The top 10 draft picks of this year’s NFL Draft all highlight incredible athleticism. However, some of these players seem to either fit really well or don’t fit at all with the teams. Some of the selections were questionable due to the need of other positions. Here’s the rating and breakdown of the first 10 picks.
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB), University of Miami
Grade: B
This is definitely a hot take, but taking a QB this year by the Titans is not that great of a choice. The best choice by the Tennessee organization would’ve been upgrading the other essential offensive positions such as WR and RB, and helping the defense by getting the team’s needs of LB, EDGE, and S.
Sometimes drafting a QB without providing the essential weapons will lead to the downgrade of a QB’s poise and confidence. This could be similar to the previous situation such as Will Levis who has incredible athleticism and Bryce Young, who does have issues due to size. When Young was given weapons, a mentor, and a decent O-line there were sparks and growth shown by Young late in the season.
This could be different with Cam Ward though. He is one of the more athletic QBs in the draft, shows high IQ in game time situations, and is highly poised. He even has a run ability he doesn’t use as much. His playstyle could cause the emergence of young Titans’ receivers and breakouts of younger draftees by the Titans.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (traded for via Cleveland Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB), University of Colorado
Grade: A
The Jaguars made a bold move by trading up to select the one of a king, versatile two-way player, Travis Hunter. His unique ability to play both WR and CB is what makes him a standout and valuable pick. Drafting Travis Hunter could spark a fire with the entire team. He not only could play on both sides of the ball, but showed aggressiveness on both sides.
He could team up with sophomore WR Brian Thomas Jr. and help elevate Trevor Lawrence’s play style. Hunter is also regarded as a top notch CB, he could take the weight off other players. Hunter playing both sides could help reach new heights for him and break records never even set before.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter (EDGE), Pennsylvania State University
Grade: A
Carter’s explosive pass-rushing skills are definitely a significant need for the Giants. His athleticism and production at Penn State make him a promising addition to their defense. His playstyle is similar to Dallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons, and is regarded as better.
Abdul Carter is definitely the spark that the New York Giants defense needed and will be a dangerous force when teamed up with DL Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence. Teams will definitely struggle to run the ball against the new look New York Giants and will be a QB’s worst nightmare.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell (OT), Louisiana State University
Grade: A
Campbell brings stability to the Patriots’ offensive line. His size and technique are solid, though some scouts question his agility against elite edge rushers. Will have issues with guys like Dallas Cowboys rusher Micah Parson and Los Angeles Rams rusher Jared Verse. Should help a young QB like Drake Maye especially since he has all the weapons he needs to succeed now. Allows him to have more time in the pocket and will allow Rhamondre Stevenson to run the ball better and develop gaps.
5. Cleveland Browns (traded from via Jacksonville Jaguars): Mason Graham (DL), University of Michigan
Grade: C
After trading down, the Browns selected Graham, a strong interior lineman. This is a great team who absolutely NEEDS defensive help, but the Browns are not that needy for a DL. It does add depth to the defensive line (which is why this draft pick is not a F), but the Browns needed to focus on obtaining solid offensive pieces.
The reason why the Browns weren’t given a D is because they have the 33rd and 36th pick in the draft. With 2 early 2nd round draft picks, with University of Colorado standout QB Sheuder Sanders still available, as well as multiple WRs and RBs available, the Browns should be able to make up in rounds 2-7.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty (RB), Boise State University
Grade: A
Jeanty’s exceptional college performance, including a standout season at Boise State, makes him a valuable addition. His selection early in the first round is a perfect fit for him. With a team needing a new RB, especially needing an explosive one, Jeanty could bring Las Vegas football back to life.
He will fit perfectly with HC Pete Carroll. Carroll has a history with elite RBs such as Marshawn Lynch, who happens to be Jeanty’s inspiration. Carroll’s ability to coordinate the offense in running the ball is precisely special and will help Jeanty and the Raiders back atop the AFC West.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou (OT), University of Missouri
Grade: D
Armand Membou getting picked at 7 was not the best pick for the Jets in my perspective. The Jets already had a strong O-line for new QB Justin Fields. The offense and offensive line is good on paper. The areas needed to be improved for the Jets is primarily defense. The Jets secondary doesn’t need much improvements, rather its the middle defense and the defensive line. The Jets choosing to add another tackle is like adding a brick to a completed wall. Great player though.
8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR), University of Arizona
Grade: B
McMillan getting selected by Panthers was a great pick, it takes a lot of stress off of Bryce Young and will allow him to not stress as much to be incredibly accurate when making throws and now has an elite WR as the WR1. The Panthers WR core is extremely strong now and will provide Young the essential weapons to develop into the Heisman QB he once was.
The pick does receive a B though since the defense, mainly secondary, needs improvements. The Panthers can compensate in the next couple of rounds, however it was a great pick by the Panthers (probably borderline B to A) and now add arguably the best receiver in the draft.
9. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT), University of Texas
Grade: D
One of the worst moves in the draft is this pick. Kelvin Banks Jr. being a great offensive tackle is the only reason why this pick isn’t an F. With a QB like Sheuder Sanders and Jaxson Dart on the board, passing on 2 elite young QBs like that is a detrimental move for the Saints. Especially passing on Jaxson Dart, who most analysts had deemed as a perfect fit of the New Orleans Saints. With Derek Carr on and off injuries and Spencer Rattler being highly inconsistent, this was the perfect pick to take an elite QB.
10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland (TE), University of Michigan
Grade: C
Loveland’s reliable hands and route-running ability add a new dimension to the Chicago Bears offense, providing a dependable target. This pick was a great pick and provides a new target for QB Caleb Williams. Loveland is quick and regarded as top 2 in TEs in the draft. However with Cole Kmet already on the Bears, adding Loveland is a questionable move. That is why this is ranked as a C. The only way this works out is if this team utilizes both of the TEs equally as a dual TE system.
