The day is finally here! Join me (by viewing this in your browser) to follow live as I react and analyse each pick in this year’s first round. I’ll be thinking about a) Does the pick make sense? and b) Do I like the pick?
Pick #1: Titans select Cam Ward (QB - Miami)
Ward may not be the #1 overall QBs of recent years, but the opportunity to select a QB with Ward’s upside is certainly a risk worth taking for the Titans. They will hope Ward can be their Herbert, Lamar, Allen, or Mahomes, and set them up to contend at the top of the AFC for years to come.
Grade: A
TRADE! THE JAGS ARE ON THE CLOCK!
Pick #2: Jaguars select Travis Hunter (CB/WR - Colorado)
Hunter is truly a blue-chip prospect at two positions and if he reaches his potential, dare I say he has Ohtani-level upside for the value of a franchise. He’s my top player in the draft by a fairly wide margin.
Why the Browns would trade this pick is beyond me - I understand they’re rebuilding and ammo next year will help but Hunter is a transcendent player who I don’t think any team should pass up. The Jags even did it at pretty fair value - what a start for the 34-year-old GM!
Grade: A+
Pick #3: Giants select Abdul Carter (EDGE - Penn State)
Even though the Giants need to win now, it’s good to see them take the best player available and many people’s top player in the class.
I’m not quite as hot on Carter as most, but he certainly has the most upside of any pass rusher in this class. Hard to criticise this pick too much.
Grade: B+
Pick #4: Patriots select Will Campbell (OT - LSU)
Will Campbell is just amazing at football. I don’t really care if he’ll have to kick into guard at some point (for the record, I don’t think he will) because either way you’re getting a pro-bowl caliber player in my eyes.
He’s not my 4th player in the class but with the Pats need to protect Maye, I think this was a good pick.
Grade: B
Pick #5: Browns select Mason Graham (DT -Michigan)
I love Mason Graham (#2 on my big board) and this was definitely the right pick… I just can’t believe the fact they’re even picking here. Graham + a 2nd + a future 1st for Hunter does seem reasonable… even still I’d want Hunter.
I do believe in Graham though and I’m glad to see he goes top 5 after all.
Grade: B+
Pick #6: Raiders select Ashton Jeanty (RB - Boise State)
Jeanty is a fantastic RB but I don’t think he’s worth the #6 pick or even close to it. With the RB talent later in this draft, I would’ve preferred to see them go trenches. Even still, Jeanty could be an elite weapon for a decade.
Grade: C
Pick #7: Jets select Armand Membou (OT - Missouri)
I’m very high on Membou as a prospect and think this was a great pick as the new Jets regime gets started
Grade: A
Pick #8: Panthers select Tetairoa McMillan (WR - Arizona)
I’m not a fan of McMillan at all and for a team that allowed over 400 yards per game last year, this pick really should’ve been defense.
Grade: D
Pick #9: Saints select Kelvin Banks (OT - Texas)
Banks is a very solid tackle who in this class was highly sought-after. Investing in the trenches is a great move for a team who doesn’t want to commit to Trevor Penning and needs to rebuild.
Grade: B+
Pick #10: Bears select Colston Loveland (TE - Michigan)
A great value, and I’m not surprised Ben Johnson has Loveland over Warren. A versatile chess piece who I’m very excited for his career.
Grade: A-
Pick #11: Niners select Mykell Williams (EDGE - Georgia)
My top EDGE rusher still on the board. As a Niner fan, I’m relieved we didn’t do anything silly. Hopefully we’ll be able to develop him as he’s so raw but the upside is unbelievable.
Grade: B+
Pick #12: Cowboys select Tyler Booker (OG - Alabama)
I LOVE Booker and I’m so glad he went this early. They passed on some really great players at premium positions but I can’t complain about this one.
Grade: A-
Pick #13: Dolphins select Kenneth Grant (DT - Michigan)
Grant is a solid value here in my opinion at a premium position of need. Very solid pick.
Grade: B+
Pick #14: Colts select Tyler Warren (TE - Penn State)
Everything came together for the Colts and they get their guy. Even if I don’t have Warren as a top 7 guy like most, this is still a home run pick.
Grade: A
Pick #15: Falcons select Jalon Walker (EDGE - Georgia)
Walker falls straight into the lap of the team most desperate for a pass rusher. Really great pick if they can maximise his skillset.
Grade: A-
Pick #16: Cardinals select Walter Nolen (DT - Ole Miss)
I’m super high on Nolen and think he’ll be a star. One of my favourite picks so far.
Grade: A