This year the NFL had its first ever virtual draft as everyone went online and got drafted in the comfort of their own homes.
These are the pick-by-pick grades for the first round of the 2020 draft.
1.Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB,LSU,A
Since he asked us to not make fun of him because the barbershops are not open we'll give him this honorary durag.
This was probably the easiest decision in this draft class. The Bengals finally have their franchise quarterback in Burrow; the hometown kid from Ohio. He is coming off arguably the greatest collegiate season ever and will be the starting QB for the Bengals on Week 1. However, what is next for the Bengals is over the next few days in the later rounds of the draft. Drafting Burrow was the obvious decision, now their rebuild gets a little harder over the next two days. With that a Solid A well done Cincinnati.
2.Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State A+
If the Bengals did not need a QB, Chase Young would have probably gone number 1 overall. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller rated him at 99 in his draft board only one of five players ever to do so. In Chase Young you may have a generational pass rusher and the best player in the draft. Young has been compared to likes of Julius Peppers and the explosiveness of Myles Garrett. Redskin fans be excited you just got an elite pass rusher with elite athleticism who is probably going to have a double-digit sack season, expect instant impact from day 1. A+ to you Mr Rivera.
3.Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State A-
Pure athleticism, that’s one of Okudah’s many strengths. If you did not see at the combine Okudah has quicker than feet than most of the receivers he covers and this is a good addition to Matt Patrica's defense. After trading Darius Slay they need to cover that big hole that was left in the defense and Okudah is that guy. The best corner in this year draft a Jalen Ramsey physical type corner the Lions got their DB from ‘DB U’. A- for the Lions in Detroit.
4.New York Giants: Andrew Thomas,Tackle Georgia, B+
It is a new era for the Giants. The evil Eli Manning has done is finally enough, Pat Shurmur is gone and now it is Daniel Jones era. Everyone knew the Giants needed a tackle and their guy is supposedly Andrew Thomas. This is not bad pick they filled a need and Thomas is going to give Jones the protection he needs and help Saquon Barkley too. The only issue I have with this pick is that the Giants had a choice any of the tackles in the draft and Thomas was not my first pick, but there is a reason as to why I am a journalist and not the head coach for the Giants. A proven tackle in the SEC David Gettleman got his dog and Thomas has the potential to anchor the position for the next decade. A solid B+ for the Giants.
5.Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama, A
It’s Tua time in Miami! The Dolphins got their QB and made the right decision. Tua is an accurate QB with a lot of intangibles you cant teach, however he still has a lot of raw mechanics he needs to clean up, so Miami is the perfect situation for him. Fitzmagic will probably start week 1 and Tua would likely need a Patrick Mahomes/Lamar Jackson red-shirt year to clean up those mechanics, so with that year or so he might be able to do what the latter did. Outside of the injuries he may be the best quarterback in this draft so overall this is a good pick for the Dolphins. A definite A would have been A+ minus the injuries concerns.
6.Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert QB,Oregon, B-
Justin Herbert helped his draft stock immeasurably from December through February. He started of the 2019 season with the potential to be the top quarterback drafted this year but had a couple of dreary performances. It looked good on the stat sheet but on tape is a different story. He’s an erratic QB with a big arm and the Chargers are a good team. However I don’t trust quarterbacks out of Oregon after I put all my stocks in Marcus Mariota. With Tyrod Taylor not being the guy in LA long term don’t be surprised if you see Tyrod under center week 1. Herbert will probably sit until Tyrod messes up whether that is mid way through the regular season or next year. An okay pick for the Chargers a B-.
7.Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn B+
A defensive tackle who generates sacks by bullying his blocker, that is Derrick Brown. This guy is just pure strength; he can stop the run and is going to pressure a lot of QBs in the NFC South. Although Brown posted a miserable 8.22 in the three-cone time at the combine, they have got the SEC defensive player of the year and the best defensive tackle in the draft. With the loss of Luke Keuchly and Gerald McCoy this was one of Matt Rhule’s top priorities and they filled that need. A B+ for the Panthers.
8.Isaiah Simmons: Arizona Cardinals LB,S Clemson, A
So if you didn’t see Kliff Kingsbury’s draft war room picture. that was the coolest picture I have ever seen so from now on we refer to him as Drip Kingsbury. After drafting an athletic QB in Kyler Murray Kingsbury is going for an athletic LB in Simmons. The Cardinals got a top a 5 player in the versatile Simmons; he can play corner, safety or nickel linebacker and ran a faster 40 than Jerry Jeudy! The Cardinals got a top 5 player at 8, a very good pick by Drip Kingsbury so they get an A.
9.Jacksonville Jaguars: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida, B
A solid corner with size and athleticism. The Jaguars got rid of a lot in this past year so they needed to get this right and which they did. First team all SEC corner they got their corner to replace the hole AJ Bouye and Jalen Ramsey left. Henderson is big and well-built for the cornerback position and with correctible flaws there isn't many corners built like him;this pick helps the Jags and for that they get a B.
10.Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills.Tackle, Alabama A-
Last year the Browns were dubbed as America’s team but produced an underwhelming season. Baker Mayfield needed more protection since he loves to hang on to the ball for so long.So this was a good pick for Browns. They can put him at left tackle and solve that problem and in my opinion for the next 10 years, the best tackle in Matt Miller’s draft board I would give this an A-.
11.New York Jets: Mekhi Becton,Tackle, B
Size, Power and lot of upside Beckton is going to be a force on the offensive line. The Jets have not drafted an offensive lineman in the first or second round since Vlad Ducasse in 2010, so this pick shows the Jets are finally deciding to fix that issue. Sam Darnold and the Jets QBs were sacked 52 times last year so Mekhi Becton will definitely bring that number down. The Jets got their lineman that can protect Darnold and give Le’veon Bell a little room to breathe. Overall a solid pick for the Jets.Lets just make sure he does not fail any more drug tests, B.
12.Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III ,WR, Alabama, C
Mike Mayock what have you done. Now this is not a bad pick, however in a loaded WR draft class you have a choice with the likes of Jerry Jeudy,CeeDee Lamb or Justin Jefferson, Ruggs should not be your first choice.Let's look at the positives this guy is quick, I'm talking Tyreek Hill quick and has a decent amount of releases and Gruden loves speed so it is a good fit. I get it Gruden,you're in the AFC West you are tired of seeing Tyreek Hill roast you with his speed so you want to replicate that,its an understandable pick but maybe not the right choice with the options you had. C is still as pass so congrats Las Vegas.
13.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (from San Francisco) Tristan Wirfs, Tackle, Iowa A+
Yay the first trade of the draft and of course it had to be the Tampa Bay Bradyneers. This is such a Tom Brady move he always gets what he wants; a great offensive core, Gronk now WWE 24/7 champion fresh out of a win at Wrestlemania and now longer protection so he can throw to these guys? Give me a break! Tampa in my opinion have the top tackle in the draft and now hes giving protection to Tom Brady? Like give us a break Tom Brady this guy had a higher vertical jump than Jerry Jeudy? We should all be very worried A great pick for the Buccs A+
14.San Francisco 49ers: (from Tampa Bay) Javon Kinlaw DT South Carolina, C
The 49ers moved back a spot with the trade with Tampa and decided to pick Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw is quick and powerful player and can help the 49ers. They practically acquired Kinlaw with the pick from the DeForest Buckner trade so it’s a nice way to get a younger and cheaper player on an already Super Bowl caliber defense however this is not the pick that is going to get them over the top. By sliding down and trading with the Buccs it will give them a chance at another asset later on but it still feels like they missed an opportunity to add a piece that would get them over that last hurdle to win the Super Bowl. C is not bad but this pick might seem like a step back for the 49ers.
15.Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama, A+
As a loyal Broncos fan one thing I can say about Mr Elway is that he has finally learnt how to draft and we just struck gold once again. I think during the draft everyone was surprised by pick 15 that Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb were available, and the Broncos just added to their offense. Jeudy is the best route runner in the draft and is deadly on a free release and will immediately eat up a safety’s cushion on a deep route. The Broncos got an all-purpose playmaker to pair with the emerging Courtland Sutton and help Drew Lock’s development. This pick couldn't have worked out better for the Broncos. A+ for you Mr Elway.
16.Atlanta Falcons: AJ Terrell, CB ,Clemson ,C-
The Falcons have a dire need in the secondary where their cornerbacks are currently Jordan Miller and Isaiah Oliver. So,they did well in adding Terell to their defense. A corner with the size-speed package and good press coverage. Although this pick felt like a need pick maybe there were better players on the board than Terrell. So a C- for the Falcons
17.Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb WR, Oklahoma, A+
Who would have thought CeeDee would have dropped this far? Lamb is an X factor player who can shake away defenders at ease. His fourth gear allows him to get away from anyone in the open field and now with the opportunity to partner with Amari Cooper. This could lowkey be one of the best WR tandems in the league. This is an exciting pick for the Cowboys and is a clear example of drafting the best player on the board instead of just filling a need.Well done Jerry Jones A+.
18.Miami Dolphins: Austin Jackson ,Tackle USC,C
So,if your QB is a house what is the next thing you buy for your house? Insurance the answer is insurance and that’s what they got with Austin Jackson. Tua is your lovely Hawaiian house and Jackson is your insurance. The Dolphins traded this second first round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick so Jackson for Fitzpatrick is not really a good swap, but it's a tackle and they need one. Jackson may be a bit of a reach but you need insurance for your house so this pick is understandable but it is a pick with potential upside so here's your grade Miami a good ol' C.
19.Las Vegas Raiders: Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State, D-
A physical corner in press coverage, and fundamentally sound. He isn't lightning quick and probably might be a Cover 3 type of defender. Although this is a reach and its problem for the Raiders. They needed a corner but and maybe Trevon Diggs may have been a better option but for Arnette he's probably going to have to start in the AFC West against the likes of Tyreek Hill; Keenan Allen, Courtland Sutton and I all know where I would be betting. Still this one of the picks from the Khalil Mack trade so not really a good story for Arnette. Not a good one Mr Gruden D-.
20.Jacksonville Jaguars: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge-Rusher,LSU,B+
This was a good a pick for the Jags. Josh Allen and Chaisson can become a devastating pass-rushing tandem. Chaisson is lean, with long arms and a very athletic edge rusher. He can cover a little and looks unblockable when he uses his spin move, if he refines his technique Chaisson could be most effective in a 3rd and long situation. Well done Jacksonville a solid B+.
21.Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU, D
I don’t get this pick. Your division rivals took CeeDee Lamb and you decided to take Jalen Reagor? When Justin Jefferson is still on the board? Reagor will give you speed but a Reagor had a lot of drops. If the Eagles did not learn from Nelson Agholor and dropping the football and the infamous meme then I don’t know. Reagor is a solid player but when Jefferson is available this was the wrong decision a D for the Eagles in Philadelphia.
22.Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU B+
Although Justin Jefferson was often over shadowed by Sophomore Ja’Marr Chase on a loaded LSU offense. Jefferson has the possession receiver’s ability to make a catch in traffic and for Minnesota with the loss of Stefon Diggs this is a good replacement. I think even the Vikings were surprised to land Jefferson this far but this is a receiver who will make an impact straight away, B+ for Vikings.
23.Los Angeles Chargers: (From New England) Kenneth Murray, LB,Oklahoma, A-
Murray is a linebacker with speed and range, productivity and a lot of a character. Murray is going to make this Chargers defense a lot faster and more dynamic. He bites on fakes a bit too much in man coverage and over pursues some plays. but these are all things that can be wrinkled out. In a defense with Joey Bosa and Derwin James, The Chargers done well to trade up for this pick and will fall in love with Murray. A- for the new look Chargers defense.
24.New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan, C+
This is a hard pick to evaluate. Ruiz will be able to make calls and adjustments at the NFL level and has potential to develop into a solid starter. Although the Saints have other needs, and there were better players on the board, if anyone knows their offensive line it is Sean Payton so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt here. C+ for the Saints in New Orleans.
25.San Francisco 49ers: (from Minnesota) Brandon Aiyuk,Arizona state, B
This is a good pick for the 49ers. Anything Kyle Shanahan touches seems to turn to gold. With Jimmy G coming off a playoff run and a Superbowl loss he is closer to being the right QB than the wrong one and under Shanahan’s scheme Aiyuk is very good fit. Aiyuk has an unique skill set that will help the 49ers offensive and the Kinlaw-Aiyuk combo could possibly be what the 49ers need to get back into the Superbowl. Got it right this time San Fran so have a B.
26.Green Bay Packers: (Miami) Jordan Love, QB, Utah State B-
This pick had me stunned, to be honest I think the whole world was. The Packers traded up to get a QB, bare in mind their starting QB is the transcendental but ageing Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay made a statement by trading up for Jordan Love, they believe in this guy. Obviously Love is going to sit behind Rodgers for God knows how many years but Matt LaFleur wants to develop this guy. If there is one QB you want to sit behind and learn from its Aaron Rodgers. Although for the 15th straight year the Packers have not drafted a RB/WR to help Aaron Rodgers in the first round, instead they drafted his replacement. A risky move Mr LaFleur I hope you know what you're doing B-.
27.Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks LB, Texas Tech, C+
The Seahawks defensed allowed 4.9 yards per rush last season, the fourth worst figure in the NFL. It has been a long time since the Legion of boom guys. Brooks is a nice fit with a good size-speed package. His instincts are a little slow and his block shedding is not the best but lining with Bobby Wagner will surely help Seattle’s defense. This was a bit of reach but the Seahawks like speed and range and that is Jordyn Brooks so maybe they know what they are doing a C+.
28.Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen LB,LSU, A-
For the first time ever, the Baltimore Ravens have drafted an LSU player! Queen is a linebacker with a lot of speed and quickness, good play recognition and good in coverage. The NFL is a different ball game to the collegiate level so don’t be surprised if you see a NFL lineman pancake him but Queen will become a productive linebacker for the Ravens and should be an immediate starter for the Baltimore Ravens. Another solid first round year for the Ravens A-.
29.Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wilson, Tackle, Georgia B-
Titans quarterbacks endured the highest sack rate in the NFL year, getting dumped on 11.1 percent of their dropbacks. Wilson comes in as a very good run blocking tackle with a lot of power so Derrick Henry would be happy. Since Jack Conklin left for the Browns in free agency, the Titans can replace Conklin with Wilson doesn’t really make the Titans better however it'snot a drop-down either so a B- will do.
30. Miami Dolphins: (from Green Bay) Noah Igbinoghene,CB, Auburn,B-
Yes,I am Nigerian so I did spell his surname right. Although Igbinoghene started off his Auburn career as a receiver he switched to corner later in his college career. HIs father was an NCAA track star and his mother won bronze for Nigeria for track and field in the 92' Olympics so the kid has a lot of athletic upside. What is weird about this trade is that the Dolphins signed Xavien Howard to a huge extension last year and added Byron Jones as a free agent so I guess they want to build on an already strong secondary unit. Igbinoghene is a slot corner that can cover in the nickel-dime role or on special teams so there is a upside to this but maybe there was more that could have been done with this pick so B- Miami.
.31.Minnesota Vikings: (From San Francisco )Jeff Gladney CB Texas Christian B-
Gladney is a corner with quick feet and good man to man coverage skills. The vikings already got lucky with this Justin Jefferson pick so Gladney directly fills one of the Vikings need that opened up due to salary-cap this offseason. It is safe pick and they filled a need so not bad Minnesota, B-.
32.Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB LSU, A-
We may not have seen the best of Clyde Edwards-Helaire impact due to Joe Burrows greatness but if you watch this guy on tape,he is a good running-back. He has good lateral quickness, better than average receiving skills and he is joining an already great Chiefs offense so don’t be surprised if you see Mahomes throwing to him too. Edwards-Helaire is a perfect fit in an Andy Reid offense and I expect him to put up numbers in this very exciting offense, A- Chiefs.
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