Grading draft picks is usually something every NFL fan and analyst does the second the draft ends. These grades sometimes age horribly such as The Seattle Seahawks getting a F grade from Bleacher Report for their draft in which they drafted Bobby Wagner and Russel Wilson. Nonetheless it is always interesting to look back on the draft and see how these teams did.
Travon Walker, B+
The Jaguars had an interesting dilemma with the first overall pick as there was no consensus number one overall pick for the first time in years. Travon Walker was a good selection as he has the potential to become one of the best pass rushers in the league however many people thought Aiden Hutchison should’ve been the pick.
Aiden Hutchinson, A+
The Lions selected most people’s number one overall pick and hometown kid Aiden Hutchinson with the number two overall pick. This was the perfect selection for the Lions as they needed a franchise pass rusher and got one with Hutchinson who was arguably the best player in this draft.
Derek Stingley Jr., D+
Drafting a defensive back while the team is so far from playoff contention was not the right move for a talentless Texans team. While Stingley Jr is a great player the Texans needed an Elite Lineman on either side of the ball. They did make up for this by drafting a quality lineman in the mid first round but they passed up on a franchise cornerstone player with their first selection. However passing up on future franchise player such as Ikem Ekwonu and Kayvon Thibodeaux is a move the Texans will regret in the years to come
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, C
This pick tells a similar story as the Texans third overall pick with drafting defensive backs when franchise linemen are needed. However the Jets got the steal of the draft by getting Jermaine Johnson a future star linemen in the last first round which makes drafting Gardner, a cornerback, more excusable than the Texans selection.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, A
The Giants nailed the selection by getting the player with the most potential of anyone with pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. While he has had some concerns about character he is too much of a generational talent to pass up on.
Ikem Ekwonu, A+
The Panthers absolutely nailed their selection of Ikem Ekwonu as they needed offensive line help and they got the best lineman in the draft. Ekwonu will be the staple of the Panthers offensive line for years to come.
7. Evan Neal B+
Drafting both Evan Neal and Kayvon Thibodeaux is a major risk as both players are boom or bust draft prospects. Although most people have Even Neal as the number one offensive linemen in the draft I would have preferred a more safe and consistent option in Charles Cross. Neal does have the potential to turn into a future hall of famer with his size and strength so it will be interesting to see how he progresses.
8. Drake London C+
The Falcons have a lot of holes on the team and with Calvin ridley suspended for the year it makes sense to draft a receiver however offensive linemen Charles Cross would have been a better selection. Drake London was also the wrong receiver picked as Garrett Wilson was the clear number one receiver in this draft with London as number two.
9. Charles Cross A+
Drafting Charles cross was an excellent pick for a rebuilding Seahawks team who will probably get worse before they get better. Drafting a franchise linemen while your team is rebuilding is the most important step and the Seahawks nailed it with crosses.
10. Garret Wilson A
With all the top Linemen drafting the number one receiver in the draft with the 10th overall pick is a great selection. With Zach Wilson going into his sophomore season Garret is sure to help his production.
