NFL 1st Round Draft Grades

Listen, I could sit here and brag about how my mock draft had more correct picks than that of ESPN’s number 1 draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr., but I feel like that is beneath me (although it’s true, that did happen. The picks don’t lie.) Regardless, I will just say that last night’s first round was outstanding. There were locks, surprises, trades, mistakes, and everything in between. The fun (or miserable, depending on how you look at it) part about the draft is that one early surprise effects the whole draft as a result. That is exactly what we saw last night when the Giants took a surprise lineman and the 49ers went with Kinlaw instead of a receiver.

There are always going to be surprises, and some teams are always going to reach on guys they think are the best fit for them, but at the end of the day, some picks are good, and others are.... questionable. Here we take a look at the best and worst from last nights draft. As always, feel free to drop a comment about what you think, and give me a follow on twitter @saloontakes for live draft grades today as well. Without further ado, let's dive in.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

The Pick: QB Joe Burrow, LSU

Not hard to grade this pick. Burrow has been called the next Joe Montana by countless scouts, and he has the tape to back it up. Burrow has the best highlights of any player in this draft, and he will start on Day 1 as a franchise player for the Bengals. Not much to say here, Burrow is simply a lock.

The Grade: A+

2. Washington Redskins

The Pick: DE Chase Young, Ohio State

Was this a big need for Washington? Probably not, but Chase Young is an outstanding talent, and with Ryan Kerrigan turning 32 before the season starts, the Redskins now have more flexibility on their defensive line. It concerns me a little bit that Young had 0 sacks in his last 3 games, but that is honestly his only red flag. This pick was the second no-brainer of the night.

The Grade: A

3. Detroit Lions

The Pick: CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

A lot of people are going to knock the Lions for not getting a deal done for this pick, but I actually commend them for not settling for a deal that didn’t work for them. Okudah is going to be the next best cornerback in the league, and he has outstanding athleticism and instincts. The Lions found their Darius Slay replacement here, and he’s a good one.

The Grade: A

4. New York Giants

The Pick: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

This one baffled me a little bit I have to be honest. If you read my mock drafts, I actually thought the Giants should draft an offensive lineman here, but Thomas? I had him as my 3rd highest graded tackle on the board, and the flexibility of Tristan Wirfs seemed like a no-brainer. When in doubt, the guy who can play four positions on the line wins. Thomas will actually be a decent tackle in the NFL, but there was better value on the board.

The Grade: B

5. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

The rumors were false, no Justin Herbert for Miami. The Dolphins decided Tua’s upside was just too much to pass up despite his injury history. I love this kid’s talent, and he has some of the best processing skills of any quarterback coming out of college. The way he can pick apart a defense is phenominal, and he should be a generational talent. This pick gets knocked for health concerns, but that’s the only problem I find here.

The Grade: B+

6. Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Tyrod Taylor is not the answer for this team. The Chargers needed a quarterback, and I am much more of a Herbert believer than most people are. He needs to work on going through his progressions and his ball placement could use a little bit of work, but for the most part I do not see too many problems with him. The Chargers have only started 3 quarterbacks since 2001 (Phillip Rivers, Drew Brees, and Doug Flutie), and now it is time for number 4 in Herbert.

The Grade: B+

7. Carolina Panthers

The Pick: DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

Brown is going to be a monster of a player in the NFL. I really love this way this guy plays the game, but it does somewhat concern me that he only had 4 sacks last season. Regardless of how well Brown fits here, Isaiah Simmons is still on the board. After losing one of the best linebackers in the league to retirement, Simmons was the right pick here. If I am a Panthers fan, I am frustrated by this pick here, regardless of Brown’s talent.

The Grade: B+

8. Arizona Cardinals

The Pick: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

This pick should get an A just for Kliff Kingsbury’s house alone. Did you see that place? Goodness. That man is living large. However, what is more impressive is the way the Cardinals adjusted here. They expected to have an offensive tackle or Derrick Brown here, but with Simmons on the board, they did not hesitate to take the most versatile player in the draft. Simmons can play middle linebacker, outside linebacker, safety, you name it. His speed and athleticism will be key to keep up with teams like the 49ers and Seahawks, who the Cardinals see twice a year. This is big home run.

The Grade: A+

9. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: CB CJ Henderson, Florida

Some may argue this is a reach, but I actually really like this pick. The Jaguars lost both of their starting cornerbacks last season, so they needed to address cornerback immediately. Henderson is spectacular in coverage and will be a vital piece of this defense to build around. I still expect the Jaguars to take another corner, but at least they have addressed it with the first pick.

The Grade: A

10. Cleveland Browns

The Pick: OT Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama

The Browns need a left tackle. They got a right tackle. It is not easy to make the switch, and who knows how successful Wills is going to be on the right side? If they wanted a left tackle, they should have gone with Becton, and if they wanted someone versatile, they should have gone with Wirfs. Wills is great, but with those two on the board I do not totally love this pick.

The Grade: B

11. New York Jets:

The Pick: OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

I like Becton here, but I am not sure if I like him over Wirfs. The Jets need a lot of help on their offensive line, and they made no adjustments when Wirfs fell down to them. Becton is strictly a left tackle, while Wirfs can pretty much play all across the line except for center. The Jets made a great move here bolstering their offensive line, and Becton has the ceiling of a Pro Bowl left tackle, so I still like this pick even though I think they could have done slightly better.

The Grade: A-

12 Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

The Raiders get their guy. I personally like Jeudy slightly better, but man it is hard to argue with Ruggs and his speed. Gruden will know exactly what to do with Ruggs, and Carr finally has a solid deep threat. Ruggs slots in as WR1 for this offense immediately. No need to overthink this pick. This is a home run. If you have time, look up this kid’s highlights and thank me later.

The Grade: A+

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From San Francisco)

The Pick: OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is yet another executive to fall into John Lynch’s trap. The Bucs gave up picks 14 and 117 for 13 and 245 to draft the guy they could have had at the next pick. According to the draft trade value chart, San Francisco won that trade by 59 points, so the Bucs did not come out on top in terms of picks, but for a guy like Wirfs, this trade up was worth it. Wirfs is a spectacular player, and he should have gone all the way up at 4. The value here at 13 is remarkable, and the Bucs could not have imagined they would get this lucky. I have to knock them a little bit for the unnecessary trade up, but if the Raiders picking Ruggs is a home run, this is a grand slam.

The Grade: A

14. San Francisco 49ers (From Tampa Bay)

The Pick: DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

San Francisco fans everywhere were irate when this pick was announced (me being one of them), but it actually makes a lot of sense. The 49ers traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Colts for the 13th pick in the draft, and then they found his replacement here for $70 million cheaper. The defensive line is what took this team to the Super Bowl, and Lynch knew he needed to keep investing in it, so now the defensive line has a chance to be even better for so much cheaper. Kinlaw is an animal and is explosive off the snap, not to mention the fact that he had more sacks than Derrick Brown last season. He also is thrilled to play in San Francisco, and was hoping he would go here, another positive. Jeudy would have been nice, but the 49ers end up almost the same team at $70 million cheaper with George Kittle and Nick Bosa needing a paycheck soon. Hard to argue that.

The Grade: A-

15. Denver Broncos

The Pick: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Von Miller wanted Kinlaw on the Broncos badly, and he was very upset when he went just before this pick. Bronco’s quarterback Drew Lock, however, has to be overjoyed. The Broncos have the best wide receiver in the draft to pair with Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant, not to mention they have Melvin Gordon in the backfield now. Jeudy is going to have a hall of fame career in Denver.

The Grade: A+

16. Atlanta Falcons

The Pick: CB AJ Terrell, Clemson

This one was surprising to say the least. I had Terrell as the 6th corner on my big board, but clearly the Falcons say things differently. I am not sure about Terrell as the number 1 cornerback on the team, as he can get a bit grabby when he gets beat, but he does fill a need here. Right position, but there were other guys who I think are a bit better.

The Grade: B-

17. Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

This was not a hard pick for the Jerry Jones, who made the pick from his $250 million yacht last night, as only he would do. Jones had earlier told all of his scouts that he will be drafting alone and not to bother him, a huge concern given his track record. Somehow, he did not mess this up. CeeDee Lamb has the best hands of any receiver in the draft, and adding him to Amari Cooper gives Dak Prescott two outstanding weapons. The Cowboys offense has no excuse to play poorly next year, as they have one of the best young cores in the league. Great move Jerry, but I’d let your scouts have a say in the next few picks. Lightning doesn’t strike twice.

The Grade: A

18. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: OT Austin Jackson, USC

The Dolphins used their first pick on someone with high upside but a lot of question marks. You would think they would want their second pick to be more of a sure thing, but that is not Jackson at all. He was the 8th ranked offensive tackle on my big board, and I just do not understand the pick here. Jackson is a much better run blocker than pass blocker, and his footwork needs a ton of work. Did the Dolphins even watch him get absolutely obliterated by AJ Epenesa this past season? Jackson is a huge project, much more than a guy like Josh Jones or Lucas Niang. The Dolphins do not hit for me here.

The Grade: C+

19. Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State

After a fantastic first pick, The Raiders reached badly here. Again, I can name 4 better cornerbacks still available here! I also saw McKinney as a perfect fit for this defense, and he is still on the board. I think the Raiders could have done better here. They could have easily found Arnette in the second round.

The Grade: C

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU

I absolutely love this kid. Not only is he a fantastic athlete, but he is also a great kid. He was recognized by LSU for being a leader on and off the field, and he is extremely smart. This could end up being the steal of the draft, as I actually think the gap between he and 2nd overall pick Chase Young is smaller than people think. With Yannick Ngakoue likely to be traded soon, the Jaguars find their replacement in a spectacular athlete here in Chaisson.

The Grade: A+

21. Philadelphia Eagles

The Pick: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

What is this pick? In mock draft 2.0 I said, “Jefferson or Philadelphia riots”, and boy is Philly mad about this pick. The Eagles needed a WR1, and instead they got a 5’11” speed receiver who drops balls left and right. Justin Jefferson is the much better receiver, as Reagor is simply a compliment to Alshon Jeffrey and DeSean Jackson, not a replacement.

The Grade: C+

22. Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

If Jefferson was gone, this may have been a cornerback or an edge rusher, but there is no way the Vikings were going to let Jefferson slide past them. Much like the 49ers, the Vikings trade their starter away for a 1st round pick and use it for his replacement. Jefferson fits in so perfectly in this offense with Cousins and Thielen, it is almost unfair. Home run of a pick here.

The Grade: A+

23. Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

The Chargers traded up for linebacker Kenneth Murray, securing their future on defense early in the draft. Murray has been the leader of the Oklahoma defense for 3 years now, and his mix of experience and poise is remarkable. The Chargers have secured both their offensive and defensive leaders of the future in what has been a great draft of them so far. Murray starts on day one and hopefully improves what is a horrible linebacking core.

The Grade: A+

24. New Orleans Saints

The Pick: G/C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

This is one remarkable kid. Ruiz has dedicated his career to his late father, and what a career it has been. Ruiz is elite in run coverage, and his footwork and technique are spectacular. There is not a glaring need here, and I would have preferred to see Patrick Queen go here to bolster the linebacking core, but Ruiz brings talent and the ability to play any position on the interior of the line. Expect to see Ruiz as the cornerstone of this offensive line for years to come.

The Grade: A-

25. San Francisco 49ers (From Minnesota)

The Pick: WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

Kyle Shanahan said after the draft that Aiyuk was his top graded receiver in the draft and that he would have even taken him at 13 over Jeudy and Lamb. Honestly, I believe him. Aiyuk is a great player that can burst for big yardage, and while he only stands at 6 feet tall, his wingspan is 6’9”, one inch less than Calvin Johnson. I take a few points off this for this pick becuase I think Aiyuk is a little bit too similar to what they already have in Deebo Samuel, but a first-round selection on wide receiver was necessary for Lynch.

The Grade: B+

26. Green Bay Packers (From Miami)

The Pick: QB Jordan Love, Utah State

What the hell did they put in the water in Green Bay? What is this pick? Aaron Rodgers is already frustrated with the Packers, and now they have wasted a first-round pick on a player for the future instead of giving Rodgers weapons. Even a defense player would have been better than a quarterback. The Packers are close to another Super Bowl, and they just took a massive step backwards. And I actually like Jordan Love a lot! But not here. Now he has to sit behind Aaron Rodgers for a few years instead of proving himself to the league. The Packers may have just wasted this young man’s career before it has even started. What a mess. This pick is one of the worst I have ever seen.

The Grade: F

27. Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech

No excuse here. Patrick Queen is a much better player at the same position. Not to mention the fact that Brooks is horrible in coverage. Kliff Kingsbury and Kyle Shanahan will take advantage of Brooks with packages that force a matchup against tight ends Maxx Williams or George Kittle, who the Seahawks will see twice a year. Brooks was not the right move here at all.

The Pick: D+

28. Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: LB Patrick Queen, LSU

This is a steal. The Ravens have very few holes, but linebacker is one of them. After the Seahawks balked with Brooks, Queen falls right into Baltimore’s lap. Queen was the leader of the LSU defense last year, and he never backed down in the pressure of big playoff games. He most closely compares to Kwon Alexander, one of the league’s best linebackers. His only real knock is that he does not have a lot of experience, but he is extremely poised and ready for a big role in the NFL.

The Grade: A+

29. Tennessee Titans

The Pick: OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia

The Titans needed an offensive tackle, no denying that, but this is yet another reach. Wilson needs time to develop, and the Titans cannot afford to give him that time. Wilson was my 11th offensive tackle, and my 5thin Josh Jones is still available! The Titans need to win now, and taking a project in the first round is a just a bad move.

The Grade: C

30. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn

I absolutely hate everything about this pick. For starters, Miami just made Xavien Howard and Byron Jones the two highest paid cornerbacks in the NFL. This team has so many needs, why would they pick a position in round 1 of the NFL draft that they just addressed in the offseason! Furthermore, even if they wanted a cornerback, Fulton, Diggs, Johnson, Gladney, and Hall are all better than Igbinoghene. That’s 5 cornerbacks! The Dolphins took an advantage and made it a disadvantage. This pick fails on every single level. Awful.

The Grade: F

31. Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

Slam dunk pick here. The Vikings lost one of their starting cornerbacks, and here they find his replacement. Gladney is a little short, but he has held his own against every receiver he has faced. His mix of speed and aggression are extremely appealing to head coach Mike Zimmer, who always looks for those traits in his defensive players. Gladney will be a great starter in the NFL, I love this pick.

The Grade: A

32. Kansas City Chiefs

The Pick: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

AJ Epenesa and Yetur Gross-Matos could help shore up the defensive line and be a great compliment to Frank Clark, but instead the Chiefs go running back. I don’t mind the idea of adding another offensive weapon, but with Swift and Taylor still available, this was not the pick. Edwards-Helaire might be a good player, but this is way too early for him and there were better options on the board.

The Grade: B-

Saloon’s Best Available

1. S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

2. RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia

3. DE AJ Epenesa, Iowa

4. CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama

5. OT Josh Jones, Houston

6. DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

7. CB Kristian Fulton, LSU

8. S Grant Delpit, LSU

9. OLB Zach Baun, Wisconsin

10. WR Tee Higgins, Clemson