2018 NFL Draft: Ranking all 32 teams

1. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys added a talented linebacker who is only going to get better in Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch. Getting Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams in the second round was an incredible value for a player who was once considered the top tackle in the draft. Michael Gallup has great speed and is a developing route runner. The Colorado State wide receiver gives Dak Prescott a target who can create seperation and has huge upside to develop into a true wide receiver one. Kansas Edge Dorance Armstrong slumped this season, but has upside as a pass rusher. Tight end Dalton Schultz is an excellent blocker who showed flashes when used in the pass game. He could develop into an ideal replacement for the irreplaceable Jason Witten. Bo Scarbrough provides great value as a late round running back and could be a quality player to spell Ezekiel Elliott from time to time.

2. Green Bay Packers

The Packers managed to add a first round pick in 2019, while acquiring two first round talent cornerbacks in Louisville’s Jaire Alexander and Iowa’s Josh Jackson. They also added an athletic linebacker to their defensive unit with Vanderbilt’s Oren Burks. Wide receiver was a position of concern to the team with the departure of Jordy Nelson. They added three players to compete for time at wide receiver in Missouri speedster J’Mon Moore, South Florida’s Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Notre Dame big man Equanimeous St. Brown.

3. New York Giants

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is a special player who will contribute not only in the run game but in the pass game. Adding UTEP guard Will Hernandez to open holes for him was a great move in the second round. Georgia edge Lorenzo Carter is an incredible athlete who could be special if used properly. Many wanted the Giants to take their quarterback of the future in round one, but they were able to get the highly sought-after Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta on day three.

4. Denver Broncos

Bradley Chubb will be a great complimentary pass-rusher to Von Miller. From there the Broncos went mostly offense and surprisingly did not look to add a top quarterback. They added a pair of receivers in SMU’s Courtland Sutton and Penn State’s DaeSean Hamilton. Sutton has excellent size and Hamilton is a great route runner. Royce Freeman from Oregon is an excellent fit at running back and is a prospect you have to go back and look at older film of to understand his true value. Tight End Troy Fumagalli did it all for Wisconsin and is a great piece for this Broncos offense to add. Arizona State guard Sam Jones is extremely underrated and could contribute faster than expected.

5. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens quietly had a really good draft. Obviously Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson steals the headlines, and for good reason. Jackson is an excellent passer, but will need time to fix some technique issues to improve his accuracy. Fortunately, he finds himself in a great situation with a team with an establish starting quarterback. The team added two tight ends with South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst in the first and Oklahoma’s Mark Andrews as a great value in the third. They also got a great value on Oklahoma offensive tackle Orlando Brown, who was considered a first round prospect by many before a horrendous combine. They added a pair of developmental wide receivers in New Mexico State’s Jaleel Scott and UCLA’s Jordan Lashley. They also got great value on defensive backs Anthony Averett from Alabama and DeShon Elliott from Texas and offensive linemen Greg Senat from Wagner and Bradley Bozeman from Alabama.

6. Chicago Bears

Roquan Smith was a great pick for the Bears in the first round and the Georgia linebacker could change that defense.  Adding Iowa center James Daniels in the second gave them a great value on the offensive line.  Memphis’ Anthony Miller is an incredible wide receiver who can play inside and out. He may end up being the steal of the draft. Later in the draft they selected another receiver in Georgia’s Javon Wims. Wims is more of a possession receiver, but is a solid pickup.

7. Tennessee Titans

The Titans did not have a lot of picks, but they did very well with what they had. They improved exponentially on defense adding Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans and Boston College edge Harold Landry.  Evans can play any linebacker position but will primarily play inside backer for the Titans. Landry was an incredible pass rusher as a defensive end in college and projects well as an edge rushing linebacker in the NFL. They also got a great value in multi-purpose Arizona safety Dane Cruikshank. Don’t be surprised if all three see the field very quickly.

8. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins were rumored to be in play for a quarterback in the first round, but did not make any moves at that position. Adding Minkah Fitzpatrick in the first round was a great value. The Alabama defensive back will be a great asset to their defense. The Dolphins had a need at tight end and addressed that with two complimentary players. Penn State’s Mike Gesicki is a big body with excellent receiving ability who is a liability as a blocker and Notre Dame’s Durham Smythe is an excellent blocking tight end. Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker will challenge for a spot as will Arizona State running back  Kalen Ballage. Ballage was impressive at the Senior Bowl and has the potential to be the top back in Miami. 

9. Cleveland Browns

The Browns shocked everyone on draft day by opting for Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick. The Oklahoma quarterback was an excellent choice and has all of the intangibles an NFL quarterback needs. The fourth overall pick was an even bigger surprise. The Browns opted for the top man corner in the draft in Ohio State’s Denzel Ward. The Browns managed to get elite players at two of the most important positions in football. Ward is a shutdown corner. In the second round the team added talented Nevada offensive lineman Austin Corbett and Georgia running back Nick Chubb. Chubb has all of the tools to be a feature back in the NFL and considered a top prospect before an injury pushed his teammate Sony Michel into the spotlight.  As the draft went on the Browns added developmental defensive players in Miami defensive end Chad Thomas and Memphis linebacker Genrad Avery. They also took a chance on talented but troubled former Florida wide receiver Antonio Callaway.

10. Minnesota Vikings

Mike Hughes was an excellent pick for the Vikings in the first round. The UCF cornerback fills the void left by Terence Newman. Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O’Neill athletic, but a real project. Offensive guard Colby Gossett from Application State was a great value and could see some playing time early. Ohio State defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes will contributed as a pass rusher inside and a run stopper on the outside. Central Michigan’s Tyler Conklin is an excellent tight end to install next to Kyle Rudolph. The Vikings also added an excellent kicker in Auburn’s Daniel Carlson.

11. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers reached a bit in the first round for Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey, but with his tools and size it is understandable. Dante Pettis was a surprising second pick. Pettis is an incredible returner and a skilled wide receiver from Washington. This is a good pick even though it was higher than expected. BYU linebacker Fred Warner is particularly skilled in pass defense and Kansas defensive back DJ Reed will help in this area as well. The 49ers rounded out the draft with Middle Tennessee wide receiver Richie James. James is the type of dynamic player you creat touches.

12. New York Jets

The Jets were criticized for trading up to the third pick weeks before the draft, but end up looking pretty smart as top quarterback prospect Sam Darnold fell right into their laps. The USC quarterback has a number of issues, but potential to be elite in the NFL. The Jets did not pick again until the third round, but the got second round value in Fort Hays State defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd. Later on they also added talented Tulane corner Parry Nickerson. For a team with a limited number of picks, they did very well for themselves.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars continued to add talent to their defense with Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan. They also got a great value in Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison. They also added DJ Chark a wide receiver from LSU with huge upside. Will Richardson may have been their best pick. The NC State offensive tackle is a talented player who could push for a starting position very quickly.

14. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers were thrilled a talent like Florida State safety Derwin James fell to them in the first round. The Chargers had a need at safety, but could have used more of a free safety than James. Having said that, he is a great player and an excellent pick. They acquired another safety later on in West Virginia’s Kyzir White. The also selected USC linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and NC State defensive tackle Justin Jones. Both are talented players, but were considered somewhat of a reach at the position they were drafted. Late in the draft the Chargers added a pair of interesting offensive prospects in Texas Tech wide receiver Dylan Cantrell and Northwestern running back Justin Jackson. Don’t be surprised if these guys contribute immediately in some form.

15. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals addressed the team’s biggest need in the first round by drafting Ohio State center Billy Price. Price figure to be a day one starter and is an instant upgrade for the Bengals. From there they shifted their attention to defense. Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates give the Bengals a safety with the kind of range they haven’t seen sense Reggie Nelson. Bates will push for a position right away. In the third round they selected Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard who is a highly skilled pass rusher and Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson who has massive upside. Illinois State defensive back Davontae Harris is an excellent player who could develop into a great inside corner. Virginia’s Andrew Brown gives the Bengals an excellent pass rusher at defensive tackle. Darius Phillips from Western Michigan is a good defensive back, but looks to be the most dynamic kick returner the Bengals have had in years. Toledo’s Logan Woodside is the perfect quarterback to develop into Andy Dalton’s backup. Florida State wide receiver Auden Tate has a lot of upside for a wide receiver available that late in the draft.

16. Indianapolis Colts

Outside of landing the top player in the draft in Notre Dame offensive guard Quenton Nelson, there is nothing really flashy here just a solid draft that added several pieces that could form the foundation of the team’s roster moving forward. The Colts added another guard in Braden Smith from Auburn and a talented linebacker in South Carolina State’s Darius Leonard in the second round. They added some skilled pass rushers in Kemoko Turay from Rutgers and Tyquan Lewis from Ohio State. They also added some speedy offensive skill players in multi-purpose running back Nyheim Hines from North Carolina State, Ole Miss rusher Jordan Wilkins, Northern Iowa receiver Daurice Fountain, and Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain.

17. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams’ first pick was the 89th overall. They used it and their next pick on adding offensive line depth with Texas Christian tackle Joseph Noteboom and Michigan State center Brian Allen. They then added John Franklin-Myers a Stephen F. Austin and underrated Virginia linebacker Micah Kiser. They continued drafting depth for the defensive front and offensive line throughout the draft the only exception being the selection of Tennessee running back John Kelly.

18. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers finally added some athletes at wide receiver and defensive back early in the draft. Maryland’s DJ Moore give the Panthers some much needed speed at the wide receiver position. LSU’s Donte Jackson gives them an excellent press man corner with an attitude this defense hasn’t seen since Josh Norman left. The Panthers also acquired a slew of defensive players including Tennessee defensive back Rashaan Gaulden, Ole Miss linebacker Marquis Haynes, and Maryland linebacker Jermaine Carter. Indiana tight end Ian Thomas has a lot of potential and could develop over time.

19. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals made a big move in the first half by trading up for arguably the most talented quarterback in the draft in UCLA’s Josh Rosen.  The also adding some weapons for him in slot receiver Christian Kirk from Texas A&M and Fordham running back Chase Edmonds.  They also got in some protection with Michigan State center Mason Cole.

20. New England Patriots

Isaiah Wynn was a talented left tackle at Georgia, but due to his height it was assumed he’d be playing guard. The Patriots only real need on the offensive line is at tackle, so making him their first round pick seems to indicated that he will be a tackle in the NFL. While other team’s reached for size at the position, the Patriots went with the great talent and unideal frame. Staying in Georgia with their second first round pick the Patriots surprised a lot of people by taking Sony Michel. Although the Patriots have a deep stable of running backs, they lost their most dynamic back Dion Lewis to free agency so this should not be a major surprise. Michel projects as an excellent multi-purpose back. With their next pick they selected Florida’s Duke Dawson. Dawson is a player they have converted for a while. He is best in the slot which is an area where the Patriots’ defense has struggled in the past. They address the linebacker position twice, most notably with Arizona State’s Christian Sam. The also got a slot receiver who could develop into Danny Amendola’s role in Miami’s Braxton Berrios.  The Patriots finally got their young quarterback to develop late in the draft in LSU’s Danny Etling.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles traded out of the first round, but still got a first round talent in South Dakota State tight end Dallas Goedert. They also added an edge rusher with huge potential in Florida State’s Josh Sweat and Pittsburgh corner Avonte Maddox. Looking to add depth at offensive tackle, the Eagles also selected Texas Christian’s Matt Pryor and Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata. 

22. Atlanta Falcons

Calvin Ridley was a very interesting choice in round one. The Alabama wide receiver is an excellent deep threat and could open up some things for Julio Jones. The Falcons added a great value pick in Colorado corner Isaiah Oliver, who many saw as a first round talent.  South Florida defensive tackle Deadrin Senat fills was many though was the team’s biggest need. Southern Miss’ Ito Smith is an excellent dual threat back who will fit in well thei the Falcons’ current group of rushers

23. Detroit Lions

The Lions selected one of the draft’s best offensive lineman in round one by drafting Arkansas center Frank Ragnow. After that things got a little shaky. Kerryon Johnson was an odd pick as the Auburn running back was not at the top of many draft boards at the time. Alabama defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand is not one of the top players at his position, but may be a good fit for Matt Patricia’s defensive system. Tyrell Crosby was an excellent pick. The Oregon offensive tackle slipped, most likely do to his height, but could be a quality NFL starter.

24. Buffalo Bills

There are mixed reviews to say the least on Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen, but getting their target at quarterback without having to trade away their second first round pick was impressive. Tremaine Edmunds is a massive linebacker from Virginia Tech with a lot of upside. Stanford defensive linemen Harrison Phillips is lacking in both size and speed.  The Bills added a great sleeper later in the draft in Jacksonville State defensive back Siran Neal. Guard Wyatt Teller showed some good things at Virginia Tech previously and could be a good developmental player.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs got questionable value out of Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea in the first round. They added Ronald Jones out of USC in the second. The USC running back is highly touted for his speed, but does not create much on his own.  From there they got great value out of corners MJ Stewart from North Carolina and Carlton Davis out of Auburn. They also selected Alex Cappa who was a stand out offensive lineman at D2 Humboldt State and more than held his own at the Senior Bowl.

26. Houston Texans

Despite not having a first round pick, the Texans had a great first pick in Stanford safety Justin Reid. They grabbed a pair of tight ends in UCF’s Jordan Akins and Mississippi State’s Jordan Thomas to compete at that position of need. They also got an offensive lineman with some upside in Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin and a speedy receiver in Texas Tech’s Keke Coutee.

27. Washington Redskins

The Redskins reached in the first round for Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne. Payne has potential, but didn’t do much until the playoffs came around. Despite alleged character. concerns, LSU running back Derrius Guice is a huge pickup in the second round. The Redskins acquired a slew of other players with some upside if used properly including Penn State safety Troy Apke, Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton, and SMU wide receiver Trey Quinn. Virginia Tech defensive tackle Tim Settle and Louisville offensive tackle Geron Christian have a long way to go to become viable NFL starters.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers started off the draft with a major reach for Virginia Tech safety Terrell Edmunds in round one. They then drafted Oklahoma State receiver James Washington and his quarterback Mason Rudolph. Washington gives them another deep threat, while Rudolph would appear to be the quarterback of the future. They took another safety in Penn State’s Marcus Allen (no relation) who is known as more of a run stopper than a coverage guy. They also too NC State running back Jaylen Samuels who is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Samuels paired with 2017 draft pick James Conner could be the plan to replace Le’Veon Bell.

29. New Orleans Saints

The Saints paid a high price to move up and get a developmental edge player in Texas-San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport. While Davenport could become a great player, giving up next year’s first rounder to get him may be a mistake in the long run. The Saints aldo added Central Florida wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith, Florida State offensive tackle Rick Leonard, and Wisconsin safety Natrell Jamerson. They do not seem to have made the same big splash in the draft that they did in 2017.

30. Oakland Raiders

This was a weird draft for the raiders. They reached for the potential of massive UCLA tackle Kolton Miller in round one and another tackle later in North Carolina A&T’s Brandon Parker. They had a couple of solid picks in Sam Houston State defensive tackle PJ Hall and wisconsin corner Nick Nelson, and took a shot at the perplexing LSU edge Arden Key. Late in the draft the selected Maurice Hurst, who is easily the best player they drafted as long as the Michigan defensive tackle’s heart issue does not keep him off the field. The added a couple of solid late picks in Oklahoma State wide receiver Marcell Ateman and Washington linebacker Azeem Victor.

31. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks started off the draft with a big reach for San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny. The reach can be understood because clearly he was the guy they wanted, and without a second round pick they needed to act fast. The also selected Rasheem Green from USC who is an edge player who is not an effective pass rusher and Washington’s Will Dissly who is an inline blocking tight end. Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin gives them some speed on the edge. The also got a great value in Ohio State tackle Jamarco Jones.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs used their first rounder last year to trade up and acquire Patrick Mahomes. They focused this year’s picks on defense. The Chiefs added linebackers Breeland Speaks from Ole Miss and Dorian O’Daniel from Clemson. They also selected Florida State defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and Texas A&M safety Armani Watts.