2017 NFL Draft Report Cards
With the 2017 NFL Draft out of the way, it is now time to look back and evaluate how all 32 teams did… and grade.
Draft season can be a lot like the end of a semester, a ton of work, stress, a race to the finish line where the end results can be good or bad.
As every high school or college student knows, report cards can be pleasant or not so much.
AROUND COVER32
Around the NFL: New York Giants exercise fifth-year option on WR, Odell Beckham Jr.
What’s Trending: Cleveland Browns are seen as biggest winners of 2017 NFL Draft
NFL Power Rankings: How do the NFL power rankings stack up after the draft last week
cover32 Exclusive: Check out this exclusive interview with new Chicago Bears’ WR, Tanner Gentry
Looking Ahead: Taking a look at how Alshon Jeffery will perform in year-one with the Eagles
Now that this year’s draft season is in the books, here are the grades for all of the 32 NFL teams.
AFC East
New England Patriots: Derek Rivers (No. 83 overall), Antonio Garcia (No. 85 overall), Deatrich Wise (No. 130 overall), Conor McDermott (No. 211 overall)
While the Patriots may have only drafted four players, they actually had a fantastic overall draft. Their draft needs to be noted because much of it was centered around trades. Trading away their first round pick to receive wide receiver, Brandin Cooks. Cooks will make an immediate impact, more so than any draft pick they would have selected at pick 32. They also swapped a fifth-round for running back Mike Gillislee. As for the picks, Deatrich Wise stands out to fit perfectly into a Patriots style defense. The rich get richer.
• Grade: B+
Miami Dolphins: Charles Harris (No. 22 overall), Raekwon McMillan (No. 54 overall), Cordrea Tankersley (No. 97 overall), Isaac Asiata (No. 164 overall), Davon Godchaux (No. 178 overall), Vincent Taylor (No. 194 overall), Isaiah Ford (No. 237 overall)
Miami did a nice job filling their needs later on with good value picks in Isaac Asiata and Davon Godchaux. In the first round, getting Charles Harris seems like a steal at 22nd overall. He is just what they need in a pass-rusher. The issue with Harris will be his ability to stop the run; he is average at best at that. On the second day, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, while still raw, will be a good selection down the road
• Grade: B-
Buffalo Bills: Tre’Davious White (No. 27 overall), Zay Jones (No. 37 overall), Dion Dawkins (No. 63 overall), Matt Milano (No. 163 overall), Nathan Peterman (No. 171 overall), Tanner Vallejo (No. 195 overall)
Overall, the Bills had a very nice draft. Their best selection was Zay Jones who fits a glaring need and should be a good pair with Sammy Watkins. He runs good routes and his footwork and hands are above average. Tre’Davious White, in the first round, is a great selection especially due to this being another area of need addressed. After losing Stephon Gilmore, White has the ability to step right in and be the starting corner.
• Grade: A
New York Jets: Jamal Adams (No. 6 overall), Marcus Maye (No. 39 overall), ArDarius Stewart (No. 79 overall), Chad Hansen (No. 141 overall), Jordan Leggett (No. 150 overall), Dylan Donahue (No. 181 overall), Elijah McGuire (No. 188 overall), Jeremy Clark (No. 197 overall), Derrick Jones (No. 204 overall)
One thing is for sure, the Jets addressed their safety position with the first few selections with Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. While it may seem odd and unnecessary to draft two safeties, it actually makes a lot of sense. When you are as bad as the Jets, you are not drafting for this year, you are for the years to come. They both were great value picks. Especially Adams, who some thought was the best player in the draft. Besides the two safeties, though, the Jets had an average draft. Not getting a capable quarterback hurts their overall grade.
• Grade: C
NFC East
New York Giants: Evan Engram (No. 23 overall), Dalvin Tomlinson (No. 55 overall), Davis Webb (No. 87 overall), Wayne Gallman (No. 140 overall), Avery Moss (No. 167 overall), Adam Bisnowaty (No. 200 overall)
New York scored big in the first round getting tight end, Evan Engram, who will give Eli, even more, help this season. The issue, however, is it only helps their strength. They failed the address their largest issue, the offensive line, until their final pick in Adam Bisnowaty. Drafting quarterback, Davis Webb, will not help the team this year.
• Grade: C+
Dallas Cowboys: Taco Charlton (No. 28 overall), Chidobe Awuzie (No. 60 overall), Jourdan Lewis (No. 92 overall), Ryan Switzer (No. 133 overall), Xavier Woods (No. 191 overall), Marquez White (No. 216 overall), Joey Ivie (No. 228 overall), Noah Brown (No. 239 overall), Jordan Carrell (No. 246 overall)
Dallas could have gone in many directions at 28th overall but opted to go for Taco Charlton. Charlton will fit into a defense that needs to improve. Ryan Switzer is the perfect receiver for Dak Prescott. Switzer will work just great with Cole Beasley. Even with the issues surrounding Jourdan Lewis, the pick is worth the risk. Nice weekend for the Cowboys.
• Grade: B+
Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Barnett (No. 14 overall), Sidney Jones (No. 43 overall), Rasul Douglas (No. 99 overall), Mack Hollins (No. 118 overall), Donnel Pumphrey (No. 132 overall), Shelton Gibson (No. 166 overall), Nathan Gerry (No. 184 overall), Elijah Qualls (No. 214 overall)
Philadelphia heading into the draft really needed to address the cornerback position, they elected to do so via the second round with Sidney Jones. Jones was the most talented corner in the draft. The issue, Jones may not play this year with his injuries. However, the selection of Derek Barnett was one of the best of day one. He will help them as soon as he gets on the field. Later in the rounds, Donnel Pumphrey has the chance to be the next Darren Sproles.
• Grade: A-
Washington Redskins: Jonathan Allen (No. 17 overall), Ryan Anderson (No. 49 overall), Fabian Moreau (No. 81 overall), Samaje Perine (No. 114 overall), Montae Nicholson (No. 123 overall), Jeremy Sprinkle (No. 154 overall), Chase Roullier (No. 199 overall), Robert Davis (No. 209 overall), Josh Harvey-Clemons (No. 230 overall), Joshua Holsey (No. 235 overall)
As seen above, the other three teams in the division had pretty nice drafts, as did the Redskins. Jonathan Allen, while some are concerned about his durability, he was a star in college. Allen will help the Skins’ defense in first year. Samaje Perine was a day 3 steal. His aggressive style will give him a shot to be the lead back in D.C.
• Grade: B
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts: Malik Hooker (No. 15 overall), Quincy Wilson (No. 46 overall), Tarell Basham (No. 80 overall), Zach Banner (No. 137 overall), Marlon Mack (No. 143 overall), Grover Stewart (No. 144 overall), Nate Hairston (No. 158 overall), Anthony Walker (No. 161 overall)
The Colts should be so happy that they found a new GM Chris Ballard, he himself, is a steal. Especially compared to how bad at drafting his predecessor, Ryan Grigson, was. Malik Hooker will prove he is worthy of a top-15 pick. Quincy Wilson’s ability is needed after the Colts really struggled in the secondary last year. The Colts needed a lot on defense including an edge rusher, they filled that need with Tarell Basham.
• Grade: A-
Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson (No. 12 overall), Zach Cunningham (No. 57 overall), D’Onta Foreman (No. 89 overall), Julie’n Davenport (No. 130 overall), Carlos Watkins (No. 142 overall), Treston Decoud (No. 169 overall), Kyle Fuller (No. 243)
If Deshaun Watson turns out to be a reliable starting quarterback, the Texans draft will be a success. However, if he turns out to be a franchise quarterback, then this draft will be a great one, oh, and he can be a franchise type. Watson may be the best quarterback in the draft, so the Texans get an “A” for that pick. D’Onta Foreman also could turn out to be a long time starter. The Texans could look back at this draft, and laugh at Chicago and Kansas City for picking another quarterback over Watson.
• Grade: A
Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette (No. 4 overall), Cam Robinson (No. 34 overall), Dawuane Smoot (No. 68 overall), Dede Westbrook (No. 110 overall), Blair Brown (No. 148 overall), Jalen Myrick (No. 222 overall), Marquez Williams (No. 240 overall)
If it was not for Ezekiel Elliott looking like a superstar in his rookie year, some may question Jacksonville taking a running back fourth overall. But now, it looks like the right move. Fournette is big, fast, strong, and runs hard he could be what Blake Bortles needs to take a step forward. The rest of this draft is questionable, especially taking Dede Westbrook who an AFC official said is, “a bad guy”.
• Grade: C
Tennessee Titans: Corey Davis (No. 5 overall), Adoree’ Jackson (No. 18 overall), Taywan Taylor (No. 72 overall), Jonnu Smith (No. 100 overall), Jayon Brown (No. 155 overall), Corey Levin (No. 217 overall), Josh Carraway (No. 227 overall), Brad Seaton (No. 236 overall), Khalfani Muhammad (No. 241 overall)
ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes Tennessee had the best draft of 2017. While that may be a stretch, the Titans did get a whole lot better. Corey Davis brings speed and gives a Marcus Mariota the weapon he so desperately needed a season ago. Talk about speed, Adoree’ Jackson may be the best returner coming out of college in years. Oh, and he is a really good corner. Overall, the Titans fared very well in the late rounds, but they needed two things coming in, a receiver and corner, they got them both in the first round.
• Grade: A-
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: Takkarist McKinley (No. 26 overall), Duke Riley (No. 75 overall), Sean Harlow (No. 136 overall), Damontae Kazee (No. 149 overall), Brian Hill (No. 156 overall), Eric Saubert (No. 174 overall)
Atlanta traded up for Tak McKinley who made some news for bringing the picture of his grandma on stage, then proceeding to drop a few words that can not be heard on television. But McKinley is a good player who fills an area of need in Atlanta. The Falcons might find the most valuable player in their draft to be Sean Harlow as they were in need of an interior blocker.
• Grade: B
New Orleans Saints: Marshon Lattimore (No. 11 overall), Ryan Ramczyk (No. 32 overall), Marcus Williams (No. 42 overall), Alvin Kamara (No. 67 overall), Alex Anzalone (No. 76 overall), Trey Hendrickson (No. 103 overall), Al-Quadin Muhammad (No. 196 overall)
It did not make much sense for the Saints to draft another running back in Alvin Kamara after signing Adrian Peterson while still having Mark Ingram on the roster. It seems like a waste of a pick for a team that could use so much. Marshon Lattimore is a stud and so is Ryan Ramczyk. Ramczyk may be the best offensive lineman in this class. Overall a pretty good draft for the Saints.
• Grade: B+
Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey (No. 8 overall), Curtis Samuel (No. 40 overall), Taylor Moton (No. 64 overall), Daeshon Hall (No. 77 overall), Corn Elder (No. 152 overall), Alex Arma (No. 192 overall), Harrison Butker (No. 233 overall)
Christian McCaffrey is a risky pick at eighth overall. While his style may fit the new style of runners in the NFL, it still seems like his size could derail his potential. Most of his value will come from his pass catching. Carolina selecting Curtis Samuel also will help Newton, but the past two years have shown Carolina does better not relying on big yardage receivers. The Panthers lacked to draft any players that look like sure things.
• Grade: C
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O.J. Howard (No. 19 overall), Justin Evans (No. 50 overall), Chris Godwin (No. 84 overall), Kendell Beckwith (No. 107 overall), Jeremy McNichols (No. 162 overall), Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (No. 223 overall)
FS1’s Colin Cowherd praised Tampa Bay’s draft for getting each player later than they should have gone. Cowherd is right on the money. O.J. Howard at 18 is a great value pick. It will not take long for Winston to utilize Howard in his offense. Justin Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jeremy McNichols all slid further than expected. Congratulations to the Bucs.
• Grade: A-
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt (No. 30 overall), JuJu Smith-Schuster (No. 62 overall), Cameron Sutton (No. 94 overall), James Conner (No. 105 overall), Joshua Dobbs (No. 135 overall), Brian Allen (No. 173 overall), Colin Holba (No. 213 overall), Keion Adams (No. 248 overall)
Pittsburgh historically drafts very well. That trend absolutely continued. Even though T.J. Watt may not have an impact right away, his talent should eventually pay off. Picking JuJu Smith-Schuster in the second round is a natural fit. Bold Prediction: JuJu is the Offensive Rookie of the Year. James Conner will add some depth as well.
• Grade: B+
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett (No. 1 overall), Jabrill Peppers (No. 25 overall), David Njoku (No. 29 overall), DeShone Kizer (No. 52 overall), Larry Ogunjobi (No. 65 overall), Howard Wilson (No. 126 overall), Roderick Johnson (No. 160 overall), Caleb Brantley (No. 185 overall), Zane Gonzalez (No. 224 overall), Matt Dayes (No. 252 overall)
All eyes on the Browns, the team that made three picks in the first round. Of course, Myles Garrett has all the talent to be the best player in the draft. That was an easy pick. The selection of Peppers seems like an odd fit. He is so gifted but needs to learn how to play safety at a high level, and Cleveland does not have the personnel to teach him. Drafting DeShone Kizer was the worst pick in the second round. He is raw and not ready to play. The Browns do not have one player on the roster to mentor him. He is set up to fail.
• Grade: D+
Cincinnati Bengals: John Ross (No. 9 overall), Joe Mixon (No. 48 overall), Jordan Willis (No. 73 overall), Carl Lawson (No. 116 overall), Josh Malone (No. 128 overall), Ryan Glasgow (No. 138 overall), Jake Elliott (No. 153 overall), J.J. Dielman (No. 176 overall), Jordan Evans (No. 193 overall), Brandon Wilson (No. 207 overall), Mason Schreck (No. 251 overall)
Cincinnati, like in-state rival Cleveland, made some head scratching decisions. John Ross was taken way too early, and do they really need another wide receiver? Joe Mixon might be the best running back in the draft, but with his history, he was in need of a strong locker room, Cincinnati does not provide that. Carl Lawson was a good selection, however.
• Grade: C-
Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey (No. 16 overall), Tyus Bowser (No. 47 overall), Chris Wormley (No. 74 overall), Tim Williams (No. 78 overall), Nico Siragusa (No. 122 overall), Jermaine Eluemunor (No. 159 overall), Chuck Clark (No. 186 overall)
Marlon Humphrey went at exactly the right time, to exactly the right team. It is a natural fit for both parties. Tim Williams is a blitz specialist. Tyus Bowser has extreme talent, he just needs to learn to play the game better.
• Grade: B-
NFC North
Chicago Bears: Mitchell Trubisky (No. 2 overall), Adam Shaheen (No. 45 overall), Eddie Jackson (No. 112 overall), Tarik Cohen (No. 119 overall), Jordan Morgan (No. 147 overall)
Let’s keep this one honest, the Bears had a bad draft. They traded a haul for a quarterback that is unproven, for one. Not that it is Trubisky’s fault, but there are rumors flying that head coach John Fox was unaware of the move. The newly signed Mike Glennon now feels “cheated’ on. This is a mess. The Chicago Bears had the worst draft in 2017.
• Grade: D-
Green Bay Packers: Kevin King (No. 33 overall), Josh Jones (No. 61 overall), Montravius Adams (No. 93 overall), Vince Biegel (No. 108 overall), Jamaal Williams (No. 134 overall), DeAngelo Yancey (No. 175 overall), Aaron Jones (No. 182 overall), Kofi Amichia (No. 212 overall), Devante Mays (No. 238 overall), Malachi Dupre (No. 247 overall)
Green Bay in the 2017 draft added speed, then more speed then got even faster. Kevin King is much needed to a team that had one of the worse secondaries a season ago. He will bring his 6’3″ height giving him the ability to match up with any receiver in the NFL. Josh Jones was the best player available at 61st overall. Jamaal Williams brings with him his hard running style. The knock on Green Bay, however, they could have selected Dalvin Cook twice. Cook could have changed life in Green Bay. But overall the Packers got better on defense, and that could make them the favorites to win the NFC. They aced this thing.
• Grade: A-
Minnesota Vikings: Dalvin Cook (No. 41 overall), Pat Elflein (No. 70 overall), Jaleel Johnson (No. 109 overall), Ben Gedeon (No. 120 overall), Rodney Adams (No. 170 overall), Danny Isidora (No. 180 overall), Bucky Hodges (No. 201 overall), Stacy Coley (No. 219 overall), Ifeadi Odenigbo (No. 220 overall), Elijah Lee (No. 232 overall), Jack Tocho (No. 245 overall)
Minnesota did not have a first round pick, their first draft pick came, and went to Dalvin Cook. Cook was one the best players in the draft. He should have gone in the first round. He will automatically bolster the offense in Minnesota. The Vikings biggest need coming in was help on the offensive line, not sure Pat Elflein is the right guy for that. Danny Isidora will also have the opportunity to compete for an offensive line spot.
• Grade: B+
Detroit Lions: Jarrad Davis (No. 21 overall), Teez Tabor (No. 53 overall), Kenny Golladay (No. 96 overall), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (No. 124 overall), Michael Roberts (No. 127 overall), Jamal Agnew (No. 165 overall), Jeremiah Ledbetter (No. 205 overall), Brad Kaaya (No. 215 overall), Pat O’Connor (No. 250 overall)
The Lions started off drafting two Florida Gators, and they both should help this team. Davis will fill a hole at linebacker; Tabor is a quality pick at 53. Not sure the Lions came away with a confident running back, and they really needed one.
• Grade: B-
AFC West
Oakland Raiders: Gareon Conley (No. 24 overall), Obi Melifonwu (No. 56 overall), Eddie Vanderdoes (No. 88 overall), David Sharpe (No. 129 overall), Marquel Lee (No. 167 overall), Shalom Luani (No. 221 overall), Jylan Ware (No. 231 overall), Elijah Hood (No. 242 overall), Treyvon Hester (No. 244 overall)
Oh, the Raiders. Only them could make filling out a report card impossible. With the allegations surrounding first round pick, Gareon Conley, this draft could go in many directions. They may have drafted a star or a player that could end up in some serious trouble. The rest of their picks are positive. Obi Melifonwu is an athletic freak! Like colleges do when your grade is not yet known…
• Grade: No Grade
Denver Broncos: Garett Bolles (No. 20 overall), DeMarcus Walker (No. 51 overall), Carlos Henderson (No. 82 overall), Brendan Langley (No. 101 overall), Jake Butt (No. 145 overall), Isaiah McKenzie (No. 172 overall), De’Angelo Henderson (No. 203 overall), Chad Kelly (No. 253 overall)
Denver knew what they needed, and got it in Garett Bolles. He will be a perfect fit. If Jake Butt can recover from his ACL injury, he may turn out to be one of the best tight ends in the league.
• Grade: B
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes (No. 10 overall), Tanoh Kpassagnon (No. 59 overall), Kareem Hunt (No. 86 overall), Jehu Chesson (No. 139 overall), Ukeme Eligwe (No. 183 overall), Leon McQuay (No. 217 overall)
Andy Reid will turn Pat Mahomes into a quality starter one day. Sitting behind Alex Smith will benefit Mahomes greatly. What is ironic, the gunslinger, Mahomes, will be watching Smith who is the exact opposite of that. The issue here is Kansas city is a Super Bowl team and did nothing to better their chances this year.
• Grade: C
Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams (No. 7 overall), Forrest Lamp (No. 38 overall), Dan Feeney (No. 71 overall), Rayshawn Jenkins (No. 113 overall), Desmond King (No. 151 overall), Sam Tevi (No. 190 overall), Isaac Rochell (No. 225 overall)
One person who will love the Chargers draft is Philip Rivers. They gave him a receiver to help go along with Keenan Allen. That right there improves the chances of the team now based in L.A. Forrest Lamp will sure up the offense, as well.
• Grade: B
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: Haason Reddick (No. 13 overall), Budda Baker (No. 36 overall), Chad Williams (No. 98 overall), Dorian Johnson (No. 115 overall), Will Holden (No. 157 overall), T.J. Logan (No. 179 overall), Rudy Ford (No. 208 overall
The Cardinals were one of the teams that could have used a quarterback this year. And maybe they would have chosen one if their guy was available. But they do lose some points for not moving up to get one. Haason Reddick is a nice player, but a reach at 13th overall. Dorian Johnson is as pro-ready as any guard in the draft.
• Grade: C+
Los Angeles Rams: Gerald Everett (No. 44 overall), Cooper Kupp (No. 69 overall), John Johnson (No. 91 overall), Josh Reynolds (No. 117 overall), Samson Ebukam (No. 125 overall), Tanzel Smart (No. 189 overall), Sam Rogers (No. 206 overall), Ejuan Price (No. 234 overall)
The Rams did not have a pick in the first round. Their first selection of Gerald Everett is satisfying, to say the least. Cooper Kupp will be a solid pro.
• Grade: C+
Seattle Seahawks: Malik McDowell (No. 35 overall), Ethan Pocic (No. 58 overall), Shaquill Griffin (No. 90 overall), Delano Hill (No. 95 overall), Nazair Jones (No. 102 overall), Amara Darboh (No. 106 overall), Tedric Thompson (No. 111 overall), Michael Tyson (No. 187 overall), Justin Senior (No. 210 overall), David Moore (No. 226 overall), Christopher Carson (No. 249 overall)
Seattle is a tough team to grade because they have made fools out of draft experts in the past. This year they kept trading back. Finally selecting a player in McDowell who was born to fit with this team. We all may look back and say they had the best draft. But for right now it looks pretty good.
• Grade: A-
San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas (No. 3 overall), Reuben Foster (No. 31 overall), Ahkello Witherspoon (No. 66 overall), C.J. Beathard (No. 104 overall), Joe Williams (No. 121 overall), George Kittle (No. 146 overall), Trent Taylor (No. 177 overall), D.J. Jones (No. 198 overall), Pita Taumoepenu (No. 202 overall), Adrian Colbert (No. 229 overall)
While some colleges and schools no longer give out things called “A+’s” cover32 does. That is the grade for new GM John Lynch. They clearly robbed Chicago out of draft picks trading away the second overall pick. They only moved down one spot, and still got the player they always wanted in Solomon Thomas. Reuben Foster IS the steal of the draft. To go along with a plethora of good player in the later rounds.
• Grade: A+
— Bobby Burack covers the Green Bay Packers and is the Managing Editor for cover32 Packers. Connect and follow on Twitter @bburack16.
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