The Armchair Scout: 2019 NFL Draft grades

The 2019 NFL Draft is officially in the books. That means it’s NFL Draft grade time. Even though nobody actually knows who’s going to pan out and who will bust, it’s always fun to instantly overreact to draft classes. It takes three seasons to know if a player is a hit or a miss, but grading every teams draft based on value and fit is a good way to gauge what we know. A lot of these grades are built via pre-draft evaluations combined with the value of the player in terms of their selection spot and how they will fit within that team. So, how did your team fare?

Arizona Cardinals

Excluding how little value the Cardinals got for Josh Rosen, it’s hard to knock their draft class. They got their perfect franchise QB in Kyler Murray for new head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s system. That pick alone will make the Cardinals must watch TV on Sunday’s. His arm talent and athleticism are big time. It was almost like the Cardinals got two first-round picks by adding Byron Murphy at the top of the second. He’s a plug-and-play DB for them with elite instincts and ball skills. With Kingsbury and Kyler running the show they decided to triple down on receivers with Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson. That adds three different styles to the O. Isabella stretches the field, Butler wins the jump balls, and Johnson is the route runner.

Zach Allen and Deionte Thompson can both compete to contribute on D right away. Allen could be their starting 5-Tech Week 1. Lamont Gaillard is a nice IOL depth piece who has a chance to start down the road. Michael Dogbe can be a rotational D-lineman and should fit nicely as a 5-Tech. Expect Joshua Miles and Caleb Wilson on the practice squad.

Final Grade: A

Atlanta Falcons

It’s going to be hard to sell many folks on the Falcons draft. They stuck to their usual philosophy of taking athletic upside players, but the value was rough for the majority of their picks. Taking Chris Lindstrom top 15 is a little rich, but his athleticism and physicality are a great fit at guard. He can reach Pro Bowl potential and was by far their best pick. Trading back into the first-round for Kaleb McGary wasn’t great. McGary has size and athleticism, but is very raw. He was a borderline top 100 player and went 31^st. It doesn’t help that they spent the offseason paying two guards and a right tackle starter money, just to draft their replacements.

In classic Falcons fashion they went with defensive athletes in the fourth-round taking Kendall Sheffield and John Cominsky. Neither is NFL-ready and likely won’t contribute for a season or two. Qadree Ollison was a poor pick considering the other big backs on the board, he’s just not a good athlete. Jordan Miller and Marcus Green were both prototype picks. Miller has length and talent, but just needs to get healthy. Green is a fun little gadget player.

Final Grade: C+

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens clearly went into the draft knowing they needed to get Lamar Jackson more offensive skill position help. They bet on the speed and route running of Hollywood Brown in the first. If he stays healthy and the Ravens build a better deep passing attack this pick could payoff quickly. Jaylon Ferguson was taken two or three rounds too early. He’s not a good athlete, but fits what the Ravens like at edge. Ferguson won’t add much pass rush, but could be a solid base down run defender. Miles Boykin was another overdraft, they’re betting on size and athletic traits.

Their home run fit was the Justice Hill pick. Hill will compliment Mark Ingram perfectly with his explosive running style and pass catching upside. Ben Powers can compete for the left guard spot right away. Iman Marshall has the length and physicality to backup Jimmy Smith. Daylon Mack is a perfect fit and a steal that late, he’ll be a starter in a few years. Trace McSorley is their QB3 and not very good, but could be a poor mans Taysom Hill in terms of gadget plays.

Final Grade: B

Buffalo Bills

Boy oh boy does Brandon Beane know how to put together an NFL roster. He had a slam dunk draft for the Bills. First they stole Ed Oliver as he fell to the ninth pick. Oliver is a perfect scheme fit and was the third best player in the class. He will be a cornerstone for this team for the next decade. Again, they got a steal as Cody Ford fell into the second-round and they traded up to snag him. Ford can start at right guard or right tackle from day one and provide a physicality the O-line lacks.

In the third-round they added two more future offensive starters in Devin Singletary and Dawson Knox. Singletary is a tough runner with elite contact balance. Knox is a ferocious blocker with impressive athletic upside. On Day 3 they went with special team types and upside players. Vosean Joseph’s physicality and motor should translate to special teams stardom. Jaquan Johnson has a high football IQ and can be a depth player at either safety spot. Darryl Johnson is a developmental pass rusher. Tommy Sweeney is a solid TE3 who will do all blocking necessary.

Final Grade: A

Carolina Panthers

The Panther started their draft HOT. They got a steal in edge rusher Brian Burns, he should have been a top 10 pick. Burns provides freaky bend and athleticism to a D-line that lacks it. He should quickly become their most disruptive pass rusher. Then, it was reach picks in Greg Little and Will Grier. Little is suited to play right tackle, a spot they have solidified with Taylor Moton. He’s far from NFL-ready and shouldn’t play much as a rookie. Grier was taken too early in a spot a playoff contender had the chance to add a real contributor.

In the fourth-round getting another impressive pass rusher in Christian Miller was great. He has exciting bend and violent hands. Miller could start at edge down the road. Jordan Scarlett was a bad pick with far more safe backs and upside backs on the board. Dennis Daley can play multiple O-line spots and is solid for depth. Terry Godwin provides a nuanced receiver who can play multiple spots.

Final Grade: B

Chicago Bears

The Bears were tied with the fewest selections, but got a lot of bang for their buck. David Montgomery is a top 50 player in the class and they got him in the third. He’ll be the RB1 for Matt Nagy Week 1. His violent, yet patient running style combined with his receiving ability is a lot like Kareem Hunt. Bolstering an already talented receiving core with Riley Ridley outside the top 100 was a steal. Ridley provides them with a true Z receiver. He’s one of the best route runners in the class.

Duke Shelley isn’t an exciting pick, but makes sense as a developmental nickel for them. He’s feisty and experienced. Kerrith Whyte Jr. was a very interesting add. He can be their starting kick return and a gadget player for Nagy on offense. Stephen Denmark is a massive press corner who’s raw, but worth developing on the practice squad.

Final Grade: B+

Cincinnati Bengals

It was about as good a first-round as Bengals fans could have hoped for. They added a top five player in the class with the 11^th pick in Jonah Williams. He’ll make the entire O-line better with his run mauling style, they’re now set at tackle. Then, maybe the worst pick of the entire draft happened with Drew Sample. The blocking tight end was expected to go in the seventh-round, not the second. At least they addressed their linebacker need with thumper Germaine Pratt. He should plug-and-play in the middle for them.

Day 3 was up and down for the Bengals. Ryan Finley is a less athletic version of Andy Dalton, but can be a backup for a long time. Renell Wren has a shot to insert right away as their 1-Tech with his power and length. Michael Jordan is a solid developmental IOL. Trayveon Williams is likely the Gio Bernard replacement for 2020. Deshaun Davis is a potential special teams guy. Rodney Anderson has immense upside if he can stay healthy. Pairing him with Joe Mixon would be wild. Jordan Brown was a sneaky steal with his length and instincts.

Final Grade: B

Cleveland Browns

Even without a first-round pick the Browns managed to add a high upside talent and potential Week 1 starter in Greedy Williams. Williams has all the talent in the world and is a perfect fit opposite Denzel Ward, he just needs to play more consistently. Sione Takitaki felt like a reach. He might compete for playing time at Will, but he’s more likely a special teams player. Sheldrick Redwine provides the Browns with a versatile DB. He can play safety or nickel for them. Mack Wilson was a massive steal and a better linebacker than Takitaki. He could end up a starter by year two.

Taking a specialist is never a good idea in the draft, especially inside the top 200. Austin Seibert is fine, but come on. Drew Forbes is a versatile offensive lineman who should kick inside to guard. The Donnie Lewis Jr. pick was low key awesome. His length and ability in press is a great fit.

Final Grade: B

Dallas Cowboys

There seems to be a lot of split opinions on if Trysten Hill was a good pick at 58 for the Cowboys. The Cowboys needed to add 3-Tech or a safety with the pick and there were multiple talented safeties on the board when they opted for Hill. Rod Marinelli will likely get the best out of Hill’s explosiveness and leverage ability, but it was still a reach pick. Connor McGovern is a nice add to the O-line, but not a major need. It could allow Connor Williams to move to right tackle. Tony Pollard is a pass catching back who adds a ton of upside as a kick returner.

Defensively getting Michael Jackson and Joe Jackson back-to-back was perfect. Michael provides them with a long press corner who could start in a few years. Joe is a rotational edge with a strong ability vs the run. Donovan Wilson is a fine special teams add, but nothing more. Mike Weber provides the Cowboys with a true RB2 who can break big runs. Jalen Jelks is a long developmental edge.

Final Grade: B

Denver Broncos

Well, John Elway did it. He had an undeniably impressive draft. That’s shocking. Instead of overdrafting a QB, he moved back and got Joe Flacco a perfect weapon in Noah Fant. Fant’s athleticism and pass catching ability will create an instant mismatch for NFL defenses. Then, the Broncos continued to build their O-line getting a steal in Dalton Risner. Risner can play any interior spot for them and has Pro Bowl ability. After waiting patiently, they moved up in the second to get their QB of the future in Drew Lock. Lock’s value was significantly better at 42 and he can wait a few years before taking over.

Dre’Mont Jones was the perfect interior pass rusher in the third. Getting him on the inside with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb on the outside is scary. Betting on Justin Hollins length and athleticism in the fifth was nice value. He can play edge or potentially off-ball for them. Juwam Winfree provides an upside developmental deep threat.

Final Grade: A-

Detroit Lions

The Lions are clearly working on following the Patriots game plan of success with former New England staffers Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia in charge. Taking TJ Hockenson top 10 isn’t great in terms of positon value, but he was a top 10 player in the class. His ability to block, make plays down the seam, and create with YAC will help this offense. They’re hoping he’s their Gronk. Some hated the Jahlani Tavai pick, but the fit is undeniably perfect. He’s their ideal Sam LB and can provide physicality and pass rush. Will Harris has the tools to play either safety spot. His length, fluidity, and physicality are exactly what they need on the backend.

Austin Bryant was a major overdraft. His name is far bigger than his game. They need to hope he develops into a depth piece. Luckily, Amani Oruwariye was a major steal. He’s got the explosiveness and press ability to start opposite Darius Slay. Travis Fulgham is a solid contested catch receiver and provides depth. Ty Johnson can compete to be their kick return. Isaac Nauta is a solid blocker with pass catching ability, he can be an H-back type. PJ Johnson is a developmental nose tackle.

Final Grade: B+

Green Bay Packers

If not for the Packers using the 12^th pick on Rashan Gary, their draft class would look a lot better. Gary just doesn’t seem like a great fit in Mike Pettine’s D. They’ll need to take advantage of his athleticism and versatility by playing him at edge, 5-Tech, and 3-Tech. Moving up for Darnell Savage to complete their secondary was a great move. Savage provides explosiveness and physicality. He’s going to be their missile. Elgton Jenkins can play any IOL spot and his power and mean streak could lead to a starting guard spot. Jace Sternberger isn’t a classic in-line tight end, but can be a Zach Ertz type of slot/H-back for them. He’ll be a nice big target for Aaron Rodgers.

Kingsley Keke is an idea fit for the Packers. He provides depth at every D-line spot and is stout vs the run with athletic upside. Ka’dar Hollman has the fluidity and length the Packers want in their corners and should be a top backup. Dexter Williams gives them an explosive home run hitter behind Aaron Jones. Ty Summers will make an impact on special teams.

Final Grade: B

Houston Texans

No team did less with more on the first two days of the NFL Draft than the Houston Texans. They made maybe the worst pick of the entire draft taking Tytus Howard in the first-round. Howard is a complete upside project who will now likely be forced to start. He was a fourth-round talent and they took him 23^rd. Then to throw gas on the fire, they took two more developmental players back-to-back in the second with Lonnie Johnson and Max Scharping. Johnson is a technical mess, who was overdrafted for his athleticism and length. Scharping is a average at best O-lineman in the league, but better fit to be a backup at multiple spots. All three will probably have to start as rookies.

The Texans somewhat salvaged their draft with their next three picks. Kahale Warring gives them a true starting in-line tight end. He’s an impressive blocker with the size and athleticism to win down the seam. Charles Omenihu was a major steal and his explosiveness and length are perfect for their D-line. He could be a starter early on. Xavier Crawford has the footwork and athleticism to eventually be their nickel. Cullen Gillaspia is a fullback, don’t draft fullbacks.

Final Grade: C

Indianapolis Colts

Chris Ballard stayed true to his drafting philosophy. First he traded back to acquire more picks and then he drafted prototype players he likes. Rock Ya-Sin is a long and physical press corner who will tackle vs the run. He can probably be their starting CB by Week 1. Ben Banogu is a twitchy and versatile edge who will likely move to Sam LB for them. Parris Campbell is a nice fit with Andrew Luck. He’s going to be their starting slot and provide a short passing weapon who can break big plays with YAC. Bobby Okereke has the length and athleticism they covet in off-ball LBs. He could be their starting MLB in a year or two.

On Day 3 they went with athletic upside and special teams players. Khari Willis is a box safety who will shine on specials and could eventually develop into their starting strong safety. Marvell Tell is a long and athletic DB, a shift to cornerback would make a ton of sense. EJ Speed is all raw athletic upside. Gerri Green is a big leadership guy who could embrace the special teams life. Jackson Barton and Javon Patterson are versatile depth OL pieces.

Final Grade: B+

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars first two picks are what really elevates their draft class. They clearly went BPA on their board with the seventh overall pick as Josh Allen slid. He provides even more pass rush for them with his explosiveness, length, and bend. Allen will be able to make the whole D-line better. They also nabbed Jawaan Taylor as he slid in the second-round. Taylor is a top 20 player, but injury issues caused his slide. He will plug-and-play at right tackle for them and solidify their O-line. After that their draft got a little messy. Josh Oliver is raw and a pure upside pick. He’s far from ready to contribute. Quincy Williams, brother of Quinnen, is an undersized LB who has a ton of athleticism and physicality. Neither of these guys will contribute much as rookies.

Day 3 the Jaguars got some Leonard Fournette insurance with another physical RB in Ryquell Armstead. He’ll help lighten the load for Fournette and fits their power run offense. Gardner Minshew is a high IQ backup QB with accuracy and athleticism. He can spot start if needed. Dontavius Russell is a backup nose tackle.

Final Grade: B+

Kansas City Chiefs

With no first-round pick the Chiefs managed a pretty impressive haul. Knowing Tyreek Hill’s career is likely over, the Chiefs took Mecole Hardman with their first pick. Hardman is an undersized, but explosive receiver. He can stretch the field or make YAC plays, he’s a similar style to Hill. To help the backend they added Juan Thornhill. He’s got a ton of range and ball skills for days. Thornhill will plug-and-play at free safety. Maybe the most fun pick for the Chiefs was in the third with Khalen Saunders. Saunders is a stout and powerful interior D-lineman who should slide right in beside Chris Jones at 1-Tech. His athletic upside is impressive.

In the sixth Rashad Fenton was an okay pick. He provides a special teams player and depth at CB. Adding Darwin Thompson is big time fun. He’s a tough and explosive runner who can thrive in the passing game. Nick Allegretti in the seventh is a depth move for the IOL.

Final Grade: B+

Los Angeles Chargers

Another year, another strong Tom Telesco draft class. The Chargers added a top 20 talent as he slid down the board in Jerry Tillery with the 28^th pick. Tillery is a perfect fit at 3-Tech for Gus Bradley with his length, explosiveness, and powerful pass rushing ability. In the second they got themselves another top 30 talent when they took Nasir Adderley. Adderley is the ideal single-high safety in the Bradley system and the perfect compliment next to Derwin James. Those two picks alone were two of the best values and fits in the class. Trey Pipkins in the third was a reach. He’s an athletic upside pick, but so raw and likely a few years away from contributing.

Day 3 looked good for Chargers fans. They took another slider with Drue Tranquill. He can be a dominant special teams player and provided depth at WLB and MLB for them. There wasn’t a better backup QB fit than Easton Stick for the Chargers. His athleticism and accuracy are ideal as the QB3 behind Tyrod Taylor. Emeke Egbule will be a special teams stud and nice depth player at SLB. Cortez Broughton provides a rotational pass rushing 3-Tech.

Final Grade: A-

Los Angeles Rams

After a couple trades in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Rams managed four top 100 picks. They started nicely adding future fan favorite in safety Taylor Rapp at the end of the second. Rapp’s instincts, motor, physicality, and versatility will get him on the field early and often as a rookie. The most surprising pick had to be Darrell Henderson. With Todd Gurley’s knee issue ongoing the Rams added the most dynamic runner in the class. The value was good at 70 and Henderson could provide a spark to the offense in multiple ways. David Long was a solid pick and he’ll likely be their starting CB when Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib hit free agency in 2020. Bobby Evans was a reach and is better suited to kick inside to guard, but there’s not a ton of upside with him.

Greg Gaines was a mindboggling reach in the fourth. He’s a nice fit at nose tackle, but taking him with Daylon Mack on the board was shocking. David Edwards in the fifth provides them with a swing tackle. He’s a smooth mover and just needs technique work. Nick Scott and Dakota Allen won’t contribute anywhere, but special teams.

Final Grade: B

Miami Dolphins

If you factor in the moves that ended up getting the Dolphins Josh Rosen, then this is an A from GM Chris Grier. They basically just gave up a fifth-round pick and moved their second-round pick to 2020 for a potential franchise QB. That’s ridiculous value. From a pure draft class perspective, the Dolphins were clearly trying to build a foundational culture. Christian Wilkins isn’t only a perfect fit as their 3-Tech with his quickness, leverage, and hustle, but he’s perfect for the locker room. Wilkins gives them a high IQ leader to help set the standard for the new staff. With a ton of O-line help needed, the Dolphins got great value with Michael Deiter in the third. He can play anywhere on the O-line and has Pro Bowl ability as a guard.

In the fifth, Andrew Van Ginkel was a reach, but fits their prototype Sam role and can play specials. Isaiah Prince is a depth piece along the O-line and could move to guard. Since it’s a Patriots coaching staff they of course drafted a hardnosed fullback in Chandler Cox. Myles Gaskin was a quiet steal in the seventh and could be their James White type of satellite back.

Final Grade: B+

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings knew they needed to add the best O-line available when they picked, and they did just that. Garrett Bradbury at 18 was ideal. He can be their O-line cornerstone and his dominance will have a Quenton Nelson type effect for them up front. Needing another offensive weapon, they stopped the slight fall of Irv Smith Jr. This gives them a move tight end who can also block when needed. He’ll be an instant mismatch in-line or in the slot. Alexander Mattison is a good fit, but awful value in the third. He’s a bruiser with big time toughness, but better options went undrafted.

Nabbing Dru Samia in the fourth gives them a top interior OL backup who can compete and likely start down the line. Cameron Smith isn’t exciting, but should help specials. Armon Watts will rotate along the D-line and can provide them with a 1-Tech of the future. Marcus Epps is physical and can help specials. Oli Udoh is a massive O-lineman and should be a developmental player. Kris Boyd is physical and raw at CB; he is a depth player. Dillon Mitchell was a steal late. Don’t be surprised if he competes for their WR3 spot. Olabisi Johnson gives them at deep threat in the WR4/5 spot. Don’t draft specialists, especially long snappers.

Final Grade: B+

New England Patriots

Most were surprised with the direction the Patriots went with the last pick of the first-round. Normally, they love nuanced route runners at receiver who may lack some physical traits, but they took N’Keal Harry. Harry’s dominance in 50/50 ball situations and YAC ability give the Pats a new weapon. They took another physical specimen with Joejuan Williams in the second. He gives them the big physical press cornerback they’ve been looking for. In the third, Chase Winovich was an ideal steal. His motor, violent hands, and explosiveness can get him a starting job at edge on the D-line early. Damien Harris provides an inside bruising style in the run game to take pressure off Sony Michel. Yodny Cajuste has a ton of upside and will likely develop into their future starting right tackle.

Day 3 they went O-line again with Hjalte Froholdt. He can be the top backup guard and eventually a likely starter. Jarrett Stidham was a bad pick. Big physical upside, but not much else. Byron Cowart fits their versatile defensive front as a rotational player. The shock was the Pats taking a non-left footed punter. Jake Bailey has a boom stick leg, but don’t draft punters. Ken Webster is a great athlete who can play specials.

Final Grade: B+

New Orleans Saints

The Saints were without first-round pick, but with some maneuvering they came away with a strong draft class. They gave up a lot to move up in the second for Erik McCoy, but he gives them a potential Pro Bowl center to replace Max Unger. McCoy is athletic, physical, and ready to start Week 1. What really sealed this draft for the Saints was them stealing Chauncey Gardner-Johnson in the fourth. He was a top 50 talent and slid due to the interview process. CGJ will give them a versatile starting nickel who’s aggressive with great instincts. He can play man or zone with his fluidity and athleticism.

Late-Day 3 they went DB again with Saquan Hampton. Hampton is a physical tackler who can provide depth at either safety spot and play special teams. Alize Mack in the seventh was an upside pick. He never put it together at Notre Dame, but the athletic potential is there. Kaden Elliss is going to be a special teams terror.

Final Grade: A-

New York Giants

Dave Gettleman made a bad pick. He’s now making it worse by constantly talking about why he made that bad pick. Dave Gettleman is the worst GM in the NFL and he wants everybody to know it. Daniel Jones was a crazy reach at six. That’s 100 picks earlier than he should have gone, but he looks and sounds like Eli Manning so what are you going to do? On the bright side Jones does fit Pat Shurmur’s system. The fact that the Giants traded Snacks Harrison for a fifth just to draft a nose tackle 17^th doesn’t seem smart. Dexter Lawrence is going to be good, but there’s no value in a nose and with BJ Hill and Dalvin Tomlinson, it didn’t seem like a major need. Deandre Baker was their best pick in the first. He’s a technically sound press CB who should start right away.

Oshane Ximines was a reach. He’s got nice hand use, but lacks size and explosiveness. Their best overall pick was Julian Love in the fourth. He can be their Week 1 starting nickel. Ryan Connelly is a fine special teams add. Darius Slayton is a WR5 with speed, but no hands. Corey Ballentine was a nice get that late. He can develop into a starter. George Asafo-Adjei and Chris Slayton are okay depth players.

Final Grade: C

New York Jets

The Jets tried to trade back and acquire more assets and when that didn’t workout, they played it cool. They came away with the best player in the draft in Quinnen Williams. He gives them an All-Pro talent up front and a leader in the locker room. Quinnen and Leonard Williams is a scary duo. In the third they took the polarizing Jachai Polite. A top 20 talent who killed his stock in the pre-draft process. If he keeps it together with the Jets, then he can be their best edge rusher early in his career. Getting Chuma Edoga in the third was a solid move. His footwork and ability in pass pro likely earn him the starting right tackle job.

Future fan favorite, Trevon Wesco, in the fourth was an awesome get. He’ll likely be their TE2/FB with his dominance as a run blocker. Blake Cashman fell all the way to the fifth and although they won’t need him to start, he can. He’ll also be a special teams ace. Blessuan Austin is a long corner with upside, likely headed for the practice squad.

Final Grade: A-

Oakland Raiders

It didn’t take long for the 2019 NFL Draft to shock the world and of course Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock were behind it. The Raiders were clearly looking for culture cornerstones. Taking Clelin Ferrell at four was something nobody expected. He’s a top 20 player, but most saw him going in the teens. Ferrell was a reach, but he’ll start Week 1 with his explosiveness, multiple pass rush moves, and ability vs the run. Josh Jacobs is a perfect fit, but running backs are bad value in the first. On the bright side, he’ll be their bell cow and the likely best rookie RB. Johnathan Abram was another reach/bad value pick, he’s a box safety. Abram will be the defensive tone setter and leader of the secondary. All three were reaches/bad value, but at least there’s a clear plan here. They added three high character leaders with awesome work ethics to their locker room.

In the second Trayvon Mullen was a reach. He’s got the physical tools, but was plagued by inconsistent play and lack of instincts at Clemson. Mullen’s not ready to start. Day 3 went well for the Raiders. Maxx Crosby was a top 100 player and his length, motor, and athleticism could lead to an early role. Isaiah Johnson is a pure upside pick with his length and athleticism, but at 129^th it was a fine gamble. Foster Moreau’s ability in the run game and explosiveness might get him the TE1 job. Hunter Renfrow’s value at 149^th is incredible. Best hands in the draft and a top route runner. Could start at slot Week 1. Quinton Bell is a pure athlete who will need the practice squad.

Final Grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles

Howie Roseman sure knows how to work a draft. One thing is clear with Roseman, he values trench play and isn’t afraid to make a move to get his guy. In the first he jumped the Texans to steal Andre Dillard. Dillard was a top 15 talent and the best pass protector in the class. Now, he has the luxury of sitting behind Jason Peters before taking over as the franchise left tackle. In the second the Eagles got Carson Wentz more weapons. Miles Sanders was a reach with his fumbling issues and boom or bust running style, but he’ll provide a massive upgrade in the backfield. JJ Arcega-Whiteside is exactly the type of receiver they needed to get. JJAW gives them a big 50/50 downfield target and a red zone monster.

Day 3 wasn’t exciting for the Eagles. Shareef Miller is a fine depth add on the edge, but they took him early. He’ll be a backup with some rotational upside. Clayton Thorson shouldn’t have been drafted. He provides basically no upside and he’s not a great fit in the offense. Tyree Jackson is much better and went undrafted.

Final Grade: B

Pittsburgh Steelers

If you were to ask most Steelers fans who the perfect fit for their defense was in the 2019 NFL Draft, the vast majority would likely say Devin Bush. Trading up to 10 and giving up the 20^th pick, 52^nd pick, and a 2020 third-round pick for an off-ball LB isn’t great value, but when Bush is exactly who the Steelers needed, it’s justifiable. Bush gives them the emotional leader, thumping tone setter, and freaky athlete they need in the middle. A surprising move was them taking Diontae Johnson in the third. It’s less surprising when you look at what the Steelers value in WRs: route running, YAC/return man ability, and work ethic. Johnson checks all those boxes and will be taking over as the starter in Antonio Brown’s old spot.

The NFL overvalues long press corners at times, but the Steelers stole Justin Layne at 83. Layne’s going to be starting very soon with his length and upside. A not so surprising pick was Benny Snell. He fits their prototype back and although not a big need, he can be a bruiser when needed. The worst pick was Zach Gentry. He’s a TE2 at best who can block, but he wasn’t worth a top 200 pick. Sutton Smith isn’t going to do much, he’s not an edge and needs to learn to play LB. Isaiah Buggs value in the sixth is nice and gives them a rotational 5-Tech type with pass rush upside. Ulysees Gilbert is physical and athletic. At minimum, Gilbert helps the special teams a lot. Derwin Gray is a big and physical developmental O-lineman.

Final Grade: B

San Francisco 49ers

It was rumored for months that the 49ers coveted edge rusher Nick Bosa and they got him. Bosa is exactly who San Fran needed to take this defense up a notch and now gives them one of the scariest D-lines in football. He should be the Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite. In a not surprising at all move the 49ers took Deebo Samuel in the second. He’s the exact type of WR Kyle Shanahan loves. Top-end route runner and can dominate with YAC. That’s two slam dunk picks. Jalen Hurd was a reach in the third. He gives them a big target at WR and Shanny will love his versatility to move around, but he’s raw as can be and still learning the position.

Drafting a punter in the fourth-round is ridiculously silly, even if Mitch Wishnowsky was by far the best specialist. Dre Greenlaw is a nice fit in the fifth. He’s undersize, but athletic and impressive in coverage. Kaden Smith needs to improve his blocking to justify a top 200 pick. If he gets better as a blocker, he’ll be a fine TE2. Justin Skule is a swing tackle and depth pick for the 49ers. Tim Harris was a steal. Injury history killed his stock, but his tape is that of a top 100 player. Harris’ length, press-man ability, and athleticism is perfect in this system.

Final Grade: B+

Seattle Seahawks

Somehow, John Schneider turned the 21^st overall pick in the draft into an additional six picks. That alone is magnificent. With the first-round pick they did keep, they took LJ Collier. It was a reach pick no doubt, but reach picks are far more reasonable when it’s an ideal fit. Collier’s inside-outside ability is what the Hawks love in an edge. Another reach came in the second with safety Marquise Blair, but again a nice fit. His physicality and range could earn him a starting spot early. The reaches were all made okay when the Seahawks got maybe the steal of the draft in height-weight-speed freak DK Metcalf at 64. Metcalf gives them a potentially dominant deep threat and red zone option. Cody Barton was another reach, likely headed for special teams.

Day 3 the Seahawks reached again with Gary Jennings Jr. He’ll be a solid deep threat option, but far better receivers were available. Then the Hawks started cooking. Phil Haynes is a run mauler who will be a perfect future starting left guard. Ugo Amadi is a high instinct, feisty, and smooth nickel and should compete to start right away. Ben Burr-Kirven has a non-stop motor at LB and could start down the line while thriving on specials. Travis Homer can be a change of pace satellite back type. Demarcus Christmas is a depth player at 1-Tech. John Ursua is a developmental slot.

Final Grade: B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It was the least surprising move of the draft when the Buccaneers took Devin White at five. It had been a rumor for months and they got their guy. Taking White that early was a reach. He’s going to be their emotional leader and fly around making plays, but a trade back would have been much better. With Todd Bowles running the D, taking Sean Bunting made a lot of sense. An athletic press corner with tons of upside, it was a bit early, but a good fit. Then, it got weird. The Bucs again went high upside athletic corner in Jamel Dean, another slight reach. And again they went DB with Mike Edwards, a likely big nickel/strong safety type. All three can be good football players, but they’ve taken nine DBs in the top 120 over the last four drafts. They ignored too many other needs, like O-line.

In the fourth the Bucs finally didn’t go DB, but stuck with D by taking Anthony Nelson. Nelson can develop into a perfect fit at 5-Tech for them with his power and stout run D. Nobody should draft a kicker, but the Buccaneers especially should never draft a kicker and they did. Matt Gay is going to be constantly watched. Scott Miller is a developmental slot, but many better options were around. Terry Beckner is a fine grab in the seventh as a developmental D-lineman.

Final Grade: C+

Tennessee Titans

For the second straight year, Jon Robinson and the Titans had an impressive draft despite lacking a ton of picks. They took Jeffery Simmons at 19. Even though he’ll miss his rookie year with a torn ACL, that’s a massive steal. Simmons was a top five talent in this class and can become an All-Pro opposite Jurrell Casey. Needing to complete their WR core for Marcus Mariota, they selected AJ Brown. Brown was good value there and if he can play on the outside it’ll be big for this passing attack. His YAC ability and strong hands will be a safety net. In the third the Titans got themselves a big upside starting guard with Nate Davis. He needs to fix his stance, but he’s a powerful run blocker and a great fit at right guard.

One of the biggest steals of the draft was Amani Hooker in the fourth. Hooker is the Desmond King of this DB class. He’s got instincts for days, can play all over the secondary, and is a physical run defender. Hooker can start at nickel or strong safety. D’Andre Walker in the fifth was nice value. He’s going to be a rotational edge and play the run at a high level. David Long Jr. should be a nice depth LB and with his athleticism, he could be a special teams asset.

Final Grade: A-

Washington

Is this the Twilight Zone!? Did Washington just have arguably the best draft in the NFL!? They sure did and if Dan Snyder was actually behind it, this could be a sign the world is ending. Instead of selling the farm to get their franchise QB, Washington stayed put and took the second best passer in Dwayne Haskins. Haskins value at 15 is incredible and he’s the perfect fit with his accuracy and pocket passing ability. Then, they traded back up to add an edge. Montez Sweat is a height-weight-speed monster who plays with power and uses his length very well. The perfect Ryan Kerrigan compliment. In the third they got Haskins his teammate and a go-to WR option in Terry McLaurin. McLaurin can stretch the field and is a top route runner.

The bad pick was Bryce Love. If he were healthy it would be fine, but he’s not and RB wasn’t a big need. Wes Martin was a quiet nice pick, he’s a good run blocker and a potential future starter. Ross Pierschbacher provides depth at all three IOL spots. Cole Holcomb is a super athletic special teams type LB. It was a slam dunk pick in the sixth for Washington with Kelvin Harmon. Harmon is what Josh Doctson is supposed to be, a sure handed contested catch monster. Harmon could start as a rookie. Jimmy Moreland was another quiet steal. His feisty play and ball skills could earn him the starting nickel job. Jordan Brailford is a versatile developmental edge.

Final Grade: A

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