NFL Draft – Day 1 Grades

By Joe Capo

April 24, 2020

The first day, of the first ever, virtual draft is complete and many teams disappointed me last night, including my own. I’m not just saying that because after my first 3 predictions, everything fell to pieces. I felt that I was fairly accurate with my write-ups, just off with the actual player. And there is nothing you can do about trades taking place. So let’s get to it…

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow – QB, Clemson

This was expected. They needed a QB. He was the best one available this year.

Grade: A

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young – EDGE, Ohio St

Hard to knock a team for taking the best player in the draft, but didn’t fill a need.

Grade: A-

3. Detroit Lions – Jeff Okudah – CB, Ohio St

I still stand by the Lions needing to trade down from this spot. Sure, Okudah fills a need and he’s a solid player, but they could’ve moved down and still got him.

Grade: B

4. New York Giants – Andrew Thomas – OL, Georgia

Here’s where the wheels fell off. I believe part of being a good GM and Coach, when it comes to drafting, is not only knowing talent and knowing what you need, but also knowing a player’s value in the draft. With that said, I like Thomas, but G-men could’ve traded back 6-8 spots and still got this guy.

Grade: C+

5. Miami Dolphins – Tua Tagovaiola – QB, Alabama

Not gonna lie, this pick makes me nervous, but I credit the Dolphins for swinging for the fence with the talented, injury-prone Tua, over the safer pick in Herbert.

Grade: B+

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon

I hope Herbert was their guy, cause there was definitely opportunity to move up. Safe pick.

Grade: B

7. Carolina Panthers – Derrick Brown – DT, Auburn

Love this pick! Love this player!

Grade: A

8. Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Simmons – LB, Clemson

This guy is all over the field and he can play multiple positions! Oh yea, and he dropped down to 8.

Grade: A+

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – CJ Henderson – CB, Florida

A little early for him, but I like the pick and definitely fills a need.

Grade: B+

10. Cleveland Browns – Jedrick Wills – OT, Alabama

They needed a premier left tackle and that’s exactly what they got.

Grade: A

11. New York Jets – Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville

Thought they would go wideout, but needed O-line help as well.

Grade: B

12. Las Vegas Raiders – Henry Ruggs – WR, Alabama

Remember when I said “Even the Raiders can’t screw this up?” I was wrong. Feels like Al Davis made this pick. I like Ruggs, but not over Jeudy and Lamb.

Grade: C

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via 49ers) – Tristan Wirfs – OT, Iowa

What a steal this pick was!!! The only thing that kept them from an A+ grade here is that they traded up 1 spot to get him.

Grade: A

14. San Francisco 49ers (via TB) – Javon Kinlaw – DT, South Carolina

Thought they would go wideout, but DeForest Buckner’s replacement is a solid player and they picked up another draft asset by moving back a spot.

Grade: A-

15. Denver Broncos – Jerry Jeudy – WR, Alabama

Stayed put and still landed the number 1 wideout in the draft!

Grade: A+

16. Atlanta Falcons – AJ Terrell – CB, Clemson

Fills a need after trading Desmond Trufant, but could’ve moved back and still landed him.

Grade: C

17. Dallas Cowboys – CeeDee Lamb – WR, Oklahoma

The only thing keeping this amazing pick from an A+ is the fact that Dallas needs defense…badly!! However…what a gift!

Grade: A

18. Miami Dolphins – Austin Jackson – OT, USC

Yes, you have to protect Tua, so definitely fills a need. Jackson has a lot of potential. What bothers me about this pick is that Tristan Wirfs (my #1 lineman) slid to 13 and with all your draft capital, you have to find a way to move up 5 spots!!!

Grade: C

19. Las Vegas Raiders – Damon Arnette – CB, Ohio St

There are at least 5 other CB’s I had ranked higher than this guy, but fills a need. If this is your guy…TRADE BACK!!! (way back!)

Grade: D

20. Jacksonville Jaguars – K’Lavon Chaisson – DE, LSU

Solid player, very athletic and nice value.

Grade: A-

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Reagor – WR, TCU

Fills a big need, but I liked Jefferson more at this spot.

Grade: C+

22. Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU

Find their replacement for Stefon Diggs. Nice pick!

Grade: A

23. Los Angeles Chargers (via NE) – Kenneth Murray – LB, Oklahoma

Love this guy! Fills a big need. If it weren’t for the trade up to land him, definite A+!!!

Grade: A

24. New Orleans Saints – Cesar Ruiz – C/G, Michigan

Solid player, but thought they would go for a different position.

Grade: B

25. San Francisco 49ers (via Minn) – Brandon Aiyuk – WR, Ariz St

Had to trade up to get him, but fills a big need.

Grade: B

26. Green Bay Packers (via Mia) – Jordan Love – QB, Utah St

This pick is good for Jordan Love, but horrendous for the Packers! And they moved up to make it!! You’re coming off a 13-3 season and were just in the NFC Championship Game. You think we can use our 1st rounder (wideout maybe?!?) to help us NOW?!?!?

Grade: F

27. Seattle Seahawks – Jordyn Brooks – LB, Texas Tech

I don’t understand this pick at all. Had many other needs and if you’re going to take a linebacker at this spot, it should be Patrick Queen.

Grade: D-

28. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Queen – LB, LSU

This pick had to feel good. They were probably tempted to trade up, they didn’t, and still landed the perfect fit for their squad.

Grade: A

29. Tennessee Titans – Isaiah Wilson – OT, Georgia

Fills a need after losing Jack Conklin, but there were others I liked more.

Grade: B-

30. Miami Dolphins – Noah Igbinoghene – CB, Auburn

The good news: The Fins moved back to make this pick and I like the player, yet as a sleeper, so I think this was too early for him. The bad news: Why the hell are you drafting a cornerback?!?!?! Especially with big holes at safety and running back and Xavier McKinney and D’Andre Swift just staring you in the face!

Grade: D+

31. Minnesota Vikings (via 49ers) – Jeff Gladney – CB, TCU

Vikes slid back 6 spots and still filled a position of need with a quality player. Good job!

Grade: B+

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB, LSU

Probably would’ve went with a cornerback. I like Clyde, but there are others I like more, however he’s a nice fit in THIS offense with his pass catching ability.

Grade: B-