Grading the 1st round of the NFL Draft: Picks 21-32

21. Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Grade: F

-The Eagles knew Justin Jefferson was still on the board, right? How about Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, and Michael Pittman? Jalen Reagor brings skill to the table for the Eagles, but with them also trading for M. Goodwin, I only scratch my head that much more on this pick. Jalen Reagor, I think, could be a good pick for the Eagles, but with Justin Jefferson still on the board and so many other options at Wide Receiver, why?

22. Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: Grade: A

-The Vikings strike gold with this pick, especially since Justin Jefferson has been known to be a QB’s right hand man. Justin Jefferson was a major part of Joe Burrow’s success this season and is an unsung hero of that LSU team. Jefferson has the potential to replace the traded star Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs. The Vikings may be the 3rd (1st-Cowboys, 2nd-Browns) luckiest team in the Draft because of Justin Jefferson somehow falling to them in this Draft. This will give Kirk Cousins a great, youthful option during games. Such a steal.

23. Chargers: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma: Grade: D+

-Kenneth Murray proved during his time at Oklahoma that he is a physical presence and was highly touted as being the first or second best LB in the Draft class depending on who you asked. My problem with the Chargers taking Kenneth Murray over a guy like Patrick Queen is that one of the main reasons Oklahoma hasn’t been able to get to a National Championship game is because of their defense. Big 12 Defensive players are such a risk because the Big 12 virtually plays no defense. The Chargers do finally find someone here that I think can be a good starter at LB, but there was a more polished option on the board.

24. Saints: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan: Grade: B+

-I like this pick a lot. The Saints needed to improve their interior offensive linemen, and they do exactly that with the athletic and physical Cesar Ruiz. He brings a lot to the table for the Saints, and if teams hadn't needed offensive tackles so desperately this year, Cesar Ruiz probably would’ve been selected already. This is a great pick up and possibly a steal for the Saints. Could they have taken a Patrick Queen or maybe even a WR here? Possibly, but protecting the QB has to be a must for the Saints. I know Drew Brees, Taysom Hill, and now Jameis Winston have to be happy.

25. 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU: Grade: A

-Well, the 49ers do it again; Brandon Aiyuk is a beast. In a draft that was dominated by hyped WR talent, Brandon Aiyuk went desperately under the radar. A part of me wanted Brandon Aiyuk to fall so the Browns could maybe pick him up as a mid round steal, but the 49ers knew they couldn’t pass on him. As a big Oregon Ducks football fan, Brandon Aiyuk made my head hurt and was a major reason why the Sun Devils upset the Oregon Ducks this season, knocking them out of CFB Playoff contention. Brandon Aiyuk has speed, hands, route running, and is a down the field threat against any defense; this only makes Jimmy G’s life easier.

26. Packers: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State: Grade: C-

-Now the Packers had needs. They needed WR depth, they needed to take a LB (which was available), and maybe a RB here. The Green Bay regime decided that this was their time to take the QB of the future going forward in Jordan Love. I can’t say that I disagree with it either, but they had other needs here. Packers fans had to know that Matt LaFluer was going to eventually try and find Aaron Rodgers’s replacement (if that’s Jordan Love, I don’t know). What just really stings a lot of Packers fans about this is that they traded up to get him. I will say that I believe had Jordan Love still been on the board when the Tennessee Titans had selected, they would’ve probably drafted him because they’ll eventually need someone in a couple seasons to replace their current QB. The Packers risked a lot with this pick; Jordan Love is a project QB, but if anyone can mentor him into reaching great potential it’s Aaron Rodgers. I don’t think Packers fans will hate this pick in two seasons, but for now, there were other needs.

27. Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, LB, TT: Grade: F

-I think the Seahawks missed with this pick. Not saying Jordyn Brooks can’t be a good LB for the Seahawks, but there were other options here. Patrick Queen especially should’ve been taken here, but what they really needed was an impact pass rusher, and they chose not to take AJ Epenesa or even Yetur Gross-Matos. I think a lot of teams will cringe for seasons to come that they did not draft AJ Epenesa, and I’m sure the Seahawks will wish they had gone the Edge Rusher route in some way here for seasons to come.

28. Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU: Grade: A-

-The Ravens get a steal here. They draft the number two LB in this draft, who somehow took a drastic fall, and stack an already stacked defense. The Ravens defense only gets better with this pick, and as a Browns fan, I cringe. Why Patrick Queen fell and was the fourth LB taken in the first round is beyond me. Why Patrick Queen has so many doubters is also beyond me, because all he did was prove himself at LSU and was a staple of that defense. The Ravens get a good one here.

29. Titans: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia: Grade: B

-The Titans had two glaring needs coming into this draft: finding a replacement for both Jurell Casey and Jack Conklin. They decided to go with finding Jack Conklin’s replacement, and in a big way. Isaiah Wilson should’ve been off the board by now, but for whatever reason the Dolphins didn’t pull the trigger. I don’t know if Isaiah Wilson can replace Jack Conklin, but he will definitely be a solid Offensive Tackle and could be an intricate part of the Tennessee Titans offensive line for seasons to come. I maybe would’ve tried to find Jurell Casey’s replacement here with a Ross Blacklock because that’s a huge hole in the middle of that defensive line, but you have to protect the QB.

30. Dolphins: Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn: Grade: C+

-This Draft only gets more interesting for the Dolphins. The Dolphins so far have taken an injury riddled QB and a project Offensive Tackle all in the first round. This was their chance to address a trouble area in a big way (Safety) with either Xavier McKinney or Grant Delpit. Instead they go corner and draft a guy who is highly touted for his speed and athleticism, but is taken down a peg by his ball-handling skills. This is probably their best pick, but a corner wasn’t needed here.

31. Vikings: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU: Grade: C-

-The Vikings needed to address their need for a corner, and they do that with this pick. Again, I’m not high on Big 12 defenders, especially DBs, because the Big 12 is a passing TD league. Jeff Gladney has questions about his height and how he’ll fit into a pro-scheme, but he has really good instincts, and as a corner, that is a very valuable skill to have. I think this could be a good pick; but again, it’s a Big 12 defender.

32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU: Grade: D

-It’s not that I think Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be a bad pick for Kansas City; in fact, I think he’ll do alright in Kansas City. But just like the Eagles, there were way better options here. I don’t know if running back was really the move here? If I were them, I would’ve gone WR or Offensive Line. They went running back though, and with prospects such as Johnathon Taylor, J.K. Dobbins, and De’Andre Swift still on the board, the Chiefs could’ve really knocked this pick out of the stadium and gotten even better production. I think this pick will produce, but what the heck? There were two Heisman Trophy running back contenders (Johnathon Taylor and J.K. Dobbins) still on the board; why didn’t they take them? It’s a really interesting pick. The only reason I don’t give this pick an F is because he more than likely will produce, but come on.

Grading the 1st Round of the NFL Draft: Picks 13-20

13. Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa: Grade: B+

-This isn’t the wrong pick; in fact, it is probably the right one considering Tristan Wirfs was still on the board. I think the Buccaneers are setting themselves up for massive failure for not drafting a QB to study under Tom Brady for the next two seasons, but that seems to be the Buccaneers M.O., which is setting themselves up for massive failure. They got the pick right; they added a solid OT to an Offensive Line that needs help and may give Tom Brady more time in the pocket. Bruce Arians knows what he is doing and maybe this pick is to help set up for the future; I guess we’ll see.

14. 49ers: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Grade: A+

-Wowzers. The 49ers, last year’s second best team in the NFL, had a top 15 pick in the Draft and decided to take a top 8 talent in this Draft. That’s not even fair… I for one think this was a brilliant decision by the 49ers; if Javon Kinlaw can live up to the hype, or even just half of the hype, that is a SCARY defense. Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas, and now Javon Kinlaw might be the most dominant D-Line in NFL history (if Solomon Thomas can finally live up to his potential and Javon Kinlaw produces as he should). If the Niners had this D-Line last year, they would’ve won the Super Bowl, and that’s a fact.

15. Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama: Grade: A

-The Broncos have a desperate need on defense, definitely at the CB position, which I think will be why they can’t hang in the AFC West this season. But, with Jerry Jeudy unexpectedly still on the board, the Broncos almost had to take him. Especially with Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson off the board. This gives Drew Lock someone besides Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant to throw to, and Jerry Juedy’s route running ability definitely will open the field up. This is a good pick; like I said, they almost had to take him here.

16. Falcons: AJ Terrell, CB, Clemson: Grade: C

-Another C's gets degrees pick here. I can’t say I hate the pick; AJ Terrell was probably the third best CB in this Draft and the top two were already taken, but the Falcons had other needs and there were more polished and proven prospects to be taken. They could’ve used Xavier McKinney or a Grant Delpit here drastically. They could’ve taken K’Lavon Chaisson. Hell, the could’ve even taken Cee Dee Lamb just for more receiver options to give Matt Ryan, but they decided to go AJ Terrell, which may work out and has the high probability of working out, but it is kind of a head scratcher.

17. Cowboys: Cee Dee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma: Grade: A

-The Cowboys probably are the luckiest team in this NFL Draft because there is no way that Jerry Juedy and Cee Lamb fell in this Draft like they did, but here we are. The Cowboys now possess Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and now Cee Dee Lamb as Dak Prescott’s down field targets. That is a scary triangle of receivers, especially in the NFC East.

18. Dolphins: Austin Jackson, OT, USC: Grade: D-

-The Dolphins take an Offensive Tackle with a lot of talent with their 2nd (of 3) first round picks. Austin Jackson proved during his time at USC that he has the skill and athleticism to be a natural Left Tackle and could potentially be a replacement for Laremy Tunsil. Though the reason this pick gets a D- is because he has to improve his edge blocking ability, especially in a league that has really thrived off of big time Edge rushers like Myles Garrett, the Watt Brothers, the Bosa Brothers, and etc. He’ll need to improve quickly, too, because he’ll have to block the Bills new Edge rusher AJ Epenesa twice a year. I think they could’ve gone with an Isiah Wilson here. Austin Jackson is a project Offensive Tackle that will need to develop a lot.

19. Raiders: Damon Arnette, CB, OSU: Grade: B

-Jon Gruden does it again and absolutely befuddles me and, I think, everyone else. Damon Arnette was not in most people’s first round mock drafts, but I can’t say I disagree with the pick; he just wasn’t on my mind. With glaring needs at Safety that could’ve been used on Grant Delpit or Xavier McKinney, or LB that could’ve been used on Patrick Queen, Jon Gruden went with Jeff Okudah’s opposite Damon Arnette. I won't give this anything lower than a B, because Damon Arnette did show why he should’ve been taken here with his verteran style of play in college.

20. Jaguars: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU: Grade: B+

-This is a good pick. The Jaguars are actively shopping star edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue after all the offseason drama revolving around him and the front office, and I think this is a great way to replace him. The Jaguars really did the smart thing and focused on their depleted defense in this Draft and in a big way. The Jaguars front office should be really proud with this Draft. They maybe could’ve stolen Justin Jefferson here, but this is a solid replacement pick.

Grading the 1st Round of the NFL Draft: Picks 6-12

6. Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, OREGON. Grade: B+

-The Chargers are in a weird position where they need key things. They currently don’t have a franchise QB after parting from Phillip Rivers, they need offensive line help, and they need a running back after Melvin Gordon’s departure. The Chargers aren’t necessarily in a state like the Bengals were; they have absolutely nothing, so drafting the franchise QB of the future was the right move. I’m a huge OREGON DUCKS fan, and Justin Herbert (Herbie) was a great QB during his tenure for the Ducks. He has solid size for a QB, a rocket arm, great field vision, can work traffic, has a good play-action game, and has the ability to run. My only thing is, I think the Chargers need to start Tyrod Taylor for this season, or at least half the season, so Justin Herbert can learn an NFL playbook in full, get used to the NFL style of play, and develop as an NFL QB. If Justin Herbert is allowed to develop properly and build a little better offense around him, the Chargers will be good for a LONG time.

7. Panthers: Derrick Brown, Defensive Tackle, Auburn. Grade: A-

-Matt Rhule didn’t mess up his first, first round pick. They take a solid Defensive Tackle with a lot more upside than down side. He has the size and speed of most elite NFL Defensive Tackles, and I’d be surprised if he was a bust. The Panthers also were smart in addressing an actual need, which was stocking their defense which suffered a lot of departures this offseason.

8. Cardinals: Isiah Simmons, LB, LSU. Grade: C-

-Any team drafting Isiah Simmons should get an A+; the guy is great and was a huge part of LSU’s success. That being said, the only two teams that didn’t need to draft Isiah Simmons were the Browns and the Cardinals because they have such a glaring need at Offensive Line! Why did the Cardinals not take a fucking Offensive Linemen here?! They drafted Kyler Murray last season No. 1 overall, making him a Week 1 starter as the franchise QB. Kyler Murray produced great in his rookie season… but he was sacked FORTY-EIGHT TIMES! What the fuck Kingsbury? Kyler Murray needs protection and the Giants gave you the chance of a lifetime to take Jedrick Wills Jr. or Tristin Wirfs, and you passed?! The Cardinals do draft a great LB here; he will be an A+ player, but why are they trying to not help Kyler Murray out with protection? He can’t throw to De’Andre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald, or Christian Kirk as effectively as he could with a better Offensive Line! Great prospect, will be a great player, but not the right choice.

9. Jaguars: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida. Grade: B

-Drafting corners is hard; you never know how they’ll develop in the NFL style of play. I’m glad to see the Jags take a CB here; it’s a need that needs to be filled. I know I was hoping they would take a guy like Cee Dee Lamb, because fuck it, but they decided to do the right thing and take the second best CB in this draft. I hope for their sake he works out.

10. Browns: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama. Grade: A+

-I did not foresee Jedrick Wills Jr. falling to number 10. I’m glad he did though, because this is a steal! As far as the OT prospects go, Jedrick Wills Jr. is the most proven prospect in the Draft, and when you have future Hall of Fame OT and Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas vouching for the Browns to take you, chances are you will be pretty good. The only reason I wanted them to take Tristin Wirfs is because he’s an Iowa guy and I just thought it’d be cool for the Browns to take an Iowa guy so high in the draft, but I’m so glad they took Jedrick Wills Jr. because he will be the guy the Browns Offensive Line has desperately needed. Baker Mayfield has to be the happiest QB on planet Earth after this selection.

11. Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville. Grade: D-

-Now as far as Offensive Tackle prospects go, Mekhi Becton has the best POTENTIAL. That being said, what a Jets move to draft someone with POTENTIAL. Meki Becton’s biggest selling points were how athletic he was for as big as he is, and he is MASSIVE, but also who cares how fast he runs his 40? There were better OT prospects to be taken here, namely Tristin Wirfs. The Jets missed out big here. Mekhi Becton could be a great addition to this team and has all the POTENTIAL in the world, but time and time again the Jets draft guys with high potential, and it hasn’t worked out for them so far.

12. Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Grade: C-

-I’m a big Jon Gruden guy. I believe in his process because time and time again it works. He’s a great coach and a great evaluator of talent. I love his mad scientist mentality. With that being said, this is the first time I have ever questioned something Jon Gruden has done. With Cee Dee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy on the board, Jon Gruden decided to go with Henry Ruggs III? Henry Ruggs III's highest selling point was how quick he is. Personally, as I have said before, I think speed is such an overrated skill in the NFL because everyone is fast. The only guys I’ve ever really seen use speed to an actual advantage in the NFL is Tyreke Hill and Kareem Hunt, so I’m going to say the thought process here was to get Jon Gruden his own player like a Tyreke Hill. It could work out, there’s a high chance it will, but I highly question this pick, especially with Cee Dee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy still on the board. Hopefully Jon Gruden’s mad scientist mentality works here like it always does.