NFL Draft Day 2 Recap and Team Grades

04/27/2019
DB+

 

For a day one recap click here

The second night of the draft has come to a close, and this is the day on which teams can build up their rosters with valuable assets. Day two usually consists of players who slipped because of red flags, injuries, and a host of other reasons, even though they have had the talent of a first-round selection. There was plenty of talent left over from Thursday night, and many of the notable names still available came off of the board quickly.

Here’s my recap from day two of the NFL Draft:

Image result for cardinals logo png Arizona Cardinals 

Grade: B

(2nd Round) No. 33Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

For a roster that has a ton of holes, the Cardinals took a massive step towards satisfying their needs by selecting the best corner in the draft in Murphy. A true ball-hawk and turnover creator, he provides a high-upside option in the team’s secondary. Showing comfort in a mixture of man and zone coverages, the former Husky defensive back brings versatility not only on the outside but also in nickel.

(2nd Round) No. 62 (via MIA) – Andy Isabella, WR, UMass

A pick acquired by trading Josh Rosen to the Dolphins, they use the added ammo to draft one of the most productive receivers in this draft class in Andy Isabella. There’s a misconception that he only provides value in the slot; he has shown the ability to consistently win on the outside, as well. With Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald already on the roster, the Cardinals add another playmaking option in Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense.

(3rd Round) No. 65Zach Allen, EDGE, Boston College

Easily one of the most productive interior defenders in the country the past two seasons, he is drafted into a situation where he can become an edge rusher or a defensive tackle. The long-term plan for former first-round draft pick Robert Nkemdiche remains in question, and that may be a position that Allen could step into as the long-term answer sooner rather than later.

 

Image result for baltimore ravens logo png Baltimore Ravens 

Grade: B

(3rd Round) No. 85Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech

The reigning Conference USA Player of the Year and all-time sack leader in NCAA history, Ferguson did not lack production or pedigree. He didn’t test well at the Combine, but the Ravens stuck to what they saw on film. With the end of the Terrell Suggs era in Baltimore, Ferguson steps into a situation where he could prove to be the newest answer at defensive end.

(3rd Round) No. 93 – Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame

Wanting to continue providing Lamar Jackson with weapons, the Ravens go with a bit of an athletic project in Boykin. Testing in the 90th-plus percentile in many categories created a lot of buzz and intrigue about him following the Combine. Still learning many angles to playing the position, his development may continue to trend upward with timely catches in the Ravens’ offense.

 

Image result for bills logo pngBuffalo Bills

Grade: B+ 

(2nd Round) No. 38 Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

The Bills trade up two spots with the Oakland Raiders to acquire Ford. After suffering a bit of a tumble into day two, his wait didn’t last long into the second-round. This acquisition is one of the better value picks during the second day of the draft. The Bills continued to build up the offensive front in front of their young franchise quarterback, Josh Allen. Ford has positional versatility with experience at both guard and tackle.

(3rd Round) No. 74Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic

An electric, behind-the-line-of-scrimmage type of player who can make something out of nothing, Singletary adds some youth to an older backfield. His burst remains a question mark, but he gives the offense a young option going forward alongside LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore, and T.J. Yeldon.

(3rd Round) No. 96 – Dawson Knox, TE, Ole Miss

A former quarterback who transitioned to tight end in 2016, Knox lacks premier production, having never caught a touchdown during his career, but he enters into a situation where he potentially could see action early on. Despite signing Tyler Kroft this offseason, the Bills were still searching for help at tight end, and Knox provides a versatile presence.

 

Image result for panthers logo pngCarolina Panthers

Grade: B- 

(2nd Round) No. 37 (via NYG) Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

The Panthers elect to trade up with the Seattle Seahawks in order to secure Little. Tackle was a huge question mark coming into the second day of the draft, and they satisfied that need by selecting Little. Having not missed a game during his Rebels career, he may prove to be an immediate option at right or left tackle in order to protect Cam Newton.

(3rd Round) No. 100 Will Grier, QB, West Virginia

There were plenty of rumors about the Panthers doing their homework on quarterbacks, specifically Grier, and they opt to select him with the third-to-last selection of the third round. Not having a consistent backup option behind Cam Newton, who’s fresh off of a second shoulder surgery, Grier could prove to be the option directly after the franchise signal-caller. There may be a period of awkwardness in the quarterback room, but it was wise of the franchise to add some insurance just in case Newton’s body continues to break down.

 

Image result for chicago bears logo Chicago Bears

Grade: A

(3rd Round) No. 73 (via NE) David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State

The Bears only made one selection on Friday night, and Ryan Pace made the most of it. After trading Jordan Howard to the Eagles, outside of Tarik Cohen there wasn’t a viable option on the roster. Montgomery’s steady running style will be a welcome addition. A banger between the tackles who possesses elite contact balance and consistent hands out of the backfield, he will be a solid fit for Matt Nagy’s offense.

 

Image result for CIN BENGALS logo pngCincinnati Bengals

Grade: C

(2nd Round) No. 52 Drew Sample, TE, Washington

A prospect who went much earlier than expected, the Bengals continue to address the trenches. Sample is more of a blocker than an option as a receiving threat. With over the top effort as an in-line blocker, he provides value mainly in the running game. On a depth chart that’s thin at tight end, Sample will be vying to make an impact early on.

(3rd Round) No. 72 Germaine Pratt, LB, N.C. State

The former Wolfpack standout is a linebacker that plays with a physical demeanor on all three downs. There’s some inconsistency in coverage, but his value is as a blitzer and when attacking the line of scrimmage vertically. On a team that needs help on the second level, Pratt will be counted on early in his career in many facets.

 

Image result for cleveland browns logo Cleveland Browns

Grade: A

(2nd Round) No. 46 (via IND) Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

One of the most dramatic tumbles in the draft came from the former LSU All-American. Lining him up opposite Denzel Ward gives the Browns two top-of-the-line talents on the exterior of Steve Wilks’s defense. This is a terrific value for a player of Williams’s stature; he has the athleticism and length in order to compete right away. His ability to find the ball in flight and attack it in the air will be an asset to the Browns’ defense.

(3rd Round) No. 80 Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU

A highly productive linebacker at BYU, Takitaki is a player who played at many areas on the field. With experience at all three linebacker spots, he could fill in for Jamie Collins on the strong side. Because of his playing style and attacking nature, he will be a consistent presence on special teams right away while vying to earn time as a starter.

 

Image result for dallas cowboys logo Dallas Cowboys

Grade: B+

(2nd Round) No. 58 Trysten Hill, DT, UCF

Hill’s surge up draft boards happened following the Combine. With an explosive first step and powerful prospect along the interior defensive line, Hill continues a makeover of the team’s front after adding Robert Quinn. Hill went from starting 13 games in 2017 to only one game last season, but it didn’t affect his play. His motor and effort are traits that stand out, which will help him on one of the best defensive units in the league coupled with Rod Marinelli as his position coach.

(3rd Round) No. 90 Connor McGovern, G, Penn State

The Cowboys seem to always look to build upon their positional strengths no matter how loaded they already may be. Despite having one of the better offensive lines in football, they select the versatile interior offensive lineman. With Travis Frederick’s health becoming better, but still wanting insurance, they jump on the former Nittany Lion.

 

Image result for denver broncos logo pngDenver Broncos

Grade: A+

(2nd Round) No. 41 Dalton Risner, OT/G, Kansas State

A bit of a longer wait than expected, but Risner’s wait proved to pay off, as he lands in a perfect situation not only from an on-the-field standpoint but off of it, as well. Landing with his hometown team and the one that he grew up cheering for, he is now pegged with the task of protecting Joe Flacco. The former three-time team captain can play right away at multiple spots of the team’s choosing.

(2nd Round) No. 42 Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

The Broncos’ love for Lock has been an oft-discussed subject dating back to last season. With Joe Flacco entrenched as the quarterback of the now, Lock goes into a situation where he will be allowed to develop behind the former Super Bowl-winning signal-caller. Lock will need time to improve upon his decision-making, ball placement, and footwork. The situation in Denver allows him to do that.

(3rd Round) No. 71 Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State 

A highly energetic and swift-moving defensive tackle, Jones continues the team’s trend of remaking the trenches. Jones is placed in a terrific environment between Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, such that he will be faced with consistent one-on-one matchups, which is where he thrived last season for the Buckeyes. His hand usage and gap discipline need to become more consistent, but for the time being, this is a well above average landing spot for his development going forward.

 

Image result for detroit lions logo pngDetroit Lions

Grade: B

(2nd Round) No. 43 Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii

Known for his relentless motor, Tavai has been one of the better-kept secrets during the pre-draft process. Unable to perform at the Combine or Senior Bowl following shoulder surgery, his stock remained quiet. Tavai provides immediate value as a Sam linebacker and blitzer from multiple positions.

(3rd Round) No. 81 (via MIN) Will Harris, S, Boston College

A long and lanky type of safety who embraces the downhill game. He fills the alley with a purpose and will provide depth at strong safety for Detroit. With 41 career starts, he fits the mold that Matt Patricia is attempting to build on his defense.

 

Image result for packers logo pngGreen Bay Packers 

Grades: A

(2nd Round) No. 44 Elgton Jenkins, C/G, Mississippi State

Still needing depth along their interior offensive front even after signing Billy Turner during free agency, they elect to take the talented interior offensive lineman from the SEC. After a productive week of practices at the Senior Bowl, his stock went through the roof. Jenkins provides value at all three spots along the interior, which is the type of depth piece that the team has been seeking.

(3rd Round) No. 75 Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M

It was only a one-season flash in the pan, but Sternberger put up gaudy numbers in his lone year in Jimbo Fisher’s offense. He was the only receiving threat in the country to collect over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns on fewer than 50 receptions. With the Jimmy Graham experiment potentially on his last legs, Sternberger is a solid backup plan for the future.

 

Image result for hou texans logo pngHouston Texans

Grade: B-

(2nd Round) No. 54 Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky

Large, tough, and physical are the three best words that come to mind to describe Johnson. The Texans are in desperate need of high-end talent at corner, and Johnson provides physicality in the position that the team has been lacking.

(2nd Round) No. 55 Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois 

The Texans continue to fortify their offensive line by selecting their second player from the MAC. Another raw project type of offensive tackle, Scharping was a 53-game starter while with the Huskies. There’s improvement needed with his footwork and strength, but he could fill in quickly as the team’s blindside protector.

(3rd Round) No. 86 Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State

Potential and upside will be the two words associated with Warring. After only playing football for a few seasons, he’s still learning how to play the position. A consistent threat in the Aztecs’ offense, his best football might be ahead of him.

 

Image result for indy colts logo pngIndianapolis Colts

Grade: B

(2nd Round) No. 34 Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple

A prospect that had a meteoric rise following transferring from Presbyterian College, Ya-Sin transitioned well to the FBS level and became a leader quickly in the Owls secondary. He was reportedly the top corner on the team’s board, and they get their main option at the early stages of the second round. Ya-Sin’s competitive fire and upside fit in well with the team’s ascending defense.

(2nd Round) No. 49 (via CLE) Ben Banogu, EDGE, TCU

A highly athletic and bendy edge rusher, Banogu provides an edge presence that the Colts have sorely been lacking. There isn’t a position along the front seven that he didn’t play, and a prospect that has the versatility and flexibility that he possesses will be useful in a defense starved for talent along the front four.

(2nd Round) No. 59 Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State

Known for his speed and playmaking ability, Campbell can take it the distance in the blink of an eye. He’s a player that will have to have many manufactured touches behind the line of scrimmage in order to see his true value, but for a team that needed help outside, he goes to a great situation that has a variety of receivers for Andrew Luck to take advantage of.

(3rd Round) No. 89 Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford

A smart and instinctive linebacker, he brings a speedy option to pair opposite Darius Leonard. Okereke is a true wrap-up-and-bring-down type of tackler that fits the culture of what the Colts are attempting to build upon. His awareness will shine in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’s defense.

 

Image result for jacksonville jaguars logo pngJacksonville Jaguars

Grade: A-

(2nd Round) No. 35 Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

The Jaguars were pegged to get Taylor at the No. 7 overall selection in many mock drafts, but after being flagged during the medical portion because of a recurring knee problem, the team gets a steal in Taylor at the top of the second round. A plug-and-play option opposite Cam Robinson at right tackle, he is able to stay in-state in order to protect Nick Foles.

(3rd Round) No. 69 Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State

The Jaguars continued to address the interior with a pick at tight end in Oliver. With a shortage of talent there, he provides a pass-catching option for Foles. He must continue to progress as a run blocker for a team that has had a run-oriented type of identity under head coach Doug Marrone, but that may be a thing of the past now with John DeFilippo engineering the offense instead of Nathaniel Hackett.

(3rd Round) No. 98 Quincy Williams, LB, Murray State

The brother of former Crimson Tide and newly acquired Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, he had a good performance at the NFLPA Game in Los Angeles, California. A speedy and rangy type of second-level threat, he fits the mold of exactly what the team has drafted in the past.

 

Image result for kc chiefs logoKansas City Chiefs  

Grade: B

(2nd Round) No. 56 Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia

A blazing fast option from the slot and on the outside, Hardman goes to an ideal situation with reigning NFL Offensive MVP Patrick Mahomes. With Tyreek Hill’s situation looking dire, they take a similar player in the former Georgia receiver. Hardman is a dynamic athlete as a receiver and return specialist who provides another explosive weapon to a wide open offense.

(2nd Round) No. 63 (via LAR) Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia

There aren’t too many prospects with a better off-the-field resume than Thornhill. A five-time high school state champion, he is the prototypical one-high free safety. His greatest asset is his ball skills, as he collected 13 career interceptions while at Virginia. With him surveying the roof of the defense, he allows newly-signed Tyrann Mathieu to roam in many spots on the back end.

(3rd Round) No. 84 (via SEA) Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois

Easily one of the best stories of the 2019 draft class, Saunders developed many fans at the Senior Bowl after deciding to fly home quickly after the birth of his daughter, which happened mid-week. He became a social media sensation with his backflips and personality, but from an on-field perspective, he brings the same amount of juice.

 

Image result for la chargers logo png Los Angeles Chargers

Grade: B+

(2nd Round) No. 60 Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

Believed to be the best safety prospect in the draft by some, Adderley is a jack of all trades talent. He can play in the box, on the roof, or in the slot in nickel situations. Pairing him alongside Derwin James gives the team two options on the back end that complement each other perfectly.

(3rd Round) No. 91 Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls

A late bloomer, Pipkins’s stock began to improve following his performance during the week of practices at the East-West Shrine Game. Still very raw and needing to add strength and improve his hand usage, Pipkins is a moldable piece of clay that will be valuable as a backup swing tackle during the early years of his career.

 

Image result for la rams logo pngLos Angeles Rams

Grade: A

(2nd Round) No. 61 (via KC) Taylor Rapp, S, Washington

After running a 4.78 40 at his pro day Rapp’s stock plummeted, but there isn’t a more consistent player on a weekly basis. A player who fills many roles as a cover man, blitzer and tackler, he fits in perfectly with Wade Phillips’s attacking defense. There shouldn’t be a position tag placed beside his name because he plays multiple and remains consistent doing all of them.

(3rd Round) No. 70 (via TB) Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis

With questions surrounding Todd Gurley’s knee, it makes sense why the team invested a mid-round selection on Henderson. After the unexpected success of C.J. Anderson a season ago, he goes to a zone-based scheme, which is similar to what he ran at Memphis. Having multiple explosive plays during his collegiate career, much of the same should be expected in Sean McVay’s offense.

(3rd Round) No. 79 David Long, CB, Michigan

After the loss of LaMarcus Joyner and with the long-term questions surrounding both Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, the Rams brings in a similar prospect in Long. The former Wolverines defensive back displays that confidence that you love to see in a player at the position, but he must tone down his physicality just a bit. Otherwise, he is a truly high upside player at nickel or either safety spot.

(3rd Round) No. 97 Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma

Evans protected the blindside of Kyler Murray not only at Oklahoma but also at Allen High School (Texas). With a 43-0 record, he’s a proven winner on many levels. More of a mauling run blocker because he’s not an overly twitchy offensive tackle, as depth in a swing role, he could provide value right away.

 

Image result for dolphins logo pngMiami Dolphins

Grade: A 

(3rd Round) No. 78 Michael Deiter, G, Wisconsin

After trading the No. 62 overall pick for Josh Rosen, they immediately opt to find protection for him. After releasing Josh Sitton, Deiter will fill in right away at either guard spot. A 54-game starter in his time with the Badgers, he has experience at all five positions along the offensive front.

 

Image result for min viking slogo pngMinnesota Vikings

Grade: B

(2nd Round) No. 50 Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

A team that has been searching for a running mate for Kyle Rudolph for many seasons, they elect to take one of the youngest prospects in the draft. Smith Jr. possesses plenty of upside as a receiving threat from multiple platforms, and he doesn’t turn 21 years old until August. A better blocker than given credit for, he will have a chance to potentially be an early contributor in the second tight end role on the depth chart.

(3rd Round) No. 102 Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State

His name quickly surged to the top of all categories at Boise State, and landing with the Vikings is an ideal fit for Mattison. Playing second fiddle to Dalvin Cook is an ideal situation for him to walk into. He also joins a team that doesn’t have a grind-it-out type of rusher on the roster. Cook’s finesse style couples well with the former Broncos rusher’s banging demeanor.

 

Image result for patriots logo pngNew England Patriots

Grade: A 

(2nd Round) No. 45 (via LAR) JoeJuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt

The biggest cornerback prospect in this class, he fits the Bill Belichick mold perfectly. At 6’4″, he possesses the length and savvy that the Patriots covet. There are some improvements that need to be made from a technical standpoint, but his versatility, tackling ability, and maturity will allow him to be an early contributor in Foxboro opposite Stephon Gilmore.

(3rd Round) No. 77 Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan

Known for his discipline, effort, and relentlessness, Winovich fits perfectly with the culture of the Patriots as a stand-up edge rusher. His motor and edge as a prospect will be a great addition to a defense that relies on maintain responsibilities within their scheme.

(3rd Round) No. 87 Damien Harris, RB, Alabama

The Patriots are not shy about trading back or stockpiling running backs. After selecting Sony Michel in the first round a season ago, they go with the Alabama lead rusher in Harris. A consistent and high-floor type of projection, he will be another addition to the plethora of options for Josh McDaniels.

(3rd Round) No. 101 Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia

Cajuste has been nursing injuries throughout the draft process and during the earlier portions of his career. Suffering back-to-back ACL tears in consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016), he bounced back strong to finish his career. Needing some seasoning, learning under Dante Scarnecchia will be invaluable to his development. Cajuste could prove to be another steal along the offensive line if he remains healthy.

 

Image result for no saints logoNew Orleans Saints

Grade: A

(2nd Round) No. 48  Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M

McCoy is a high value and upside prospect who enters a situation where he can step in and play right away. After the sudden retirement of Max Unger, he fills in as soon as he hears his name called in the middle of the Saints’ offensive front. His most impressive game came against Clemson, and he’s a player that may continue to improve as time progresses.

 

Image result for ny giants logo New York Giants

Grade: B 

(3rd Round) No. 95 (via NE) Oshane Ximines, EDGE, Old Dominion

Ximines makes history and becomes the first player ever drafted from Old Dominion in its 10-year program history. A crafty edge rusher who displays a plethora of moves off the edge, he’s an ideal fit in the team’s 3-4 defense at outside linebacker.

Image result for ny jets logo pngNew York Jets

Grade: B

(3rd Round) No. 68 Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida

It has been a long, winding pre-draft process for Polite. His blend of bend, explosiveness, and twitch is arguably unmatched in this class. After some reported weight gain leading up to the Combine, he didn’t show his full potential. The Jets are a team in need of help at edge rusher, and Polite potentially provides that if he can get back to the form that we saw during the 2018 season.

(3rd Round) No. 92 (via MIN) Chuma Edoga, OT, USC

Adding protection for Sam Darnold, the team opts to add another former USC Trojan to their roster. Edoga is a huge projection being that he’s a bit undersized, but his athleticism is evident on tape. Continuing to add weight and strength will be key to his outlook going forward.

 

Image result for oak raiders logo pngOakland Raiders

Grade: B-

(2nd Round) No. 40 – Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson

With a need on the perimeter for one of the worst passing defenses in the league a season ago, Mullen steps into a situation where he will be counted on as a day one starter. He possesses the length, athleticism, and speed combination to contribute early on, but there will be some growing pains due to his lack of strength and unrefined technique.

 

 Image result for phi eagles logo pngPhiladelphia Eagles

Grade: A

(2nd Round) No. 53 (via BAL) Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State

Only the second running back selected in the draft, Sanders flourished in his only season as a starter at Penn State. Adding to a team that needed a running back even after trading for Jordan Howard, he could be the long-term answer in the backfield behind Carson Wentz.

(2nd Round) No. 57 J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford

A team that has no shortage of weapons on the outside, the Eagles decide to continue to stockpile talent on the perimeter with Arcega-Whiteside. His value comes in many areas, but his greatest asset shows up in the red zone. Known for his big body post-up style of play, he’s able to generate separation in the open field as a vertical threat, too.

 

 Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: B+

(3rd Round) No. 66 (via OAK) Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo

A team that’s known for selecting standout receivers, Johnson becomes the next in a long lineage. With JuJu Smith-Schuster expected to take over the top spot on the depth chart, Johnson enters a roster that needs some help. His quick feet and twitch are fun to watch, and with the passing attack always lively in Pittsburgh, he will have the opportunity to make plays.

(3rd Round) No. 83 Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State

After making the transition from wide receiver in 2016, Layne experienced success quickly on the other side of the ball. His patience and ball skills flash, but he’s still learning some of the nuances of the position. His footwork and details need some refinement, but the upside for a defense that needs playmakers is clear.

 

Image result for sf 49ers logo pngSan Francisco 49ers

Grade: B+

(2nd Round) No. 36 Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

A fit that was talked about a lot leading up to the draft, there wasn’t a prospect who helped himself more doing the pre-draft circuit than Samuel. The MVP at the Senior Bowl, he now enters an offense that will offer him the opportunity to step in right away and compete for a starting position.

(3rd Round) No. 67 Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor

After starting off his career at Tennessee as a running back, Hurd decided to transfer to Baylor while also making the position switch to wide receiver. A player that could fill multiple roles, he goes to a situation with one of the best offensive minds in the business in Kyle Shanahan, who is sure to utilize Hurd’s versatility.

 

 Seattle Seahawks

Grade: B 

(2nd Round) No. 47 Marquise Blair, S, Utah

A team that is always searching for safety help, Blair is a fast-flow, aggressive type of safety who fits into the strong safety role admirably. A prospect that embraces being nosy around the line of scrimmage, he provides added competition at safety.

(2nd Round) No. 64 D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

After most believed him to be a first-round pick as a result of lighting up the Combine, Metcalf suffers a massive slide down the draft board during the second round. His north-south ability is special, but his route breaks outside of that are where the questions come. Pairing him with a run-oriented offense that thrives off of timely deep shots down the field, Metcalf enters a great situation to utilize his strengths.

(3rd Round) No. 88 (via MIN) Cody Barton, LB, Utah

The Seahawks aren’t shy about taking players, even though it may not match the value of the round that they select them in. Going against the grain a bit, they select Barton. A raw prospect overall, he’s still feeling his way around the position. With the Seahawks needing depth on the second level, Barton will not only provide that on all three downs but as a main special teams contributor, as well.

 

Image result for tb bucs logo pngTampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: B

(2nd Round) No. 39 Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan

A bit of a late bloomer to many, Bunting received lots of buzz during the later portions of the process. On a team that seems to be searching for cornerback help every offseason, Bunting brings a long and physical presence on the perimeter alongside Carlton Davis, M.J. Stewart, Vernon Hargreaves III, and Ryan Smith. His biggest improvements will need to come with his technique and limiting his grabby nature when exiting phase.

(3rd Round) No. 99 Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky

His ball production speaks for itself, as his 10 career interceptions were the fourth-most in school history. A rangy free safety who isn’t shy about coming down in run support, he continues to the makeover in the Buccaneers’ secondary.

 

Image result for tennessee titans logo pngTennessee Titans

Grade: A

(2nd Round) No. 51 A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

One of the better value picks of the second round, Brown goes to a team that needed a presence in the slot. A tough and hard-nosed option, he makes a living in between the hashes, but make no mistake about it, Brown can also survive in spurts on the outside too. The former Ole Miss receiver goes to an ideal situation with an offense that is very similar to the one that he ran in Oxford.

(3rd Round) No. 82 Nate Davis, G, UNC-Charlotte

A large and wide base type of guard, he fits into the Titans’ downhill offensive approach right away. Davis comes from a smaller school, but against Tennessee is where his best performance took place. With the release of Josh Kline, the former Charlotte guard will attempt to fill the void at right guard immediately.

 

 Washington Redskins 

Grade: B+

(3rd Round) No. 76 Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State

A prospect that surged up draft boards following the pre-draft process, McLaurin brings much more to the table than just being a receiving threat. As a special teamer and leader, he provides plenty of versatility. After selecting Dwayne Haskins in the first round, they elect to keep his former Buckeye teammate with him.

 

For more NFL Draft news and analysis, follow Jordan on Twitter @JReidNFL

0 Comments