5 Best Picks of the Draft
5. Christian Westerman OG Cincinnati Bengals 5(161)
I thought this guy was really underrated and has a great chance to start for the Bengals. Westerman provides terrific value in the 5th round.
I thought this guy was really underrated and has a great chance to start for the Bengals. Westerman provides terrific value in the 5th round.
4. Sheldon Day DT Jacksonville Jaguars 4(103)
Going into day 3 of the draft, Sheldon Day was the best available player. The Jaguars snatched him up without hesitation and got their 4th starter in this draft. Day will start and contribute this year for Jacksonville.
Going into day 3 of the draft, Sheldon Day was the best available player. The Jaguars snatched him up without hesitation and got their 4th starter in this draft. Day will start and contribute this year for Jacksonville.
3. Devontae Booker RB Denver Broncos 4(136)
The second rated runningback in round 4. Sign me up for that. Booker will be starting for the Broncos at some point this season. He will be starting and getting a ton of yardage.
The second rated runningback in round 4. Sign me up for that. Booker will be starting for the Broncos at some point this season. He will be starting and getting a ton of yardage.
2. Kendall Fuller CB Washington Redskins 3(84)
Speaking of 2nd rated player at his position, Kendall Fuller was my #2 corner this season. He was an absolute stud and without injury concerns is a bona fide 1st rounder. The Redskins have the starters in place to bring him along slowly and he will make an impact when he is ready. NFL bloodlines don't hurt either and the Fullers have quite a few successful defensive backs in their family. It is quite possible that Kendall ends up the best of that entire bunch.
Speaking of 2nd rated player at his position, Kendall Fuller was my #2 corner this season. He was an absolute stud and without injury concerns is a bona fide 1st rounder. The Redskins have the starters in place to bring him along slowly and he will make an impact when he is ready. NFL bloodlines don't hurt either and the Fullers have quite a few successful defensive backs in their family. It is quite possible that Kendall ends up the best of that entire bunch.
1. Myles Jack LB Jacksonville Jaguars 2(36)
Nobody could have predicted that the Jaguars would receive the best two players in the draft. That is, because even with the injury, it seemed Myles Jack would not be there in Round 2. When Jack was there, the Jaguars scooped him up. This guy has superstar written all over him and the Jaguars got a major steal in this selection.
Nobody could have predicted that the Jaguars would receive the best two players in the draft. That is, because even with the injury, it seemed Myles Jack would not be there in Round 2. When Jack was there, the Jaguars scooped him up. This guy has superstar written all over him and the Jaguars got a major steal in this selection.
5 Worst Picks of the Draft
5. Juston Burris CB New York Jets 4(118)
Bottom line is that Burris is not even a guarantee to make the roster. He has very little shot at contributing other than special teams. He showed little to no ability to contribute at the next level at NC State. Why the Jets burnt a 4th rounder on a guy that will be solely a special teams player is surprising. Especially, since he likely won't even be good at that.
Bottom line is that Burris is not even a guarantee to make the roster. He has very little shot at contributing other than special teams. He showed little to no ability to contribute at the next level at NC State. Why the Jets burnt a 4th rounder on a guy that will be solely a special teams player is surprising. Especially, since he likely won't even be good at that.
4. Antonio Morrison ILB Indianapolis Colts 4(125)
Many people judge others for how they treat animals. So what do we think of Antonio Morrison? This guy has barked at police dogs and been arrested on multiple occasions. He is a character concern for a team that used to take these types of individuals off the draft board. Oh, and he doesn't really translate into an NFL player skills wise either.
3. Kevin Byard S Tennessee Titans 3(64)
I guess this was a hometown pick? I am really struggling to find the rationale on this one. A safety with no cover skills in the 3rd round for a team that needs a lot of holes filled. Really perplexing.
Many people judge others for how they treat animals. So what do we think of Antonio Morrison? This guy has barked at police dogs and been arrested on multiple occasions. He is a character concern for a team that used to take these types of individuals off the draft board. Oh, and he doesn't really translate into an NFL player skills wise either.
3. Kevin Byard S Tennessee Titans 3(64)
I guess this was a hometown pick? I am really struggling to find the rationale on this one. A safety with no cover skills in the 3rd round for a team that needs a lot of holes filled. Really perplexing.
2. Derrick Henry RB Tennessee Titans 2(45)
The Titans just traded for DeMarco Murray in the offseason. They acquired the versatile back and it is surprising for them to go runningback here again. Especially one with a lot of wear and tear that got the majority of his yardage behind a tremendous offensive line. This team has so many needs that this pick was surprising. They went RB here when the second best RB stayed on the board until late in Round 4. They reached for Henry just because of the Heisman.
The Titans just traded for DeMarco Murray in the offseason. They acquired the versatile back and it is surprising for them to go runningback here again. Especially one with a lot of wear and tear that got the majority of his yardage behind a tremendous offensive line. This team has so many needs that this pick was surprising. They went RB here when the second best RB stayed on the board until late in Round 4. They reached for Henry just because of the Heisman.
1. Christian Hackenburg QB New York Jets 2(51)
Out of the last 4 drafts, the Jets have twice taken a QB in Round 2 and took one in Round 4 last year. These guys stay drafting terrible quarterbacks with little to no chance of success in the pros. This selection was no different. I do not see any chance of Christian Hackenburg being a successful starting QB in the NFL. This selection of Hackenburg here is mind boggling. If you are going to take a QB early, at least take a good QB. The thing here is the Jets have solid players in place and blowing this pick could be the difference in this team missing the playoffs. Just a poor selection.
Out of the last 4 drafts, the Jets have twice taken a QB in Round 2 and took one in Round 4 last year. These guys stay drafting terrible quarterbacks with little to no chance of success in the pros. This selection was no different. I do not see any chance of Christian Hackenburg being a successful starting QB in the NFL. This selection of Hackenburg here is mind boggling. If you are going to take a QB early, at least take a good QB. The thing here is the Jets have solid players in place and blowing this pick could be the difference in this team missing the playoffs. Just a poor selection.
5 Best Team Drafts
5. Minnesota Vikings
I believe that Laquon Treadwell was the best receiver in this draft and the Vikings got him at 26. They then picked up a corner capable of starting right away in round 2. Every selection this team made had purpose and meaning. I really loved the Kentrell Brothers pick.
4. Cincinnatti Bengals
All 5 of their top picks in this draft will compete for starting jobs. When you think about that, it is pretty incredible. A playoff team that drafted well enough to have 5 players openly competing for starting jobs. I really like the William Jackson pick he was the 2nd best healthy corner in this draft. Tyler Boyd will help in the return game in addition to his receiving skills. I quite admired his receiving skills while he was at Pittsburgh.
All 5 of their top picks in this draft will compete for starting jobs. When you think about that, it is pretty incredible. A playoff team that drafted well enough to have 5 players openly competing for starting jobs. I really like the William Jackson pick he was the 2nd best healthy corner in this draft. Tyler Boyd will help in the return game in addition to his receiving skills. I quite admired his receiving skills while he was at Pittsburgh.
3. Washington Redskins
The Redskins had the 2nd best pick of the draft when they drafted Kendall Fuller in the 3rd round. Getting the 2nd best corner in the draft at that point is a major coup for the Skins. I am not very concerned about Fuller's injury. Sua Cravens and Josh Doctson were also very strong selections for DC. Not as fond of the rest of their draft, but the top 3 selections they made are far better than any outside of Jacksonville. Those 3 will be major contributors for the Burgandy and Gold and give the Skins a ton of flexibility. Each player will be loved in Washington!
Washington also had a strong selection late in QB Nate Sudfeld out of Indiana. While they didn't need a QB at that point, I thought he posed tremendous value in Round 6. He was my 4th rated QB in this draft.
The Redskins had the 2nd best pick of the draft when they drafted Kendall Fuller in the 3rd round. Getting the 2nd best corner in the draft at that point is a major coup for the Skins. I am not very concerned about Fuller's injury. Sua Cravens and Josh Doctson were also very strong selections for DC. Not as fond of the rest of their draft, but the top 3 selections they made are far better than any outside of Jacksonville. Those 3 will be major contributors for the Burgandy and Gold and give the Skins a ton of flexibility. Each player will be loved in Washington!
Washington also had a strong selection late in QB Nate Sudfeld out of Indiana. While they didn't need a QB at that point, I thought he posed tremendous value in Round 6. He was my 4th rated QB in this draft.
2. Cleveland Browns
The Browns accumulated a ton of picks and did not waste them. They got 4 starters with their first four picks. More importantly though, they didn't reach for anyone and let the draft come to them for the 1st time ever. With each pick, it seems the Browns finally took the top player on their board each time.The best news of this draft though is that they got more extra picks in the future. The Browns finally seem to be on the right path.
The Browns accumulated a ton of picks and did not waste them. They got 4 starters with their first four picks. More importantly though, they didn't reach for anyone and let the draft come to them for the 1st time ever. With each pick, it seems the Browns finally took the top player on their board each time.The best news of this draft though is that they got more extra picks in the future. The Browns finally seem to be on the right path.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Hands down the best draft and it is not even close. The Jaguars managed to get the top player at each stage of the draft. With their first pick, they got the best player in the draft in Jaylen Ramsey. Day 2 comes along and they nab the 2nd best player in the entire draft in Myles Jack. Heading into Day 3, the best available player is Sheldon Day and the Jaguars get him. They got 4 bona-fide major contributors. At least two of them are all-pro level guys. This draft could not have gone any better for the Jaguars.
Hands down the best draft and it is not even close. The Jaguars managed to get the top player at each stage of the draft. With their first pick, they got the best player in the draft in Jaylen Ramsey. Day 2 comes along and they nab the 2nd best player in the entire draft in Myles Jack. Heading into Day 3, the best available player is Sheldon Day and the Jaguars get him. They got 4 bona-fide major contributors. At least two of them are all-pro level guys. This draft could not have gone any better for the Jaguars.
5 Worst Team Drafts
The Miami Dolphins could easily top this list if any drama continues with Laremy Tunsil, but the drama seems to have worked in their favor. They got easily the best tackle in the draft at 13 because of it. Now, they just need to hope he keeps his nose clean.
5. Houston Texans
The Texans reached on Fuller and didn't do much else. Not a player I love in their entire draft. Just very unspectacular.
4. Tennessee Titans
They get some points for acquiring so many picks, but have very little to show for that. Add in that they had my second and third worst picks of the entire draft and it is easy to see why I think these guys had a hard time. Tennessee got at least one starter though in the tackle, Conklin. The selection irratated a better tackle though in Taylor Lewan. This organization is just a dumpster fire.
The Texans reached on Fuller and didn't do much else. Not a player I love in their entire draft. Just very unspectacular.
4. Tennessee Titans
They get some points for acquiring so many picks, but have very little to show for that. Add in that they had my second and third worst picks of the entire draft and it is easy to see why I think these guys had a hard time. Tennessee got at least one starter though in the tackle, Conklin. The selection irratated a better tackle though in Taylor Lewan. This organization is just a dumpster fire.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Like the Rams, the Eagles gave up too much to move up to #2 to get Wentz. The plus side for Philadelphia is that I think Wentz will be a better pro than Goff. The issue with Wentz is that he will take some time. Not the fanbase to be patient on their players. These characters booed Wentz when he arrived at the airport. Hahahaha, you stay classy Philly fans.
Like the Rams, the Eagles gave up too much to move up to #2 to get Wentz. The plus side for Philadelphia is that I think Wentz will be a better pro than Goff. The issue with Wentz is that he will take some time. Not the fanbase to be patient on their players. These characters booed Wentz when he arrived at the airport. Hahahaha, you stay classy Philly fans.
2. New York Jets
The Jets could easily be a playoff contender this year. They had some solid pieces. You would think the Jets would pick players that could help them win right now! The only player they got that will immediately contribute was linebacker Darron Lee and there were better players than him on the board still when he was selected in Round 1. Their biggest need was at offensive tackle and that was not upgraded through this draft. Hackenburg was about as stupid a pick as I can imagine given the circumstances of the selection.
The Jets could easily be a playoff contender this year. They had some solid pieces. You would think the Jets would pick players that could help them win right now! The only player they got that will immediately contribute was linebacker Darron Lee and there were better players than him on the board still when he was selected in Round 1. Their biggest need was at offensive tackle and that was not upgraded through this draft. Hackenburg was about as stupid a pick as I can imagine given the circumstances of the selection.
1. Los Angeles Rams
Simply gave up too much to go to 1 and move up for Goff who I personally am not a big believer in. If Goff pans out than this draft will look much better. Right now it looks awful as this team got nothing else of value.
Simply gave up too much to go to 1 and move up for Goff who I personally am not a big believer in. If Goff pans out than this draft will look much better. Right now it looks awful as this team got nothing else of value.
Grading the Buccaneers Draft
Round 1(11) Vernon Hargreaves CB C-
Round 2 (39) Noah Spence DE A
Round 2 (59) Roberto Aguayo PK C
Round 4 (108) Ryan Smith DB B
Round 5 (148) Caleb Benenoch OT A-
Round 6 (183) Devante Bond OLB C-
Round 6 (197) Dan Vitale FB A
Round 4 (108) Ryan Smith DB B
Round 5 (148) Caleb Benenoch OT A-
Round 6 (183) Devante Bond OLB C-
Round 6 (197) Dan Vitale FB A
Overall Grade B+
This was never meant to be as great as last year's draft. Last year the Buccaneers got 4 quality starters with their first 4 picks. Two of those 4 had Pro Bowl level seasons. This year though, the Buccaneers can once again claim 4 quality players that will likely start in some fashion. Given, one of those players is a kicker. Their 5th selection could also be a starter though, potentially bumping that number up to 5 and greatly increasing the rating of this draft. I think this is especially true if they kick him inside. Add in a starting fullback and the numbers go from 4 potential starters to 6. A great draft in anyones book.
People will slam the Aguayo trade up, but I don't mind it and it is not just the homer in me. When you get a chance to select the best kicker in college football history, it is hard to place a value on that. Especially for a team that struggled mightily in the kicking game last year. Connor Barth was fine when he took over for Brindza, but management clearly doesn't think he has "it" because they have cut him multiple times already. Now, they had a chance to eliminate the kicking issue forever and they did it. Was it too early? Probably, but this team wanted the issue solved and they did it. The problem is that there was a lot of quality still on the board in spots of need.
I dislike the Hargreaves pick the more I see it, especially seeing that Kendall Fuller went in Round 3. That being said, he should be fine when not matched up with bigger, more physical receivers. He has all the tools, so hopefully he can justify the high selection.
This was never meant to be as great as last year's draft. Last year the Buccaneers got 4 quality starters with their first 4 picks. Two of those 4 had Pro Bowl level seasons. This year though, the Buccaneers can once again claim 4 quality players that will likely start in some fashion. Given, one of those players is a kicker. Their 5th selection could also be a starter though, potentially bumping that number up to 5 and greatly increasing the rating of this draft. I think this is especially true if they kick him inside. Add in a starting fullback and the numbers go from 4 potential starters to 6. A great draft in anyones book.
People will slam the Aguayo trade up, but I don't mind it and it is not just the homer in me. When you get a chance to select the best kicker in college football history, it is hard to place a value on that. Especially for a team that struggled mightily in the kicking game last year. Connor Barth was fine when he took over for Brindza, but management clearly doesn't think he has "it" because they have cut him multiple times already. Now, they had a chance to eliminate the kicking issue forever and they did it. Was it too early? Probably, but this team wanted the issue solved and they did it. The problem is that there was a lot of quality still on the board in spots of need.
I dislike the Hargreaves pick the more I see it, especially seeing that Kendall Fuller went in Round 3. That being said, he should be fine when not matched up with bigger, more physical receivers. He has all the tools, so hopefully he can justify the high selection.
Most Surprising Undrafted Player
Nile Lawrence-Stample DT Florida State
Stample had he come out early last year would have been selected. It was still incredibly surprising to see him go undrafted because of the time of player he was. The thing working against Stample is that he is a 2 down player and teams seem to be moving away from that. Several other players in that boat slipped very far in this draft. Still, even with those factors and with him being in a very deep draft at his position, I thought for sure he would be selected. He ended up signing as an undrafted free agent with the Browns.
Analyzing Where the Seminoles Ended Up
There were only two Seminoles selected. This was the lowest total since 2009 and quite different from the mass selections the past few years. The three years prior to this current season, FSU had 29 players selected to the NFL draft.
Jalen Ramsey to Jacksonville Round 1 (5)
The Jaguars will be a trendy pick to make the playoffs this season and Jalen Ramsey is a big part of that. Ramsey is a freak athlete and was the best player in the draft. He enters a great situation and will be an immediate starter for Jacksonville.
The Jaguars will be a trendy pick to make the playoffs this season and Jalen Ramsey is a big part of that. Ramsey is a freak athlete and was the best player in the draft. He enters a great situation and will be an immediate starter for Jacksonville.
Roberto Aguayo to Tampa Round 2 (59)
The scrutiny will be high for this one, but it was expected that Aguayo would be the highest selection for a kicker in quite some time. The most accurate kicker in college football history does not come along very often. In this case he goes to Tampa who is desperate for help in the kicking game. He is also reunited with Jameis Winston.
Several Noles signed as undrafted free agents which we will get into closer to training camp.
The scrutiny will be high for this one, but it was expected that Aguayo would be the highest selection for a kicker in quite some time. The most accurate kicker in college football history does not come along very often. In this case he goes to Tampa who is desperate for help in the kicking game. He is also reunited with Jameis Winston.
Several Noles signed as undrafted free agents which we will get into closer to training camp.
Stay tuned for my breakdown of my own stories from last football season
-Noland
