills for a tight end and I don't think he was a need in this round. I felt a safety or corner was more of a need at 10. A tight end could've been addressed in the 2nd or 3rd round, but based on skills and athleticism, it bumps my draft grade to a B-.

Tennessee Titans: (B+)
OT Taylor Lewan (11th Overall)

Lewan was a sneaky and unpredictable pick at 11 to the Titans. Starting 48 of 50 games at left tackle in college, Lewan displays experience and solid size for a franchise left tackle. Running the fastest 40 time for offensive lineman (4.7), Lewan is an athletic freak. Titans are building a solid offensive line for Jake Locker and new head coach Ken Whisenhunt. The Titans starters will include new added Michael Oher, guards Chance Warmack (2013 NFL 1st Rd. Pick) and Andy Levitre, center Brian Schwenke, and the newly added Taylor Lewan at left tackle. Chris Johnson probably wishes he had this offensive line.

Chicago Bears: (B)
CB Kyle Fuller (14th Overall)

Maybe a bit of a stretch to take Fuller, but he was my number 2 corner on my draft board. Bears realize their 31st ranked defense is not the same Bears defense that dominated the league for over a decade anchored by Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman. Out with the old and in with the new. Fuller has speed and covers the field very well. Needs to work on man to man coverage at the line, but is phenomenal in space and breaking up the pass. Great take for the Bears, but a little stretched to get Fuller. Fuller joins the newly added Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen. The Bears defense is working towards being relevant again.

Pittsburgh Steelers: (C+)
OLB Ryan Shazier (15th Overall)

Shazier is a fast and disruptive linebacker who had a good career at Ohio State. Steelers are looking to get young again just like the Bears, and no one represents the Steeler way better than Ryan Shazier. He just fits with his athleticism and talent, but many missed tackles concerns me that he needs to work on finishing his tackles. Other than that, I felt it was an average pick but adds depth to that Steelers defense. They should to draft a corner in round 2 to eventually replace Ike Taylor.

Dallas Cowboys: (B+)
OT Zack Martin (16th Overall)

Talk about holding composure and not selecting Johnny Manziel who slide to them, is strong nerves by Jerry Jones. Cowboys seem to care about this draft and getting Tony Romo protection was one of the major needs the Cowboys needed to draft. Bringing in Zack Martin to along the left side with Tyron Smith is big win for the Cowboys. Martin has versatility to be a tackle or guard. Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Travis Federick are the future of this Dallas Cowboys team. Martin's versatility and great lineman mechanics are what make me surprised he slid so far. Martin could have an immediate impact from Day 1.

New York Giants: (B-)
WR Odell Beckham Jr (12th Overall)

Based on skill and talent, this pick deserves to be an A, but based on location, the Giants did not have a need at wide receiver. Zack Martin, C.J. Mosley, and Aaron Donald were all available at this point of the draft. Odell Beckham Jr possesses a great stop-and-go speed and agility to break away from defenders. I knew from day 1 at LSU in the game against Oregon, this kid was going to be a special player. Beckham Jr. is great athlete with great work ethic, and has versatility. His vision from the backfield is superb. His speed and smarts make up for the lack of strength (8 reps of 225 lbs on bench press). Eli Manning struggled and new talented receivers will make him happy and bring back some consistency. Great player, but don't know if he should have gone here. Giants had other pressuring needs.

New York Jets: (B)
S Calvin Pryor (18th Overall)

Not a lot of publicity on TV, but Pryor is quiet talented player. He shined in the combine and his pro day. Currently the top safety in this class, could be surpassed by Deone Bucannon but Pryor is ready to play now even with uncertainty. Rex Ryan loves defense and the Jets secondary needed to be complete. Signing the hard hitting Pryor to complement LaRon Landry who also is big hitter. Pryor will be used in the free safety spot due to ball awareness and the ability to occasionally pick off a pass. Surprising pick by the Jets but they should be rewarded.

Baltimore Ravens: (B+)
ILB C.J. Mosley (17th Overall)

Mosley is your typical Alabama linebacker and your prototype Ravens linebacker. Mosley is tough, doesn't miss many tackles, and a vocal leader. Ray Lewis is gone, and they needed a new anchor to the middle of their defense. Suggs is getting older, and Mosley brings a fresh look to the defense. Mosley has had past major injuries but good news that there is no long term concerns. Mosley will be established from Day 1 as their starter and should thrive in the Ravens defense. Great pick.

Miami Dolphins: (C+)
OT Ja'Wuan James (19th Overall) 

He had a consistent career at Tennessee and was shadowed by Antonio Richardson most of the season. Well the draft doesn't see it that way and he was selected before Antonio Richardson who is looking to find a team sometime in this draft. James played right tackle at Tennessee and had a good motor and hardly struggled. Why I don't feel this pick is as good as advertised is that the Dolphins need another player at secondary and Darqueze Dennard was still available at 19. Could have got James in the second round or draft Joel Bitonio. Offensive tackle was a need but a little too soon for James. Has upside.
New Orleans Saints: (A)

WR Brandin Cooks (20th Overall)

Arguably the greatest fit of any player in the first round. Undersized is a concern but at Oregon State he proved he can be the guy and be a burner with the ball. Cooks has amazing character and could be a leader on this team once Drew Brees retires. Brees has a new favorite weapon to add to Jimmy Graham. Don't be surprised to see Cooks catch at least 80 passes in his rookie year, and maybe even Pro Bowl numbers. Great fit for Cooks and the Saints. Solid pick.
Green Bay Packers: (C+)
S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21st Overall)

Since he came from the great Alabama defense, you would assume this guy is the difference in any defense. Clinton-Dix has character concerns but has the physical intangibles to be the top 3 safety in this class. I would've looked at Deone Bucannon here but Clinton-Dix is more prepared from day 1. He is good at tackling and finding a guy on defense. Not many big plays get past him.

Kansas City Chiefs: (D-)
DE Dee Ford (23rd Overall)
One great season at Auburn, but doesn't justify why he should be a first round pick. I think this is a pick based on the combine numbers and pro day results, kind of like Dontrai Poe two years ago. Poe turned out to be a great pick after a Pro Bowl season. Ford has short arms for a defensive end which is concerning. Chiefs needed to address the need of offensive line and play makers on the offensive side of the ball. Kansas City has less than 7 picks in this draft and need to get better quick. Bad pick.

Cincinnati Bengals: (A)
CB Darqueze Dennard (24th Overall)

Surprising slide for arguably the best cornerback in this draft. Gilbert and Fuller went ahead of Dennard, but this is a great fit for an already stud defense. Dennard is a tough line of scrimmage corner who thrives in man to man coverage. Dennard is a great tackler as well too. Why he slipped I don't know, but the Bengals have to be stunned and excited he landed at 24. Bright future for the secondary.

San Diego Chargers: (B+)
CB Jason Verrett (25th Overall)

Antoine Winfield 2.0 and for him to slide to San Diego could have been the best thing for the team. The Chargers needed a corner to boost the atrocious secondary. Dennard almost slid more, but landed Verrett who is a physical hitter and pass defender. Healthy now, he can step in Day 1 and improve that secondary and provide some plays. Verrett did flatten a fellow draft prospect Jace Amaro who is 6'6" 260, when Verrett is 5'9" 200. Packs a mean punch. Solid pick for the Chargers.

Philadelphia Eagles: (C+)
DE Marcus Smith (26th Overall)

Other than Dee Ford, surprise of the first round. Under the radar pass rusher who finished second behind Trent Murphy in sacks last season. Smith is quick and knows how to get to the quarterback. Smith also has the motor and never quits. Chip Kelly upgrades his defense with a hybrid OLB/DE and is a better Connor Barwin. Eagles should produce a lot of sacks this season. Has a lot of upside.

Arizona Cardinals: (A-)
S Deone Bucannon (27th Overall)

Potentially is the best safety in this class. Out of Washington State, Bucannon is a hard hitter and sure knows how to pick off passes. Not a lot of publicity playing for Washington State, but Bucannon can ball. Sliding him alongside Tyrann Mathieu, he improves that secondary tremendously. Bucannon fits the Cardinals defense and should be starter from Day 1.

Carolina Panthers: (C)
WR Kelvin Benjamin (28th Overall)

Looking at frame and athletic capabilities, you think Plaxico Burress when you see Kelvin. Burress had average speed but was big and could get up for passes and an endzone threat to defenses. Marquise Lee was on the board still and try to get Benjamin in the 2nd round. For Benjamin's size, he does drop a lot of passes. Benjamin should be an instant impact in the red zone.

New England Patriots: (C)
DT Dominique Easley (29th Overall)

Easley is a stash pick. When healthy and out of trouble, Easley is a force on the defensive line. Two major ACL injuries have taken a bite out of Easley, but once healthy should flourish in the Patriots defense. Belichick likes his defensive players later in the rounds. Could be a steal when he is back.

San Francisco 49ers: (B)
S Jimmie Ward (30th Overall)

Interesting pick here at 30. 49ers were rumored all week to trade up and grab Beckham Jr. or Brandin Cooks, but those plans fell through. In Ward, the 49ers get a nickel defensive back who can alternate between the corner and safety position. Ward is a ballhawk who picked off 7 passes last season. Little undersized but packs a mean punch as well too. 49ers have 5 more picks in Day 2 to add on to the success of Ward.

Denver Broncos: (D)
CB Bradley Roby (31st Overall)

Not sure what the Broncos saw in him here at 31. Kony Ealy would've been a nice pick here or Guard Xavier Su'a-Filo. Roby has some the fastest wheels for corners in this draft, but his play is inconsistent. Roby uses his speed to cover his mistakes. With some coaching, he could develop. Major concerns of character and immaturity. Has to correct himself if he wants to see playing time.