10 Most Effective Pro Seminoles in 2018

Now that the Super Bowl has is over, we can officially put the 2018 season behind us. So with that said, it begs the question of which Seminoles were most effective during the calendar year. This post looks at the 10 Most Effective Noles in the Pros for the year 2019. The list is below and is not limited to football. These players have all earned some recognition.

10. Xavier Rhodes
Rhodes only had 1 interception, but he has done a great job. Teams simply don't test him anymore, but Rhodes is still as good as it gets.

9 . Telvin Smith

Lets take a few looks about Telvin and his case.
134 tackles
2 INT
1 defensive touchdown.
This guy is an absolute stud of a linebacker and he should be recognized for how outstanding he has been for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

8. Buster Posey
Buster Posey usually is higher on this list. The only reason Posey isnt higher this year is that he only played in 105 games. He was having another terrific year and made yet another all-star game. When healthy, Posey is still the best catcher in baseball. The last time Posey hit .284 in an injury shortened season, he won MVP the following season. Baseball, you have been placed on notice.

7. Jessica Warren
Jessie only hit .262 for the 2018 summer season for the USSSA Pride, but that doesn't tell the whole season. Warren won FSU a national title in 2018 and then had a successful season in her 1st year of pro ball. Be very proud of Ms. Warren for a fantastic 2018.

6. Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley is having a fantastic year for Denver. He is a vital part of a strong rotation in the Rockies. Beasley has just 12 starts on the year, but is averaging 11.6 points per game. This guy is a very big part of the Nuggets success as a team this year. Denver is 2nd in the West and was ahead of them until the current losing streak (streak counts as 2019.

5. Natasha Howard
Natasha Howard won her 2nd WNBA Championship in 2018. She was also named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team last year. Howard averaged 13.2 points per game and started 33/34 games for the WNBA champion Seattle Storm.

4. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey wasn't quite as dominant in 2018 and he was in 2017, but many still consider him the best cover corner in the NFL (including me). He also had 3 picks this season. Ramsey made the pro bowl again in 2018.

3. Derwin James
Derwin James was clearly the best player in the draft last year and the Bucs will be kicking themselves for decades for passing on James. He had more than 100 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 INTs. The guy is a swiss army knife that can do everything. James was an all-pro and was the defensive rookie of the year.

2. Rodney Hudson
This might seem odd to have Rodney Hudson this high, but the man is amazing. He is the best center in football. In fact, since 2017 Hudson leads all centers in pass blocking snaps per pressure allowed. He allows just one QB pressure per every 151 snaps. To give you some perspective #2 on the list has 60 snaps per QB pressure.

And the number 1 Seminole for 2018 was.....

1. Brooks Koepka
This one is pretty obvious right. Koepka is the #1 golfer in the world and won 2 majors in 2018. There was not a person in all of sports that had a much better year than Koepka

Let's see what the Noles in the Pros have in store for 2019.

Until then have a great week

- Noland

Looking Back At My Draft Grades

It is difficult to really reflect on a draft until at least three years out, but we are going to try to look at my draft grades from last year in this post. All of my draft grades can be found before the section that I discuss so they are there for your reference.

AFC East
I gave the Bills a B for their draft class and I think that is a solid grade still today. They gave up way too much to move up to get Sammy Watkins in a deep receiver class. He was outperformed by Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Odell Beckham Jr. yet the Bills moved up to nab him and don't have a 1st rounder this year as a result. However, their pick of Seantrel Henderson was magnificient as I stated at the time.Henderson was picked in the 7th round and started all 16 games. Great value for Buffalo with that pick.
I said the Dolphins reached on Juwan James and James had a decent rookie season. He started all 16 games and turned out to be a solid round 1 selection or at least it appears that way right now. However, Billy Turner who I said was the Dolphins best pick, has yet to make a start. The draft class is still pretty weak, but James has been better than I thought. I would put their best pick as Jarvis Landry if I were filling this out today.
The Patriots won the Super Bowl and had a decent draft class. I gave them a D+ which was probably a bit harsh. However, I said their best pick was Bryan Stork which is not really arguable. Stork was a starter for the Pats at Center and a key piece of the Super Bowl run. The real value in this class will be decided though when Brady hangs up his cleats and it becomes Garoppolo's team.
Finally, I raved about the Jets class and especially Calvin Pryor. He was good, but not great and was not the defensive rookie of the year as I imagined. However, he still has a lot of potential and I am excited about that pick still. Not much else came out of this draft class though and I think I may have been a little too bullish about it.

AFC North
The Baltimore Ravens had one of the best drafts around. I firmly stand by the fact that their draft was quite good. Timmy Jernigan who was their best pick according to me had a fine rookie season.Terrance Brooks was playing well prior to his injury. Brooks and Jernigan were not full time starters as expected, but great picks. CJ Mosely was a starter as expected and performed even better than I thought he would. Mosely had 133 tackles and was the runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl. My most accurate prediction about the draft for the Ravens though was that undrafted free agent James Hurst was an absolute steal. If they re-did the draft he would go in the first 15 picks. Hurst was the starting left tackle for the Ravens and on one of the best lines in the entire NFL. Hurst was a superstar all year for Baltimore.
Hurst's college teammate Russell Bodine was the best pick for the Bengals as I stated last year. Bodine was a 16 game starter for Cincinnati and helped lead them to the playoffs. Eventhough their 1st round pick provided very little last year, Cincinnati had immediate returns from this class that rivals any team. Jeremy Hill was great for the Bengals and I'd rate this draft even higher if I did it today. However, I still hate the AJ McCarron pick.
The Browns draft was worse than I thought. I had it at a C+, but I'd change it to a D- today. It didn't swing the right way and Johnny Manziel was an absolute disaster as predicted. They also did not keep either of the Noles that they signed. The good news for Cleveland is that they got great value out of signing the undrafted Connor Shaw.
As always, the Steelers had a very solid draft. Their best pick was Martavis Bryant not Stephon Tuitt as I predicted. Well that is for last year at least, Tuitt could develop into quite the player. During the 2014 season though, Bryant caught 8 touchdowns. He wasn't selected until the 4th round either. Their season went as I expected out of their draft picks, just very solid all around. Nothing spectacular, but quite solid.

AFC South
I had the Houston Texans draft listed as being spectacular and Louis Nix was a big reason why. However, Nix ended up having his 3rd knee surgery and did not play a game. It appears that NFL teams did their homework with Nix and his knee and that is why he fell. Jadeavon Clowney's injury also impacted this draft class a great deal, but it was a solid class. The book is still open on what Tom Savage can do, Sua Filo looks like he can be a decent guard, CJ Fiedorowicz caught a TD, Alfred Blue had a 100 yard game and 3 touchdowns, and Jay Prosch had 5 starts.
Donte Moncrief does seem to be the best player in what was a weak draft for the Colts. Jonathan Newsome and Jack Mewhort were also solid as rookies. However, there is nothing spectacular in this class by any means.
Telvin Smith was not only the best pick by the Jaguars, but the best pick of the entire draft. What incredible value Smith provided and I would bump up their entire draft because of it. Telvin Smith had 104 tackles in what was a spectacular rookie season. Blake Bortles still has plenty of time to develop and has 3000 yards passing, but didn't do anything special as a rookie. The second best pick the Jaguars had was another ACC guy in Luke Bowanko. The Virginia product started 14 games for the Jags and did a good job at center. That was an impressive class the Jags had.
Taylor Lewan disappointed for the Titans and only started 6 games. He leaves a lot to be desired on the line and it looks like I may have overrated the youngster. If not for finding a solid QB in the 6th round this draft would have been a disaster. The emergence of Zach Mettenberger as the starter could save this class. Mettenberger had a QB rating of 83.4 last season and will likely be the Titans starter in 2015.

AFC West
I think the Broncos had a quite weak draft and stand by my below average grade. Roby was solid, but the rest was disappointing. Wasting a 2nd rounder on Cody Latimer with all the depth at WR in the last draft was a huge miscalculation. He was not and is not a top 15 receiver in that draft for me. How did he go in Round 2?
De'Anthony Thomas only got 14 rushing attempts in 2014, but turned those attempts into 113 yards and just may have been the Chiefs top pick in 2014. The biggest reason I believe that has nothing to do with Thomas and more to do with the junk around him.
Khalil Mack had a really solid rookie season for Oakland, but not a top 5 season. He was not their best pick as I stated. It appears that they may have found their QB though which skyrockets this class. Derek Carr threw for 3200 yards and 21 touchdowns and appears to be a solid guy for Oakland. If Carr turns into a franchise QB, than this class was fantastic. Either way, he appears to be the 2nd best QB of this class (some say the best) and was great value in the 2nd round. Carr was easily their best pick. The Raiders also found a starting guard in Gabe Jackson. Solid draft from Oakland especially if Carr and Mack pan out.
I raved last year about the Chargers selection of Jeremiah Attaochu. He had a great debut as well, but then virtually disappeared the remainder of the season. Quite disappointing. Jason Verrett likewise did nothing as a rookie. It is hard to give a team an above average grade when their first two picks do virtually nothing over the season. This draft class as far as production was probably the worst as rookies. I gave them a B, but they were awful. Hopefully, they produce more this season for the sake of their fans.

NFC East
Zach Martin being picked by the Cowboys allowed them to have the best offensive line in the entire NFL and helped them win the division. It was a fantastic selection as I pointed out at the time. As a whole I was unfair to the rest of this draft because the trade to get Demarcus Lawrence was so bad. It was just that bad. Each of the picks they traded to get up to take Lawrence are and will continue to be better pros than him. However, this was a solid draft in some spots. I vastly underrated Anthony Hitchens who had a decent rookie season for one.
When the Giants selected Odell Beckham Jr., I stated that he would be one of 4 fantastic rookie receivers along with Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and Sammy Watkins. It seemed to me that picking between them was like splitting hairs and I was right about that. Each was quite productive, but it was Beckham that was Rookie of the Year. He was also the guy that ended up with one of the best catches in NFL history. You won't remember much else about that Giants class, but you can't complain about the Beckham pick.
Marcus Smith compiled 0 stats for the Eagles in 2014 so based on last year it is difficult to justify him as being the best pick by the team. It seems though that it was just a weak team draft overall. The bright spot had to be Jordan Matthews and his 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. Matthews will likely be the Eagles #1 WR in 2015.
Although I would say it was a poor roster decision Morgan Moses only started 1 game in 2014. Based on that season, it is difficult to justify him as their best pick. I would have to say that Bashaud Breeland was the top Redskins rookie. Breeland played a pretty darn good corner for Washington and was a great pick in the 4th round. I talked about how I liked that pick at the time, but I thought the Moses pick was slightly better. I may have slightly overrated this class, but I still have high hopes for Moses and stand by the fact that Breeland and Seastrunk were fantastic selections.

NFC North
The Chicago Bears had a solid draft last year and I predicted that it would be that way. Their top pick according to me was Brock Vereen and he had a solid rookie season. Vereen ended up starting 4 games and made some plays for the Bears as their 4th round pick. Their first round pick Kyle Fuller was also quite good and he was able to make 14 starts. Fuller played a solid corner for the Bears last season. Charles Leno also got a start for the Bears despite being a 7th round selection.
I thought Travis Swanson would start from Day 1 and was a fantastic selection for Detroit. He was a solid selection in round 3, but he made 5 starts and not 16 as I anticipated. Ebron was a bit of a reach and did not produce much. It will be interesting to see what he does in the future. I had Detroit's draft at a C- and that seems about right. With Swanson's struggles I think my assessment is even more accurate that this draft was below average.
I raved about the Packers selection of Jared Abbrederis in Round 5, but he played 0 snaps in 2014. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was a solid pickup and made an immediate impact as expected. Richard Rodgers proved to be good value as I said and his 2 touchdown grabs as a rookie to go with 5 starts show signs of promise. Linsley was even better value as a 16 game starter out of Round 5. The C proved to be the strongest pick of the draft to date. I also stated Bradford was good value and he accumulated no stats
The Vikings draft depends on the success of Tedy Bridgewater, but the early returns are good and they got him at a great spot. David Yankey was not their best pick based on early returns as he didn't see the field. McKinnon got lots of PT early because of the Adrian Peterson disaster last year. Anthony Barr had a very solid rookie season just as expected.

NFC South
I gave the Falcons a top 10 draft grade because overall they picked quite well. Jake Matthews was the safest pick in the draft as I said at the time and started 15 games. He will be a great tackle for them for years to come and was clearly their top selection. Their second pick Ra'Shede Hageman was a huge disappointment in year 1 though and had virtually 0 production. Former FSU RB Devonta Freeman played in all 16 games and caught a TD, as well as rushing for a TD. Freeman has a bright future in Atlanta. Prince Shembo started 3 games at LB and recorded 59 tackles as a high value 4th rounder.
At pick 28 Kelvin Benjamin was the best value in Round 1. Well unless Tedy Bridgewater develops that is. Benjamin had 78 catches for 1,008 yards and 9 touchdowns despite erratic quarterback play. He proved what I was saying about the top receivers having very little seperating them and was tremendous value for Carolina. Kony Ealy had 4 sacks and an INT and looks to gain even more playing time in 2015. Trading down to get him was a fantastic idea. 3rd round pick Trai Turner had 9 starts. 4th round safety Tre Boston had 5 starts. 5th round corner Bene Benwikere had 6 starts. The majority of their selections ended up starting which is why this draft was rated in the top 3. I'd go so far as to say because this team easily had the best draft in the division they were able to repeat as NFC South Champs. The rookies made the difference in the division race.
Before injury himself for the season, Brandin Cooks may have been on pace for a Rookie of the Year campaign. The future is bright for Cooks. I said though that New Orleans' best pick was Ronald Powell the former Gator linebacker. Powell only recorded 2 tackles and showed why you should never trust a UF football player. Other than Cooks this draft had zero production and through year 1 would have to be graded lower than the C+ grade I gave it.
Finally, Jameis Winston's future home in Tampa. Mike Evans did not disappoint at all in his rookie season. He was as good as I said he was and caught 12 TD passes. Evans also had 68 catches for 1,051 yards. Not only was he the Bucs top choice, but he may have been the best receiver in a loaded class. Sefarian Jenkins caught 2 TDs and shows promise. I was also intrigued by Charles Sims who provided very little help. In 2014 the Bucs did nothing to address their weaknesses along the offensive line or at QB and it showed. However, that lack of addressing QB will work to their advantage when they select Mr. Winston at the end of the month.

NFC West
Not taking Bridgewater in Round 1 was a colossal mistake for the Arizona Cardinals. Had Tedy been the QB and not Ryan Lindley, they would have won the Super Bowl IMO. Pittsburgh State receiver John Brown did have a solid rookie year to save a weak draft for the Cardinals. He had 48 catches for 696 yards and 5 touchdowns.Bucannon had a decent rookie season in being selected over Bridgewater as he had 9 starts. However, he wasn't the impact in Round 1 that several other players could have been. This draft goes down as a major missed opportunity for Arizona.
I said that I thought the 49ers reached in each of the 1st two rounds. Their first pick Jimmie Ward spent the majority of the year injured and confirmed my suspicions that he was a reach. Carlos Hyde will be the top back in San Francisco and I like that he is in fold, but I still think it was a reach. The reason I say it was a reach is I hate when backs are selected before round 3 unless it is an absolute game changer like Adrian Peterson. Carlos Hyde is not that level in my opinion. I thought that Marcus Martin was their best pick and moving forward that appears to be true. Martin started 8 games and the best competition he had for their top pick was Chris Borland who just retired.
The Seattle Seahawks had one of the worst drafts last year according to my grades, but they performed better than I thought in year 1. Seattle of course was still able to make the Super Bowl for 1. While I was right that Richardson was an awful selection, this class had several contributors. Justin Britt was a 16 game starter on the offensive line and he was selected in Round 3. However, their top pick according to me in Cassius Marsh only recorded 5 tackles in his rookie season.
Finally, comes the St. Louis Rams who I said had a top 3 draft. This draft looks like the very best after a year. The Rams got 12 starts out of Greg Robinson. Aaron Donald was Defensive Rookie of the Year. LaMarcus Joyner had 40 tackles and a start in the defensive backfield. Tre Mason had 765 yards and 4 touchdowns and looks like the back of the future. EJ Gaines had 15 starts despite only being a 6th round selection. Gaines looks like one of the best values of the entire draft following a tremendous rookie season and is St. Louis's best pick from last year's draft. None of the 7th round selections worked out, but the Rams picked up 5 starters for 2015 in this draft. The team did a great job.

Now, I will give some input on this draft and especially its top player as this year's draft approaches in the coming weeks.

-Noland

AFC South Draft Grades

Part 3 of my draft series, the AFC South.

Houston Texans

1(1) Jadeavon Clowney (DE, South Carolina)

2(33) Xavier Su’a-Filo (OG, UCLA)

3(65) CJ Fiedorowicz (TE, Iowa)

3(83) Louis Nix (DT, Notre Dame)

4(135) Tom Savage (QB, Pittsburgh)

6(177) Jeoffrey Pagan (DE, Alabama)

6(181) Alfred Blue (RB, LSU)

6(211) Jay Prosch (FB, Auburn)

7(216) Andre Hal (DB, Vanderbilt)

7(256) Lonnie Ballentine (DB, Memphis)

Best Pick: Louis Nix

To get a round 1 value at the second half of Round 3 is incredible. Yes, this draft was loaded, but this was probably the second best pick of the entire draft. The only pick I have better than this was the Jernigan pick. The Texans could no longer pass up the value that Nix provided in the 3rd Round. This team now has a loaded defensive line in their move to the 3-4. Fantastic pick of an impact player here.

Summary: The Texans were another team that had one of the best three drafts I thought. If the Ravens draft was #1 as I suggested than this one was 1a. I have this draft as very slightly behind the Ravens, but the Texans are the closest number 2 in draft history. This draft was incredible and every pick was a quality player right down to Mr. Irrelevant at 256. These guys all have a tremendous chance to make the team. To get the QB with perhaps the best arm talent in this draft on Day 3 is unbelievable. They plugged holes, they picked the best player available, they got their QB, and most importantly they got 3 players with round 1 talent. Absolutely fantastic draft for the Texans and right there with Baltimore in terms of quality.

Draft Grade: A

Undrafted Free Agents

Chris Boswell (K, Rice)
Max Bullough (LB, Michigan State)
Chris Martin (OT, Central Florida)
Anthony McClung (WR, Cincinnati)
Kevin Forsch (OG, Houston)
Chris McCallister (DE, Baylor)
Terrance Lloyd (LB, Baylor)
Bryan Witzman (OT, South Dakota State)

McClung needs to get more physical, but I really like that pickup because Houston could use some WR depth. He can make it in this league if he gets stronger.
The Texans need some inside linebackers for their move to the 3-4 and Bullough gives them depth there. Most thought he'd be picked in the 4th or 5th round and doubted he'd be undrafted. This is one of the better pickups after the draft.
There isn't really a group of undrafted free agents that will impress you more coming in than this group. In addition to McClung and Bullough the Texans got a new kicker and several other guys that will compete for spots. With the draft and these undrafted FA signings the Texans next year will be much younger, improved and have a lot of roster turnover.

Indianapolis Colts

2(59) Jack Mewhort  (OT, Ohio State)

3(90) Donte Moncrief (WR, Mississippi)

5(166) Jonathan Newsome (DE, Ball State)

6(203) Andrew Jackson (LB, Western Kentucky)

7(232) John Ulrick (OT, Georgia State)

Best Pick: Donte Moncrief

Moncrief was the one pick I liked for the Colts. He was at one point projected as a 1st or 2nd round pick and he fell to the Colts in the 3rd Round. I always had him as a third rounder in this draft, but he was good value and can contribute to Indy. His leaping ability is awesome. The one combine test that correlates well to NFL production is the vertical jump and Moncrief jumped 39.5 inches. He also had the longest broad jump at the combine. An absolutely terrific athlete. The biggest reason Moncrief had a round 3 grade instead of higher is his route running. The route running must improve in the pros. He will make an impact in Indy, but probably not until year 2 because of his poor route running.

Summary: The Colts draft has to be graded on the entirety of their draft. This team managed to get only 5 players out of the deepest draft in 30 years. They managed to trade their 1st rounder for a guy who is now a backup RB. Trent Richardson is not a good investment of a 1st round pick. If a 1st rounder is used on a RB in today's NFL, he better be a starter. The Colts had good intentions trading for Richardson during the season, but they helped the Browns out tremendously. That move was the draft blunder of the year, eventhough it happened before the draft. Add in the fact that they didn't pick up one player that I project to make a major impact and I hate this draft. The only player I like in this class in Moncrief and he is not a good route runner. This was the worst draft out of all of the NFL teams.

Draft Grade: F

Undrafted Free Agents
Qua Cox (CB, Jackson State)
Marcus Hall (OG, Ohio State)
Jonotthan Harrison (C, Florida)
Tyler Hoover (DE, Michigan State)
Kameron Jackson (CB, California)
Zach Kerr (NT, Delaware)
Seth Lobato (QB, Northern Colorado)
Keon Lyn (CB, Syracuse)
Dewey McDonald (S, California University of Pennsylvania)
Gregory Moore (WR, Lane College)
Nnamdi Obukwelu (DE, Harvard)
Cody Parkey (K, Auburn)
Eric Pike (OT, Towson)
Darius Polk (CB, Kent State)
Erik Swoope (TE, Miami)
Eric Thomas (WR, Florida International)
Zurlon Tipton (RB, Central Michigan)
Josh Walker (OG, Middle Tennessee State)
Tony Washington (WR, Appalachian State)

I like the Hoover pickup. In a head-to-head matchup with the Buckeyes and Mewhort, Hoover was fantastic. This guy has a relentless motor and player incredibly well for Sparty last year.
I like that the Colts gave Eric Pike a shot, he really impressed me in the division 1AA playoffs and seems to be a solid run blocker.
Erik Swoope is another one of those basketball tight ends and should be interesting to watch. He has never played football and will be a project, buy a very intriguing one.
Other than that I don't see any of these guys making an NFL roster, other than maybe Parkey.

Jacksonville Jaguars

1(3) Blake Bortles (QB, Central Florida)

2(39) Marqise Lee (WR, USC)

2(61) Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)

3(93) Brandon Linder (OG, Miami)

4(114) Aaron Colvin (CB, Oklahoma)

5(144) Telvin Smith (LB, Florida State)

5(159) Chris Smith (LB, Arkansas)

6(205) Luke Bowanko  (C, Virginia)

7(222) Storm Johnson (RB, Central Florida)

Best Pick: Telvin Smith

Telvin Smith was the leader of FSU's National Championship defense and very underrated going into this draft. Smith has incredible speed, tackling ability, and range. Some said this undersized linebacker should move to safety (similar to Derrick Brooks). While he isn't in Brooks' league, he is a tremendous talent, leader, and football player. He will be a solid football player for Jacksonville for years to come. In Round 5 he is an absolute steal. Coaching him in the Senior Bowl and seeing his ability there was a huge benefit for the Jaguars staff. This pick should really excite their fanbase. Jacksonville picks up a lot of new fans from FSU with the pick.

Summary: This is another draft right below the top 3. Every single pick here with the exception of 1 I really liked. The Jaguars got solid value and look like they are actually building a football team. Maybe they can make the NFL's worst division a little more competitive. They did a very good job. The one negative I will say about this draft is that I believe they reached a bit on Bortles. He was the best QB in this draft and he might be able to succeed, but I am not sold. That being said, eventually you have to take a shot on a QB. Jaguars fans have been waiting for the guy for long enough. Maybe this is when they finally get a quality signal caller.If Bortles hits this may end up being the top draft 5 years from now. Very good job by Jacksonville. Also, while selling tickets is always secondary to winning while picking a team (winning sells the best) this team picked up a lot more fans from within the state with this draft. Drafting two of UCF's most popular players and one of FSU's cannot hurt ticket sales or the popularity of the franchise.

Draft Grade: A-

Undrafted Free Agents
Jeff Budzien (K, Northwestern)
Terrance Cobb (RB, Cumberland)
Deandre Coleman (DT, California)
Damian Copeland (WR, Louisville)
Ricky Havili-Heimuli (DT, Oregon)
Allen Hurns (WR, Miami)
Marcel Jensen (TE, Fresno State)
Reggie Jordan (TE, Missouri-Western State)
Craig Loston (S, LSU)
Stephen Morris (QB, Miami)
Rashaad Reynolds (DB, Oregon State)
Tyler Shatley (OG, Clemson)
DJ Tialavea (TE, Utah State)
Josh Wells (OT, James Madison)
Marcus Whitfield (DE, Maryland)
Chad Zinchini (P, Tennessee Tech)

The Jaguars group of undrafted free agents will all put up strong battles for spots on the roster and they will make it interesting. The only one I am pretty sure will not make it is Damian Copeland and he can certainly stick elsewhere if he is cut. I say he won't make it because this is the deepest the Jaguars have ever been at WR and I see them taking three rookies on the roster already. They will have the two guys they drafted in addition, to Allen Hurns. Since, he worked with the offensive coordinator already Hurns has a jump start on the other rookies in this offense. This also is a benefit for Stephen Morris who had his best season in college under the current Jaguars OC. Morris at one point coming into the season was mentioned as a possibility in Round 1. If he can be fixed it is here, and it was a brilliant move by Morris to sign with Jacksonville.
Tyler Shatley is the second strongest offensive lineman in this draft, behind only Russell Bodine. That strength has to count for something. He is raw as a player and played defense the majority of his time at Clemson, but could be quite good once he develops. Again, great group that will compete for spots.

Tennessee Titans

1(11) Taylor Lewan (OT, Michigan)

2(54) Bishop Sankey (RB, Washington)

4(112) DaQuan Jones (DT, Penn State)

4(122) Marqueston Huff  (DB, Wyoming)

5(151) Avery Williamson  (LB, Kentucky)

6(178) Zach Mettenburger (QB,  LSU)

Best Pick: Taylor Lewan

I had every pick by the Titans graded at a lower spot than they were selected, besides Lewan. Taylor Lewan is one of the ten best players in this draft, so to get him at 11 had to be thrilling for Tennessee. He has great 1 on 1 blocking ability. Lewan will be the leader of this offensive line for years to come. He will block the blindside of whatever legitimate QB eventually comes in here. Btw, that is Lewan against top pick, Jadeavon Clowney. Lewan was pretty good against Clowney in the Outback Bowl if you check the whole tape and not just the one hit.

Summary: The Titans reached slightly on each pick (besides Lewan) in my opinion, but it wasn't terrible. They didn't absolutely blow their picks and people can compete for spots. Bishop Sankey and Taylor Lewan will start immediately and could help Tennessee win some games. Sankey was one of the best backs in this class, but I wouldn't have taken a back until round 3 this year. That is especially true for the Titans who have several other holes. Quality player though and not a reach by most people's standards.

Draft Grade: C

Undrafted Free Agents:
Ri'Shard Anderson (CB, Syracuse)
Antonio Andrews (RB, Western Kentucky)
Travis Coons (K, Washington)
James Gayle (LB, Virginia Tech)
Gabe Ikard (C, Oklahoma)
Justin McCray (OG, Central Florida)
James Merrell (LB, Rutgers)
Jaz Reynolds (WR, Oklahoma)
Hakeem Smith (S, Louisville)
Josh Stewart (WR, Oklahoma State)
Derel Walker (WR, Texas A & M)
Eric Ward (WR, Texas Tech)
David Wright (TE, Westminster)

I like that the Titans saw their deficiencies at wide receiver. While I am not a huge fan of the three guys they signed they recognized a need which is a step in the right direction. They also got a pretty good runningback for an undrafted free agent. The Titans should have signed my big boys on the offensive line as their o-line could still use some help. I like Ikard and McCray though for the depth they provide. James Gayle is the best player of this group. He should make the squad and be a good special teams player. Down the road, he could make an impact.

-Noland