Ht's Analysis: 2019 NFL Draft AFC Draft Grades
Unlike the previous year I will highlight the player drafted as well as give them my thoughts, and also the ultimate score tallied up together who shined, who is near middle, and who is in trouble after all this once the season commences. Let's take a look at all 16 teams from the AFC Conference.Baltimore Ravens:
Marquise Brown (Day one starter) B-
Jaylon Ferguson (Day one starter, Forgot to talk about him) B+
Myles Boykin (Day one starter) B+
Justice Hill (Backup, value depth) C
Inman Marshall (Backup, value depth) C
Daylon Mack (Backup, depth) C-
Trace McSorley (Casualty) F
Baltimore to me has some impact players right from the start they got two new additions of weapons for Lamar Jackson to see if his passing game gets significantly better. I forgot to mention a stud up front of the defensive line in Jaylon Fergusn could be their next leader to build off of. Some other picks that could be something to watch for Baltimore did very well, and this is Eric Decosta's first attempt that looks fairly impressive.
Score: C+
Buffalo Bills:
Ed Oliver (Day One Starter) A
Cody Ford (Day One Starter) A-
Devin Singletary (Backup, value depth) B-
Dawson Knox (Iffy Day one Starter) B+
Vosean Joseph (Backup, possible casualty) C+
Jaquan Johnson (Depth, casualty) D
Darryl Johnson (Backup, depth) D-
Tommy Sweeney (Straight up casualty) D-
For me I was impressed with Buffalo did in free agency, and now with what they got outta this draft this team could have a shot at being a more relevant team once the Patriots decide to stop their undying dynasty. I mean seriously they have what looks to be some major upgrade in Ed Oliver, and Cody Ford those were great picks that could hold up for awhile. Then the next three picks they got some good value in what role they could potentially play in for this Bills team. This is a solid stepping stone for this young Bills team to really surprise people to actually continue their push in the playoffs seeing the AFC East never seemed to be a threat rarely I see the Bills as that team trending the right way compared to the Jets, and Dolphins who are not quite there yet.
Score: B
Cincinnati Bengals:
Jonah Williams (Day one starter) B
Drew Sample (Overreach 5-7 round pick, backup) F
Germaine Pratt (Day One Starter) B-
Ryan Finley (Backup, upside potential) B+
Renell Wren (Straight up Casualty) D
Michael Jordan (Great Player... oh wait) F
Trayveon Williams (Great value, gives Giovani Bernard some competition) B-
Deshaun Davis (Backup, possible casualty, a little bit to short) D+
Rodney Anderson (Straight up Casualty) D-
Jordan Brown (Buh Bye!) F
The Bengals draft philosophy was absolutely confusing to me. They started off with the right idea getting protection, but not the future ideal until round 4 early which I can't knock them for at least doing that rather than late in the draft. One value pick that could work out in the running, and some really odd choices like Drew Sample as their second pick who like Tavai no tape was shown of what he could do, but going off height he looks to be a blocking Tight End they took way too high. Another one of those was Michael Jordan of Ohio State, I wrote this off immediately as a homer pick who may not do well alone based off of a legendary superstar that can't be undone. While some of these could make a difference moving forward, Bengals still are the basement cellular of the AFC North regardless of this draft result with a new head coach.
Score: D+
Cleveland Browns:
Greedy Williams (Day one starter, poor tackling) B-
Sione Takitaki (Iffy Day One Starter) C+
Sheldrick Redwine (Backup, not a day one starter) C-
Mack Wilson (Steal value, backup, depth) B
Austin Seibert (Backup Kicker in the 5th round?) F
Drew Forbes (Depth, casualty) D-
Donnie Lewis (Straight up casualty) D-
The Browns while not a great takeaway from this unlike the last draft as you know was panned, but ended up working out for John Dorsey here you have maybe two superstars who could become big, but other than that just felt like that's about all they could come away with two players projected in my top 50 board in Greedy Williams, and Mack Wilson I say they at least got a playmaker at most on defense.
Score: C
Denver Broncos:
Noah Fant (Day one starter, receiving Tight End) B-
Dalton Risner (Day One Starter) B+
Drew Lock (Value backup, depth) B
Dre'mont Jones (Day One Starter) A-
Justin Hollins (Backup, depth) D+
Juwann Winfree (Casualty) D-
John Elway was on the hot seat after a disaster that was Vance Joseph, and drafting Paxton Lynch you would think that's enough to put em away well... I guess not to Pat Bowlen. Now the four outta six of these picks could be stars for this Broncos team. While picking a Tight End has not exactly worked for Denver the last few years. Maybe Noah Fant could give some help from Flacco. Risner grab definitely helps out a glaring need that is the offensive line while not terrible its near middle portion bad so this definitely helps out. Drew Lock in the 2nd round is intriguing to see many fought he was gonna be their first pick instead Elway looks to have made the safe move and traded down to 20 in this case going a different direction. Dre'Mont Jones in the 3rd round looks like a massive steal for a team that needs that strong nose tackle up the middle he could be that anchor to help out Von Miller. Even if he does get the boot these picks do look very promising.
Score: B-
Houston Texans:
Tytus Howard (Overreach, fills the need) D+
Lonnie Johnson Jr. (Day one starter) C+
Max Scharping (Somewhat an overreach, fills the need) B-
Kahale Warring (Blocking Backup Tight End) C-
Charles Omenihu (Iffy Day One Starter) C+
Xavier Crawford (Depth, casualty) D
Cullen Gillaspia (Depth, Fullback?) D-
Right from the very first pick the Texans picked in a very overreaching way for the most part, and I ain't kidding you. Tytus Howard over Jawaan Taylor, and Cody Ford still on the board? Lonnie Johnson does fill a gaping need, but it looks like he'll be the nickel for the team seeing Bradley Roby also swapped with Kareem Jackson it seems like. These tackles better help Watson stay up right because if they don't I could see this team just missing the playoffs. Texans could be in massive trouble I mean Watson has been the most sacked quarterback since entering the league I just don't feel they did it with justice as shown.
Score: D
Indianapolis Colts:
Rock Ya-Sin (Day One Starter) B
Ben Banogu (Day One Starter) B+
Parris Campbell (Iffy Starter, backup) B
Bobby Okereke (Backup, depth) B
Khari Willis (Backup, depth) C
Marvin Tell III (Backup, depth) C-
Jackson Barton (Depth, Casualty) D+
Javon Patterson (Depth, Casualty) D
Unlike the Texans, Colt actually found some pieces on the defensive side of the football that might prove to be big additions for a Frank Reich team many fought weren't gonna be all that instead they went as far the divisional round pretty impressive. They got a corner with a cool name, two additional linebackers to support Darius Leonard's phenomenal leadership. A new weapon for Andrew Luck to emerge, and a couple of secondary guys Colts did a lot right than wrong for the most part.
Score: B-
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Josh Allen (Iffy Day One Starter) D
Jawaan Taylor (Day One Starter) A
Josh Oliver (Iffy Starter, Should of been addressed more early on) C
Quincy Williams (Backup, Depth, Too Short for a linebacker) F
Ryquell Armstead (Depth, Casualty) D
Gardner Mineshew (Backup, Depth) C-
Dontavius Russell (Depth, Casualty) D+
The Jaguars must stay relevant in a very tough AFC South division how do you do that exactly? Let's take a linebacker where it makes no sense to grab over what you really had to do was help out Nick Foles with protection (which you addressed 2nd round thank god) and a weapons to throw to which they didn't do at all in this draft (Minus Josh Oliver). Take another linebacker, but way too short to play the positions, and than also grab guys who won't even pan out and there's your Jaguars season riding on the line of Doug Marrone who has to hope Nick Foles is god in this case and can have his average weapons around him make them look better than what Blake Bortles had done.
Score: D+
Kansas City Chiefs:
Mecole Hardman (Day One Starter) B
Juan Thornhill (Day One Starter) B
Khalen Sanders (Iffy Day one Starter, Alligator Hands) C
Rashard Fenton (Iffy Starter/Backup) C+
Darwin Thompson (Depth, Casualty) C-
Nick Allegertti (Depth, Backup?) C
My scale for the Chiefs will come off very unfairly, but after really giving it some fought the Chiefs had themselves a solid draft its just I can't bypass the fact that suddenly now there gonna lose Tyreek Hill, and even worse Patrick Mahomes is on the madden cover those are two glaring concerns I would have if i'm a Kansas City fan. Nobody has broken the curse, and i'm going to safely say that stays alive again. Like I said they got what looks to be playmakers, but that's a lot to overcome in the while after just losing by a touchdown and a coin flip to the Patriots only for all that to happen once the draft would begin.
Score: C-
Los Angeles Chargers:
Jeffrey Tillery (Day One Starter) B
Nasir Adderly (Iffy Day one Starter) C
Trey Pipkins (Iffy Day One Starter) B-
Dure Tranquill (Backup, Depth) C
Easton Stick (Backup, Casualty) F
Emeke Egbule (Depth, Casualty) D
Cortez Broughton (Backup, Depth) D-
Chargers draft was a little odd, but mostly filled with backups to be honest, and Tillery looks like the only with a legitimate chance of starting for the team. There one of three teams to have their top three picks where one guy has that shot. Picking up Nasir Adderly incredibly weird seeing the secondary is stacked, and this guy look to be on the bench in the meantime. Pipkins is another guy who has a 50/50 shot of starting, but all is not that likely to say that can or cannot happen until maybe pre-season could tell that story. Another thing I fought was off the wall was taking Easton Stick in the 5th round. He'll be on the 3rd string why? They got Tyrod Taylor as the backup a proven reliable hand, and Phillip Rivers may not have all the years left, but after last season he ain't done from here. L.A's B Team had a very meh draft to me with many question marks to be raised.
Score: C-
Miami Dolphins:
Christian Wilkins (Day One Starter) A-
Michael Deiter (Iffy Day One Starter) B-
Andrew Van Dinkel (Backup, Depth) C
Isaiah Prince (Day One Starter, Yeah I'm not kidding) C+
Chandler Cox (Depth, Fullback?) D-
Myles Gaskin Depth, Casualty) D
In a rebuilding year the Miami Dolphins got themselves a clear direction to go in. For now they got Josh Rosen, and if he pans again no worries Tua still on their radar I would assume. Wilkins falling to them does look like a great pick just based off of what he has done in Clemson. The rest however will they starter at any point?
Score: C
New England Patriots:
N'Keal Harry (Day One Starter) B-
Joejuan Williams (Iffy Day One Starter) A-
Chase Winovich (Iffy Day One Starter) B+
Damien Harris (Backup, Depth) D+
Yodny Cajuste (Backup, Depth) C+
Hjalte Froholdt (Backup, Depth) C+
Jarrett Stidham (Backup, Depth) C+
Byron Cowart (Depth, casualty) D+
Jake Bailey (A Punter in the 5th round?) F
Ken Webster (Casualty) D
The defending champions drafted like champions did they not? Emperor Belhcick is loving this everyone scrambling, and picking off the wall throwing other teams off while the Patriots score huge with a big Wide Receiver, and a pair of what looks like solid defensive players that fir his scheme it look like a win to me. Lot of quality backups on this draft class, this is what I call the New England Way folks this is how its done.
Score: B-
New York Jets:
Quinnen Williams (Day one Starter) A+
Jachai Polite (Day one Starter) B+
Chuma Edoga (Iffy Starter/Backup) C-
Trevon Wesco (Backup, Should have kept going Offense to this point) C
Blake Cashman (Depth, Casualty) D
Blessuan Austin (Depth, Casualty) D
Jets started off strong, but kinda faltered when they realized they should kept going the offense the rest of the way. With few picks at their disposal could it take some time for Sam Darnold to truly see his full capability more consistency with very little help given. The defense though needed a bit of an upgrade which is understandable, but your offense may not be very dynamic as suggested.
Score: C-
Oakland Raiders:
Clelin Ferrell (Day one Starter) C-
Josh Jacobs (Day One Starter) B-
Jonathan Abrams (Day One Starter) B
Treyvon Mullen (Iffy Day One Starter) C
Maxx Crosby (Backup/Depth) C+
Isaiah Johnson (Depth, Casualty) D+
Foster Moreau (Backup, Depth) C-
Hunter Renfrow (Straight up Casualty) F
Quinton Bell (Straight up Casualty) D-
This Raiders draft felt like for the most part like Al Davis's spirit was lifted from the grave, and told Gruden and Mayock. ''Find the raider unknown.'' Exactly what they did with both the first pick, and the 4th selection. Well now the terrible news of Isiah Crowell being out for the year means they have one starting tail back being Josh Jacobs by default. For the most part Raiders had a very unpredictable draft, but I would not say they came home with a stud at most a good to solid player perhaps in the future to come when they host next year under the Las Vegas Raiders.
Score: D
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Devin Bush (Day One Starter) B
Dinotae Johnson (Backup, not a Day one Starter) C+
Justin Layne (Day One Starter) A-
Benny Snell Jr. (Backup, value depth) C+
Zach Gentry (Backup, value depth steal) B-
Sutton Smith (Backup, possible depth) C
Isaiah Briggs (Backup, Depth) C
Ulysses Gilbert (Depth, Casualty) D
Derwin Grey (Depth, Casualty) D-
In what what looks like a turn for the worst type moment for the Steelers can this draft keep in contention or go more downhill? Taking a risk getting a guy like Devin Bush does make sense seeing its one of two weaknesses of this Pittsburgh defense. Than taking Justin Layne looks like a steal in the 3rd round that could replace Artie Burns who had an awful 2018 season. Zach Gentry was a very intriguing pick I didn't expect to be taken so soon, but if he fits their scheme so be it. Pittsburgh may have done some right things, but than they go cliche wider receiver, and cliche running back which in their case you go wrong with who they choose.
Score: C+
Tennessee Titans:
Jeffrey Simmons (Iffy Day One Starter, injury concern) A-
A.J. Brown (Day One Starter) A-
Nate Davis (Backup, to Iffy Starter) C+
Amani Hooker (Value, backup, depth) B
D'andre Walker (Casualty) D
David Long (of West Virginia) (Casualty) D-
The home town team definitely did a good job in this draft what they needed to do. Give Mariota a weapon, and also give them a pick that could pay off in a big way if his healthy quicker than imaginable. They got some good value picks, couple of them that could be starters. Titans did do a good job the question is can they find a way to make it in the playoffs after just missing the cut thanks to the Colts who have always had their number since Andre Luck has been the quarterback.
Score: B
That's that next time we will see each other again when the season approaches for now see you next time!