The Grueling Truth’s 2016 NFL Draft Grades

The Grueling Truth’s 2016 NFL Draft Grades!

Arizona Cardinals

1 (29). Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

3 (92). Brandon Williams, CB, Texas A&M

4 (128). Evan Boehm, C, Missouri

5 (167). Marqui Christian, S, Midwestern State

5 (170). Cole Toner, OT, Harvard

6 (205). Harlan Miller, CB, Southeastern Louisiana State

Best pick: Boehm – The Cardinals obviously needed a center this offseason, and they got a potential starter in the fourth round with Boehm. Nkemdiche, could be a steal if he gets himself straightened out.

Worst pick: Williams – No. 92 overall was really high for a player who played just a season of cornerback after shifting from running back. Williams this high is a shaky pick at best. 

The Cardinals took a high-risk, high-reward player in the first round in Robert Nkemdiche. It’s a good landing spot for him thanks to Arizona’s strong locker room. Strengthened the offensive line with a center and tackle that will be able to help soon. Was surprised they did not go after a QB in this draft.

Overall grade: B

Atlanta Falcons

1 (17). Keanu Neal, S, Florida

2 (52). Deion Jones, LB, LSU

3 (81). Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford

4 (115). De’Vondre Campbell, LB, Minnesota

6 (195). Wes Schweitzer, G, San Jose State

7 (238). Devin Fuller, WR, UCLA

Best pick: Hooper – The Falcons need talent at the position, and the redshirt sophomore from Stanford offers it. Hooper runs good routes and knows where to sit in a zone to attack defense, in a weak tight end class the Falcons got one of the few tight ends that could turn in to being a starter.

Worst pick: Neal – The Florida safety was a needed pick, but using No. 17 overall on him was way too early. I think Neal should have went in the second round.

Hooper could help right away and Deion Jones will add athleticism that the Falcons have been lacking on defense, in the end I still think they overreached for Neal.

Overall grade: C+

Baltimore Ravens

1 (6). Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

2 (42). Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State

3 (70). Bronson Kaufusi, DE, Brigham Young

4 (104). Tavon Young, CB, Temple

4 (107). Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati

4 (130). Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska

4 (132). Willie Henry, DT, Michigan

4 (134). Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech

5 (146). Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State University

6 (182). Keenan Reynolds, WR, Navy

6 (209). Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia

Best pick: Correa – I like this pick, plus it was a shrewd move by the Ravens to trade down twice and accumulate picks and still get the player they want.

Worst pick: Young – Young projects to the slot, but there were some corners with higher grades than him when he came off the board. Don’t really understand this pick at all.

Overall grade: B

Buffalo Bills

1 (19). Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

2 (41). Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama

3 (80). Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

4 (139). Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State

5 (156). Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas

6 (192). Kolby Listenbee, WR, TCU

6 (218). Kevon Seymour, CB, USC

Best pick: Ragland – Even though the Bills traded up to get him, Ragland will be a starter for years in Buffalo. Just watch the tackles add up season after season. Best inside linebacker in the draft.

Worst pick: Jones – Jones is a huge project and the Bills could have selected a QB that was more ready if something were to happen to Tyrod Taylor.

The Bills improved the defensive side of the ball, and I love Kolby Listenbee the 6th round wide receiver out of TCU.

Overall grade: A

Carolina Panthers

1 (30). Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

2 (62). James Bradberry, CB, Samford

3 (77). Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia

5 (141). Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma

7 (252). Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State

Best pick: Butler- could be an impact defensive lineman right away.

Worst pick: Bradberry – physical attributes are there, but he is really raw, will take time to develop.

The Butler pick I am high on, the rest of their draft is highly questionable. Losing Norman led them to picking 3 cornerbacks, problem is all 3 have major questions.

Overall grade: D+

Chicago Bears

1 (9). Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

2 (56). Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State

3 (72). Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida

4 (113). Nick Kwiatkoski, LB, West Virginia

4 (124). Deion Bush, S, Miami

4 (127). Deiondre’ Hall, CB, Northern Iowa

5 (150). Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana

6 (185). DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, William & Mary

7 (230). Daniel Braverman, WR,Western Michigan

Best pick: Floyd- actually I think there first 3 picks are all excellent picks, Bullard is an absolute steal.

Worst pick: Passing on Kentrell Brothers of Missouri was a surprising move. Kwiatkoski is a solid player, but not as NFL ready as Brothers.

Chicago knew its needs in the draft, and filled them. The Bears in my opinion did a great job in this draft.

Overall grade: B+

Cincinnati Bengals

1 (24). William Jackson III, CB, Houston

2 (55). Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh

3 (87). Nick Vigil, MLB, Utah State

4 (122). Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

5 (161). Christian Westerman, G, Arizona State

6 (199). Cody Core, WR, Ole Miss

7 (245). Clayton Fejedelem, S, Illinois

Best pick: Billings – The Bengals need a nose tackle this year to eventually replace Domata Peko in a year or two.

Worst pick: Core – I think there were better WR’s left that they passed on for Core.

Bengals didn’t over extend by picking a WR in the first round and ended up with maybe the best CB in the draft and then got Tyler Boyd a WR in the second round. Vigil is a great pick and guard Christian Westerman could be a complete steal.

Overall grade: A-

Cleveland Browns

1 (15). Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

2 (32). Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

3 (65). Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State

3 (76). Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

3 (93). Cody Kessler, QB, USC

4 (99). Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin

4 (114). Ricardo Louis, WR, Auburn

4 (129). Derrick Kindred, S, TCU

4 (138). Seth DeValve, TE, Princeton

5 (154). Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA

5 (168). Spencer Drango, OT/G, Baylor

5 (172). Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State

5 (173). Trey Caldwell, CB, Louisiana–Monroe

7 (250). Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona

Best pick: Drango – The Browns got great value with Drango late in the fifth round. He’s a player the Browns should be able to use at tackle and guard. At worst, he’s a good backup.

Worst pick: Louis – Think they will  try to move him to corner, thats a high pick on a project.

Needed a lot of players, they got them. Now the question is did they get the right ones, for the most part I think they did ok.

Overall grade: C+

Dallas Cowboys

1 (4). Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

2 (34). Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame

3 (67). Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

4 (102). Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma

4 (135). Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

6 (189). Anthony Brown, CB, Purdue

6 (212). Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan

6 (216). Darius Jackson, RB, Eastern Michigan

6 (217). Rico Gathers, TE, Baylor

Best pick: Prescott – Prescott is a very smart QB who has the potential to be very good down the road,

Worst pick: Elliott- Sure he will be the front runner for rookie of the year, but they could have picked Jalen Ramsey an immediate need in the first round. They have a good running back in Alfred Morris.

Jaylon Smith may not play until 2017, but when he does it will have been a huge steal for the Cowboys.

Overall grade: B-

Denver Broncos

1 (26). Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

2 (63). Adam Gotsis, DE, Georgia Tech

3. (98). Justin Simmons, S, Boston College

4 (136). Devontae Booker, RB, Utah

5 (144). Connor McGovern, G, Missouri

6 (176). Andy Janovich, FB, Nebraska

6 (219). Will Parks, S, Arizona

7 (228). Riley Dixon, P, Syracuse

Best pick: Booker – Good pick he’s a complete back. He has good enough speed and power, and is a talented pass catcher.

Worst pick: Gotsis – He’s a good system fit in Denver’s defense, but using a second round pick on a guy who is going to be back up is questionable at best.

I think chances are at least good that Lynch becomes the starter this year, has the tools to be the top QB in this draft.

Overall grade: B-

Detroit Lions

1 (16). Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

2 (46). A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

3 (95). Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan

4 (111). Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah

5 (151). Joe Dahl, OT, Washington State

6 (191). Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan

6 (202). Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State

6 (210). Jimmy Landes, LS, Baylor

7 (236). Dwayne Washington, RB, Washington

Best pick: Glasgow- Will be a starter for a long time in Detroit.

Worst pick: Rudock – Big time reach.

Became infinitely better up front overnight.

Overall grade: B

Green Bay Packers

1 (27). Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

2 (48). Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

3 (88). Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State

4 (131). Blake Martinez, MLB, Stanford

4 (137). Dean Lowry, DE, Northwestern

5 (163). Trevor Davis, WR, Cal

6 (200). Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford

Best pick: Spriggs & Murphy – I projected Murphy as a fourth-round pick and the Packers stole him in the sixth round. He could play guard or tackle for the Packers. And Spriggs will be a starter for a decade in the NFL.

Worst pick: Davis – Davis is a solid player, just thought they shouldn’t’ have went WR here.

Did a great job of filling the needs they have, this was a great draft for the Packers.

Overall grade:B+

Houston Texans

1 (21). Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame

2 (50). Nick Martin, C, Notre Dame

3 (85). Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

4 (119). Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State

5 (159). K.J. Dillon, S, West Virginia

5 (166). D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson

Best pick: Martin- Great pick will be a long time starter in the NFL at one of the most important divisions.

Worst pick: Fuller – The Texans obviously loved Fuller’s speed, but his drop issues are real. I think this will not be a bad pick, had to pick something and it’s the only negative I could find with a very solid draft.

Filled needs, and I love the Braxton Miller pick! Will need to develop as a WR, but when he does watch out!

Overall grade: B+

Indianapolis Colts

1 (18). Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

2 (57). T.J. Green, S, Clemson

3 (82). Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech

4 (116). Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas

4 (125). Antonio Morrison, LB, Florida

5 (155). Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State

7 (239). Trevor Bates, OLB, Maine

7 (247). Austin Blythe, C, Iowa

Best pick: Kelly – Priority No. 1 in Indianapolis is protecting Andrew Luck and Kelly is ably suited for that duty. Maybe the best offensive lineman overall in this draft.

Worst pick: Green – Good pick, but Vonn Bell from Ohio.State would have been the better pick.

Colts drafted for need, and at least two of these offensive lineman will start right away.

Overall grade: B+

Jacksonville Jaguars

1 (5). Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State

2 (36). Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

3 (69). Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Maryland

4 (103). Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

6 (181). Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana

6 (201). Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas

7 (226). Jonathan Woodard, DE, Central Arkansas

Best pick: Jack – Look, there is a risk in taking Jack, but he was one of the four best players on defense in this year’s draft.

Worst  pick: Ngakoue – He’s the pas rusher they needed, but the third round was early to take him. Still a solid addition, just risky.

Two straight great drafts in a row for the Jaguars! Ramsey and Jack may just be the twp best players on this draft board.

Overall grade: A

Kansas City Chiefs

2 (37). Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

3 (74). KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame

4 (105). Parker Ehinger, G, Cincinnati

4 (106). Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota

4 (126). DeMarcus Robinson, WR, Florida

5 (162). Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford

5 (165). Tyreek Hill, RB, West Alabama

6 (178). D.J. White, CB, Georgia Tech

6 (203). Dadi Nicolas, OLB, Virginia Tech

Best pick: Jones – Jones had a first-round grade but slipped a little because of the talent at the position. Mean player who makes plays.

Worst pick: Robinson – Possible locker room problem, can the Chiefs control him?

For trading out of the first round the Chiefs had a solid draft. I really like Hogan the QB out of Stanford, not the strongest arm, but can be a very good backup for a long time in the NFL.

Overall grade: B

Los Angeles Rams

1 (1). Jared Goff, QB, Cal

4 (109). Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky

4 (117). Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina

6 (177). Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State

6 (190). Josh Forrest, LB, Kentucky

6 (206). Michael Thomas, WR, Southern Miss

Best pick: Higbee- Very underrated TE, will be a good addition for the Rams.

Worst pick: Hemingway – If the Rams wanted a second tight end, South Carolina’s Jerell Adams, a great pass catcher, was available.

Gave up way to much to go get Goff, but overall a solid draft.

Overall grade: B-

Miami Dolphins

1 (13). Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

2 (38). Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor

3 (73). Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama

3 (86). Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers

6 (186). Jakeem Grant, WR, Texas Tech

6 (204). Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State

7 (223). Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky

7 (231). Thomas Duarte, TE, UCLA

Best pick: Tunsil – He’s the best left tackle in by far.

Worst pick: Drake- Picked way to high, has a hard time holding on to the ball.

Overall grade: B-

Minnesota Vikings

1 (23). Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

2 (54). Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

4 (121). Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan

5 (160). Kentrell Brothers, MLB, Missouri

6 (180). Moritz Boehringer, WR, Germany (?)

6 (188). David Morgan, TE, Texas at San Antonio

7 (227). Stephen Weatherly, LB, Vanderbilt

7 (244). Jayron Kearse, S, Clemson

Best pick: Brothers –  Makes a ton of tackles in the middle, great pick in the 5th round.

Worst pick: Beavers – Inconsistent in college, more than likely a guard.

Great draft, filled many needs.

Overall grade: A-

New England Patriots

2 (60). Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

3 (78). Joe Thuney, G, North Carolina State

3 (91). Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State

3 (96). Vincent Valentine, DT, Nebraska

4 (112). Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia

6 (208). Kamu Grugier-Hill, DB, Eastern Illinois

6 (214). Elandon Roberts, OLB, Houston

6 (221). Ted Karras, G, Illinois

7 (225). Devin Lucien, WR, Arizona State

Best pick: Mitchell – The Georgia receiver is a great value pick.

Worst pick: Jones – Solid player, but he could have been gotten later in the draft.

As always found players that git their system, Mitchell was an outstanding pick and could help right away.

Overall grade: C+

New Orleans Saints

1 (12). Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

2 (47). Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

2 (61). Vonn Bell, S, Ohio State

4 (120). David Onyemata, DT, Manitoba (Canada)

7 (237). Daniel Lasco, RB, Cal

Best pick: Rankins- Will have an impact in the middle right away.

Worst pick: Onyemata – Could have had Andrew Billings.

First three players drafted will help right away.

Overall grade: A

New York Giants

1 (10). Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

2 (40). Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma

3 (71). Darian Thompson, S, Boise State

4 (109). B.J. Goodson, LB, Clemson

5 (149). Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA

6 (184). Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina

Best pick: Shepard – Could be the number one receiver on most other teams, great route runner.

Worst pick: Apple- Inconsistent and raw, not a good choice this high.

Overall grade: B

New York Jets

1 (20). Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

2 (51). Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State

3 (83). Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia

4 (118). Juston Burris, CB, North Carolina State

5 (158). Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina

7 (235). Lachlan Edwards, P, Sam Houston State

7 (241). Charone Peake, WR, Clemson

Best pick: Peake – Will be a huge surprise from this draft.

Worst pick: Hackenberg – Second round? Too high.

With first-round pick Darron Lee added a much-needed element of speed to the defense. Needs to be moved to safety in my opinion, a little light to play LB in the NFL.

Overall grade: C

Oakland Raiders

1 (14). Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

2 (44). Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

3 (75). Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

4 (100). Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

5 (143). DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech

6 (194). Cory James, OLB, Colorado State

7 (234). Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

Best pick: Joseph – The Raiders got a physical safety who will help them.

Worst pick: Ward – More of a fourth round pick.

Think they picked some guys higher than they needed too.

Overall grade: C+

Philadelphia Eagles

1 (2). Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

3 (79). Isaac Seumalo, C, Oregon State

5 (153). Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia

5 (164). Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU

6 (196). Blake Countess, CB, Auburn

7 (233). Jalen Mills, S/CB, LSU

7 (240). Alex McCalister, DE, Florida

7 (251). Joe Walker, LB, Oregon

Best pick: Seumalo – Can play anywhere on the line.

Worst pick: Wentz – Gave up way too much to get him.

Big risk with Wentz, a QB who attempted just a little over 600 passes at North Dakota.State.

Overall grade: C+

Pittsburgh Steelers

1 (25). Artie Burns, CB, Miami

2 (58). Sean Davis, S, Maryland

3 (89). Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State

4 (123). Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU

6 (220). Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington

7 (229). DeMarcus Ayers, WR, Houston

7 (246). Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple

Best pick: Hargrave – Hard to move nose tackle.

Worst pick: Burns – The Steelers need a CB, right now. I think Burns will be that, but it is going to take a few years.

Overall grade: C+

San Diego Chargers

1 (3). Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

2 (35). Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas

3 (66). Max Tuerk, C, USC

4 (102). Joshua Perry, LB, Ohio State

5 (175). Jatavis Brown, LB, Akron

6 (179). Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M

6 (198) Derek Watt, FB, Wisconsin

7 (224). Donavon Clark, G, Michigan State

Best pick: Henry – Best TE in this draft, nice replacement for Gates.

Worst pick: Don’t see one , this is a solid draft.

Grades not an A because I thought Ramsey would have been a better choice here.

Overall grade: B+

San Francisco 49ers

1 (7). DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

1 (28). Joshua Garnett, G, Stanford

3 (68). Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State

4 (133). Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU

5 (142). Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State

5 (145). John Theus, OT, Georgia

5 (174). Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss

6 (207). Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech

6 (211). Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida

6 (213). Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State

7 (249). Prince Charles Iworah, CB, Western Kentucky

Best pick: Buckner – Great pick, possibly the best defensive lineman in this draft.

Worst pick: Garnett – Will be a good player, just think they may have given up to much to get him in the first round.

Needed to fill a lot of holes, and they did a good job of addressing the needs of the team. Will Redmond is a sleeper pick.

Overall grade: B

Seattle Seahawks

1 (31). Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M

2 (49). Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

3 (90). C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame

3 (94). Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State

3 (97). Rees Odhiambo, G, Boise State

5 (147). Quinton Jefferson, DT, Maryland

5 (171). Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas

6 (215). Joey Hunt, C, TCU

7 (243). Kenny Lawler, WR, Cal

7 (247). Zac Brooks, RB, Clemson

Best pick: Reed – Absolute steal of the draft!

Worst pick: Odhimabo – Don’t think he fits what Seattle does.

Seahawks filled the needs they had coming into the draft.

Overall grade: B+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1 (11). Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

2 (39). Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky

2 (59). Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State

4 (108). Ryan Smith, CB, North Carolina Central

5 (148). Caleb Benenoch, OT, UCLA

6 (183). Devante Bond, LB, Oklahoma

6 (197). Dan Vitale, FB, Northwestern

Best pick: Spence – The Buccaneers needed to get a high-level pass rusher in this year’s draft and got one with Spence. He can be a terror off the edge.

Worst pick: Aguayo – he is a very good kicker, but you don’t pick him in the second round, and you do NOT trade up to get him.

Overall grade: B-

 

Tennessee Titans

1 (8). Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

2 (33). Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

2 (43). Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State

2 (45). Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

3 (64). Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State

5 (140). Tajae Sharpe, WR, Massachusetts

5 (157). LeShaun Sims, CB, Southern Utah

6 (193). Sebastian Tretola, G, Arkansas

7 (222). Aaron Wallace, LB, UCLA

7 (253). Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Miss

Best pick: Henry- Will be a stud in the NFL.

Worst pick: Conklin – Tunsil is better.

Great draft, Titans filled many needs.

Overall Grade: A

Washington Redskins

1 (22). Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

2 (53). Su’a Cravens, S, USC

3 (84). Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

5 (152). Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple

6 (187). Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana

7 (232). Steven Daniels, LB, Boston College

7 (242). Keith Marshall, RB, Gerogia

Best pick: Doctson- Will be a great addition for Cousins.

Worst pick: Fuller – Health issues scare me.

Killed it in the first three rounds.

Overall grade: A-