After a wild first round, our NFL writers worked together to grade and analyze all 32 selections. Stay tuned for a similar breakdown for the rest of the draft in the coming days.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Joe Burrow – QB – LSU
All the rumors about the Bengals trading the No. 1 pick, or Joe Burrow not wanting to be a Bengal are finally over.
When it’s all said and done, Burrow is able to stay in his home state of Ohio, and attempt to lead his new team back into playoff contention.
Of course being the 2019 Heisman winner, expectations are high for the QB out of LSU. Once being a backup at Ohio State, Burrow broke out and had arguably one of the best seasons we’ve seen from a Quarterback – since Andrew Luck.
From Day 1, Burrow will offer a significant improvement in pocket awareness over Andy Dalton. Burrow will also be extremely accurate, as many of his short / medium throws are placed perfectly and are where they need to be.
While Burrow is regarded as the best QB in this class, he still needs to work on his deep ball accuracy if he wants to truly reach his potential as an elite QB in the NFL.
At the very least however, you can trust that Burrow will be a fantastic leader for a Cincinnati team that needs someone who has succeeded in that locker room.
With the Bengals having an extremely solid WR core, and improving O-Line, excitement could be brewing in Cincinnati.
Pick Grade: 10/10
2. Washington Redskins
Selection: Chase Young – EDGE – Ohio State
The Redskins did the obvious and selected Chase Young, my number one ranked player in this draft.
And while EDGE is not a position of need for Washington, it was so crucial that they selected him with the second overall pick, creating a monster front seven in Washington, with the likes of Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Da’Ron Payne, Ryan Kerrigan, and Matt Ioannidis.
Young is a monster, 6’5”, 265 pound animal who got 16.5 sacks last year at Ohio State, while still missing two games.
The talent is obviously there, the only question: Will he be able to execute at the highest level, and with this Washington Redskins team?
Pick Grade: 10/10
3. Detroit Lions
Selection: Jeff Okudah – CB – Ohio State
The Lions decided to stay put at number 3 — even though they could’ve traded down — to select Okudah.
Despite bringing in CB Desmond Trufant during the offseason, as well as keeping Justin Coleman, they still need their third corner; and Okudah fills that role exceptionally well.
He’s a big physical corner who can flat out move.
Jeff has great ball skills and will be a factor in Patricia’s defense, which is a primarily man-to-man defense that doesn’t send pressure often; considering Detroit was one of the least blitzing teams in the NFL.
Okudah had 34 total tackles last season at Ohio State, along with 3 interceptions and a forced fumble in 13 games played.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
4. New York Giants
Selection: Andrew Thomas – OT – University of Georgia
With this pick, the New York Giants take the most pro-ready tackle out of the top OT prospects.
Thomas has the best technical skills and can come in and be a solid force on the left side of the line, protecting Daniel Jones’ blindside.
Joe Judge — the new Head Coach of the Giants — recently stated that Thomas “plays big in big games.” He has a lot of experience playing against elite competition in the SEC for three years.
According to Kirby Smart — Head Coach of the Georgia Bulldogs — Thomas is the best tackle he has seen in his time coaching.
Thomas will be a stalwart on the left side of the line, and Giants fans have nothing to worry about in terms of Thomas’ ability to play on the left side. Don’t worry Giants fans, not another Ereck Flowers here…
Pick Grade: 8.75/10
5. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Tua Tagovailoa – QB – Alabama
All the rumors of the Dolphins trading up for an Offensive Tackle, possibly selecting QB Justin Herbert, even QB Jordan Love with the 5th pick over Alabama’s star Tua Tagovailoa – have finally been put to an end.
Tua is tremendous on and off the field in every way that an NFL organization would want their QB to be.
On the field, he has great awareness, arm strength, accuracy, and is an all around star. Off the field he has tremendous leadership abilities, is a good kid, and knows how to be respectful to others.
Throughout his college career, Tua was one of the most efficient QBs ever, tallying up 7442 yards and 87 TDs while completing 69.3% of his passes and only throwing for 11 INTs.
The Dolphins have officially landed the QB who will be the face of the franchise for years to come.
Pick Grade: 10/10
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Justin Herbert – QB – Oregon
While the Chargers’ fans would have preferred to grab Simmons, they are confident in Telesco’s decision.
Herbert has potential to be a great player, and could lead the future of the team.
His sneaky athleticism, built frame (6’6” 238 pounds), and his cannon for an arm reflect the true potential he has.
While he has some holes to fix in his game, be confident that he will have success with the Chargers in the future.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
7. Carolina Panthers
Selection: Derrick Brown – DT – Auburn
Brown is a dynamic player who can win his matchups in any way possible. He has great explosive power, amazing upper body strength, motor, and instincts.
He is a day one starter and will have an immediate effect on the Carolina defense. With having one of the worst run defenses in the league last year, Brown will be a great player who can stop the run, and the pass.
The only downside was that Isaiah Simmons was still on the board. That should have been the pick.
Pick Grade: 9/10
8. Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Isaiah Simmons – LB – Clemson
The Cardinals got one of the biggest steals in the draft, taking Simmons — who was widely ranked as the 4th best player in the draft — at pick 8.
Simmons is an athletic freak who ran a 4.39 second 40 (1st for LBs), while standing 6’4”, 238 lbs. He uses this athleticism to play everywhere on the defense, with at least 100 snaps played at every defensive position — except DT — in 2019.
Arizona will hope to use this versatility to improve their 31st ranked 2019 pass defense. Playing in the tough NFC West, he can be used to guard star 49ers TE George Kittle, contain and blitz Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, and contain the Rams’ rushing attack.
I think Simmons himself expressed what he brings to the table best when he said “You only get 53 on a roster. I feel like if you draft me, you get 56.”
Pick Grade: 10/10
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: CJ Henderson – CB – Florida
This actually isn’t a terrible pick for the Jaguars. They are filling the huge gap left at the cornerback spot, filling in for the losses of Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye.
Henderson put on a clinic at the combine, impressing scouts and ran a 4.39 40-yard-dash. He will be valuable for Jacksonville to ensure they can lock down the weak receiving corps in the AFC South.
Most of the hate the organization is getting for this pick is the thought of who else could’ve been picked. No WR had been picked yet, and some dominant lineman were still available.
The pick however was probably the right choice, as the Jags got someone to fill the role of previous All-Pro CBs.
Keep in mind, Jacksonville also has another first round pick just 11 slots after this one, so going with the safe pick turned out to be the smart decision.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
10. Cleveland Browns
Selection – Jedrick Wills – OT-Alabama
The Browns made a good selection with the pick of Jedrick Wills.
He is the player Browns fans wanted from the start of the draft, and was a phenomenal tackle last year; probably the best tackle in the draft.
Some of Wills’ strong spots are his power, his feet, his technique in pass pro, and his body control. Some weak spots are his mental discipline, lack of energy, inefficient lower half, and his open field agility.
I think Wills will form a great OT tandem with Jack Conklin, so Browns fans should not have to worry about holding calls and Baker getting sacked as much in 2020.
Pick Grade: 9/10
11. New York Jets
Selection: Mekhi Becton – OT – Louisville
Mekhi Becton is one of the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft. He stands 6’7” and weighs in at 364 pounds.
He will help protect Sam Darnold’s blindside at left tackle. The Jets really needed an offensive lineman and I am glad they went in that direction, instead of drafting a wide receiver.
At first I was not a fan of Mekhi Becton, but I started watching film and he was my second best offensive lineman in the draft. My first offensive lineman was Jedrick Wills Jr., but he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. The Jets improved their offensive line, and he will surely learn from the veterans on the roster.
Pick Grade: 9/10
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Henry Ruggs III – WR – Alabama
Coming into this draft, there was speculation on who the top receiver was, but Henry Ruggs wasn’t in the argument.
So why was he the first receiver taken? Well, this past season Carr threw 8 interceptions. Of those eight picks, six were by safeties. Essentially, the safeties were able to jump the route because they didn’t have to worry about covering over the top.
The Raiders didn’t have anyone that could go deep. Enter Henry Ruggs. With Ruggs on the team, the safeties now have to worry about the deep ball, and Ruggs going the distance every single play.
This opens up the rest of the field for Jacobs to run, Renfrow to find the weak spot in the zone, and Waller to create mismatches. Speed kills.
Pick Grade: 9/10
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Tristan Wirfs Jr. – OT – University of Iowa
Tristan Wirfs is an exceptional offensive lineman and his physical profile shows it all. Standing at 6’5” and weighing in at 322 pounds, Wirfs is not a small guy. Of course, he isn’t Mekhi Becton, but he’s the perfect fit for Tom Brady and the Bucs offense.
With Gronk coming in, The Bucs now have a top five offense with a great receiving core and the greatest Quarterback behind them. Wirfs has a more than ideal build that allows him to run a 4.85 40-yard-dash and bench press 24 reps.
Wirfs was definitely a steal for the Bucs at the 13th pick and I am very excited to see what their offense can do next season. I really think he can learn so much under Ali Marpet and become an elite offensive lineman for years to come.
Pick Grade: 10/10
14. San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Javon Kinlaw – DT – South Carolina
John Lynch fooled the Bucs front office using the possibility of selecting OT Tristan Wirfs as a “smokescreen” in order to acquire a 4th round pick.
Doing so, the 49ers drafted Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw is a monster of a defensive tackle, who is ready to wreak havoc on opposing NFL offensive lines.
Fantastic hand technique and quick off the ball, Kinlaw has the chance to replace all pro DT DeForest Buckner. The film does all the talking, the 6’6” 310 pound pass-rusher is a nightmare when healthy.
Although he was not on the field at the combine due to a knee injury, Kinlaw has fully recovered from knee tendinitis. Electing to sit out and focus on his rehab, he prevented injury and avoided a decrease in draft stock. Kinlaw will join a loaded 49ers front four, as Robert Saleh’s physical defense gets even better.
Pick Grade: 9/10
15. Denver Broncos
Selection: Jerry Jeudy – WR – Alabama
This pick is an absolute slam dunk selection. I thought Denver should have moved up to pick 8 or 10 to select Jeudy, but instead Elway played the draft masterfully and got the best receiver without having to move up at all.
Jeudy fits the Shurmur scheme perfectly with his excellent route running ability. In the past, Shurmur has featured excellent route running WRs such as Odell Beckham, Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, Stefon Diggs, and Adam Thielen. Expect Jeudy to be featured a lot in the short passing game along with Gordon and Fant, and will eventually open the deep ball.
Jeudy will come in right away as WR2 and complement this offense that already features Phillip Lindsay, Melvin Gordon, Noah Fant, and Courtland Sutton.
Drew Lock has all the weapons in the world.
Pick Grade: 10/10
16. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: AJ Terrell – CB – Clemson
The cornerback from Clemson has recently shot up draft boards, being rumored to not make it past the Raiders at the 19th pick.
He is a good player who fits the cover 3 Seattle scheme very well. He will step right in and be productive, but there is not a high ceiling.
Atlanta definitely lost out on CJ Henderson, but they chose to take the next best scheme fit who will be a productive player. Although Terrell may not be the 16th best player in the draft, the Falcons needed him, so I don’t mind the pick.
Pick Grade: 8/10
17. Dallas Cowboys
Selection: CeeDee Lamb – WR – Oklahoma University
The Cowboys unexpectedly selected a wide receiver with their seventeenth pick. It was even more surprising that an elite talent like CeeDee, fell so far in the first round. With Lamb, the Cowboys will have one of the greatest trios in the league.
Dak will have Amari Cooper, who had 1,189 rec yds with 8 touchdowns, Michael Gallup, who had 1,107 rec yds with 6 touchdowns, and now CeeDee Lamb, who had 1,327 rec yds with 14 touchdowns. Lamb is a huge replacement to fill the void at slot receiver that Randal Cobb left behind when he signed with Houston.
It would have been ideal to fill a bigger need at cornerback or edge, but like Jerry Jones said a few months back, he learned from his mistakes (2017’s pick in DE Taco Charlton) and will draft based on best available instead of position of need.
Pick Grade: 9.5/10
18. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Austin Jackson – OT – USC
Everyone in the Miami Dolphins front office went into this offseason knowing that they would have to do whatever it takes to upgrade their O-Line; this pick does just that. Jackson has the ideal size for a starting OT in the NFL.
Measuring in at 6’5” and 322 lbs, Jackson is debatably the most athletic OT prospect in the draft. This is good news for new franchise QB, Tua Tagovailoa. NFL execs and scouts have said Jackson is a rare mix of size and athleticism, making him destined for All-Pro honors.
However, many NFL execs are concerned about Jackson’s main flaw: strength. Overall, this was a good pick for the Dolphins, desperately filling the void at OT.
Pick Grade: 9/10
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Damon Arnette – CB – Ohio State
Arnette at 6’0, 192 pounds is the ideal size for an NFL cornerback. Arnette will play beside Trayvon Mullen in the Silver and Black.
He also has experience playing beside the third overall pick, Jeffrey Okudah, during his collegiate career.
Similar to Clelin Ferrel in 2019, Arnette is another example of the Raiders reaching for a position of need. A
rnette is a sticky corner with excellent press coverage abilities that will fit the Raiders scheme well.
Arnette isn’t going to record many interceptions in his career, but he will be able to stick and cover receivers with ease. The Raiders add to a very young secondary group with Arnette in the Raiders’ new beginning in Las Vegas.
Pick Grade: 7.5/10
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: K’Lavon Chaisson – LB – LSU
Jacksonville decided to go all defense in the first round. Taking a CB at the 9th pick, they chose to strengthen the edge.
While this is good for the defense and will surely make them better, I wonder if they could have traded this pick?
Yannick Ngakoue has made it very clear he wants out of Jacksonville, and Fournette is on the trade block as well. The Jags could’ve tried sending this pick and one of the two players somewhere willing to send back value.
Chaisson is a strong selection though, as he’ll provide some more pressure on offenses that the Jaguars actually did very well with last year. Achieving 47 sacks in 2019, Chaisson will surely help them improve on this total.
Jacksonville’s underrated defense is looking to be a force in 2020, and the addition of Chaisson is valuable, but trading this pick away might’ve been a wise move.
Pick Grade: 7.5/10
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Jalen Reagor – WR – TCU
This may have been a bit of a surprise, especially with Brandon Aiyuk and Justin Jefferson still on the board. However, Reagor is a perfect fit for Philadelphia. Even though he ran 4.47 40 at the combine, he’s proven he’s much faster on film.
Reagor proved to be a consistent WR at TCU. He was also one of the best Big 12 receivers in his collegiate career. Not only does he have a 42-inch vertical, but he can also return kicks and punts. Reagor can create separation downfield and stretch the field to open up underneath routes while also being able to win the 50-50 ball.
This is ultimately what the Eagles wanted: speed and potential.
Reagor may not be as pro ready as some of the other guys, but he’s got tremendous upside, potential, and athleticism. He’s a great fit for the Eagles.
Pick Grade: 9/10
22. Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Justin Jefferson – WR – LSU
After receivers were selected in an unexpected order, the Vikings decided to stay put and draft Justin Jefferson, wide receiver out of LSU. Just recently the Vikings traded star receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for a flurry of picks, including the 22nd overall.
The Vikings used this pick to draft what is thought to be Diggs’ replacement. Jefferson played the majority of the 2019 season with LSU primarily in the slot, racking up 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns on 111 receptions.
The only question about this pick is where Jefferson will play for the Vikings. The Vikings have a star slot receiver already in Adam Thielen, so it is unknown whether Thielen or Jefferson will be playing on the outside.
Pick Grade: 9/10
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Kenneth Murray – LB – Oklahoma
When the Chargers traded up with the Patriots and drafted Kenneth Murray with the 23rd pick, Chargers fans were ecstatic.
While it may appear the Chargers gave up a lot for Murray (2nd and 3rd round picks in this year’s draft), fans feel it is 100 percent worth it.
Murray will be a cornerstone piece for the Chargers franchise. Murray was the leader of a great Oklahoma defense, and could potentially lead the Chargers young linebacking core for many years. With his outstanding athleticism and physicality, there’s a legitimate chance Murray will be starting week 1.
Pick grade: 9/10
24. New Orleans Saints
Selection: Cesar Ruiz – C – Michigan
Cesar is perhaps the best story of this draft. Cesar’s dad died in a car crash while he was young and to this day Cesar dedicates his career to him. Being ranked the number one center, according to Pro Football Focus, he was projected late first round to early second round.
At 6’ 3”, 307 pounds, he ran a 5.08 40. With the Saints trying to protect Drew Brees, this marks the third time since 2015 that the Saints have used a first rounder on an offensive lineman.
Fans really like this pick, as it drives Larry Warford to compete with Ruiz, and fills a need on this Saints team. Ruiz can be compared to RT Ryan Ramczyk, and shows potential to make the All-Pro team.
The Saints need to address their need at Linebacker, but this is a great start regardless.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
25. San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Brandon Aiyuk – WR – Arizona State
In an effort to find a stud wide receiver on the opposite side of Deebo Smauel, the 49ers traded up to twenty-five to select the YAC King – Brandon Aiyuk.
Averaging a whopping 18.3 yards per reception, the lengthy and vertical receiver pairs up with offensive master-mind Kyle Shanahan. A massive deep threat at 6’1”, Aiyuk is physical enough off the ball in order to break free from defenders, and light up opposing secondaries.
Shanahan has a gift for using receivers to their full potential, and will use Aiyuk in ways he used Emmanuel Sanders down the stretch of last season.
With the addition of Brandon Aiyuks skill-set to Shanahan’s scheme, Garoppolo gets another physical weapon in his passing game.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
26. Green Bay Packers
Selection: Jordan Love – QB – Utah State
The Packers traded up in the draft with the Miami Dolphins. Many presumed this move was for a Wide Receiver like Tee Higgins or Denzel Mims.
The Packers front office though otherwise.
This is a good pick for a few reasons, but there are also question marks. The last time the Packers made a move like this, they drafted eventual Super Bowl champion and current Quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
That seemed to work out pretty well for the Packers, but this is why Love is a bit different.
The Packers are coming off of a 13-3 season, and this pick would have probably been better utilized with a weapon to extend Rodgers prime years.
Instead, it feels like the Packers are waving the white flag on the Rodgers era.
Maybe Jordan Love will be a future Hall of Famer and this will be a great pick, but for now only time will tell.
Pick Grade: 7/10
27. Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Jordyn Brooks – LB – TTU
The Seahawks decided to go off the rails of the draft, as usual, and draft Linebacker Jordyn Brooks out of Texas Tech.
Brooks, standing at 6’0” 240, is a sure tackler and athletic freak running a 4.50 40 yard dash right after getting cleared to run. Brooks is assumed to fill the void of Mychal Kendricks who left in free agency.
He is a great blitzer and can help the pass rush gain a little momentum. Brooks’ former coach, Matt Rhule, compared him to Bobby Wagner, which is funny since they are now teammates.
This pick without a doubt was a reach. The ‘Hawks had bigger gaps to fill and Brooks could struggle to find playing time next year. Brooks is a plan for the future, but why make that selection when your team is in win now mode?
Pick grade: 6/10
28. Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Patrick Queen – LB – LSU
With LJ Fort, Jake Ryan, Chris Board and Otaro Alaka being the only LB’s on the roster, the Ravens were in desperate need for a linebacker in the draft.
Most fans were convinced that Eric DeCosta and the Ravens would trade up to get their LB, but instead they stayed and were still able to land the LSU stud Patrick Queen. Queen is the star that the Ravens have lacked at linebacker since CJ Mosley left following the 2018 season.
Patrick Queen’s speed, coverage ability and intelligence helps him project as a day one starter in Baltimore. The Ravens managed to get their linebacker while also preserving their other eight picks.
Pick Grade: 9/10
29. Tennessee Titans
Selection: Isaiah Wilson – OT – Georgia
After losing All-Pro Right Tackle Jack Conklin in Free Agency, filling that hole was by far the Titans biggest need. With a few tackle options on the board, Tennessee elected to go with the unpopular pick, Isaiah Wilson.
Most fans would have wanted to see a guy like Ezra Cleveland or Josh Jones because of their first round draft projections – but Wilson was the smarter pick.
Already starting on the right side at Georgia, Isaiah Wilson will now have the opportunity to block for arguably the NFL’s best RB in Derrick Henry. Standing at 6’7” and 340 pounds, Wilson will pancake any pass-rusher in sight. His strength is his ability to create holes for his guy in the backfield – and with Derrick Henry behind him they will do exactly that.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
30. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Noah Igbinoghene – CB – Auburn
Many Dolphins fans may have been confused about selecting Noah Igbinoghene, the 5’10” 198 lbs corner from Auburn, as he was viewed as a mid to late Day 2 pick.
However, before you write him off as not being a first round talent, consider this: every year, the NFL becomes more and more of a passing league.
And how do you stop teams from passing all over you? Build a deep and talented secondary.
The Dolphins are doing just that, adding Byron Jones in the offseason to pair with Xavien Howard, and now the rich get richer by adding Igbinoghene.
During his playing time in college, Noah was able to rack up 92 tackles, 1 INT and 18 PDs. He also collected 2 touchdowns and 1199 yards total yards in punt and kick returns.
All in all, Noah Igbinoghene is a great pick and fans shouldn’t have to worry about anything with him… except for if his name will fit on the back of his jersey.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
31. Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Jeff Gladney – CB – TCU
After an offseason where the Vikings lost three cornerbacks in Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, and Xavier Rhodes; they were in desperate need of cornerbacks.
The Vikings decided to fill that whole a significant amount with Jeff Gladney after trading back from the 25th overall to the 31st. The Vikings received a fourth and fifth round pick in the process.
Gladney fits HC Mike Zimmer’s MO perfectly when coming to an outside cornerback in the first round. He also enters the best position possible when playing under Zimmer who is known most as a great defensive mind and developer.
Throughout his collegiate career, Gladney recorded 146 total tackles (6 tackles for loss), 1.5 sacks, 5 INTs, and 37 passes defended. Gladney can be compared to Jaire Alexander.
Pick Grade: 9/10
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB – LSU
As the defending champs looked to only add more fire-power to their excellent roster, the Chiefs picked another National Champion in Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
An undersized, shifty back who’s draft stock went up this season like the rest of his LSU teammates. Drawing a lot of visits at the combine, Edwards-Helaire was coming off the board sooner rather than later.
Although he may not be the best back in this year’s class, Clyde was the best option for the Chiefs backfield. Explosive out of the backfield and finds holes easily, Andy Reid is getting exactly what he wants in his offense.
With the addition of Edwards-Helaire this takes an already explosive Chiefs run-game to another level.
Pick Grade: 8.5/10
