Full 2018 Draft 1st Round Grades!

The 2018 edition of the NFL Draft was one to remember. A crock of QB’s that most people did not grade out as generational talents were all coveted as if they were the direct descendants of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Will one of them prove to be the heir apparent to the GOAT? Time will tell.

What we do know know is we can grade each NFL team on their 2018 draft selections and how they played out versus all the projections. Here is Cowboysfan1993 with his strong analysis:

1. Browns: Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma

I like the player, but I thought maybe he would go a bit later. Mayfield is very mobile, with an adequate arm. I feel that his confidence may be taken for arrogance, but this is a very talented player that can help the Browns going forward. Grade: A

2. Giants: Saquon Barkley RB Penn State

The Giants get a very good player in Barkley. Barkley is one of the best RB in a while. He’s big, fast, and shifty. I love his demeanor, and I think he will be rookie of the year. The Giants went with the 2nd best player on my board, but I am concerned that they do not have an offensive line. The player receives a high grade, but the fit is questionable considering how much they need O line. Grade: B+

3. Jets: Sam Darnold QB USC

The Jets obviously need talent everywhere. They went Darnold to get their QB of the future. Darnold can make all of the throws, is more mobile than one would think, and is a high character guy. The issue is that he is a bit innacurate and turns teh ball over too much. They need to surround him with more talent at receiver to get the most out of him though. Grade: B

4. Browns: Denzel Ward CB Ohio State

The Browns just need talent. I would have gone with Chubb, but they do have Garrett and Ogbah. I think Ward is very talented and upgrades one of the worst secondaries in the league. Ward isn’t the biggest guy, but he’s fast, and is the best man coverage corner in the draft. He upgrades that defense. Grade: A

5. Broncos: Bradley Chubb DE NC State

This is a bit suprising considering I was expecting Nelson or a QB here. They added the top pass rusher in the draft to pair with Von Miller. I think he’s similar to Bosa in that he isn’t twitchy, but is technically sound, and plays with a relentless motor. While surprising, this is a very good pick for them. Grade: A

6. Colts: Quenton Nelson OG Notre Dame

I just have a few words. Andrew Luck says thank you. Quenton Nelson is the best player left for me. It may be a bit early for an OG, but Nelson is an elite player that could turn out better than Zack Martin. They needed to protect Luck, and they did that with this pick. Grade: A+

7. Bills: Josh Allen QB Wyoming

I do not like this pick especially considering that they gave up their 2 2nd round picks. Allen is physically very gifted with a rocket arm. He was innacurate in a not so strong conference in college. I think this was a huge reach. Grade: F

8. Bears: Roquan Smith OLB Georgia

I felt that the Bears needed a WR, and someone to captain their defense. They get Smith. I think this is a very good pick, it fills a need, and is a very smart and instinctual player. He in my opinion is similar to Derrick Brooks and at worst is Jonathan Vilma. He covers a lot of ground and will make every tackle. Grade: A+

9. 49ers: Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame

This was the first big surprise all night. The 49ers do need help at OT and they definitely need to protect Jimmy as well. I think this is a bit early for him. McGlinchey is a big OT who excels in the run game, but it will help Jimmy. Grade: B

10. Cardinals: Josh Rosen QB UCLA

The Cardinals needed a QB, who they had on the roster was not going to get it done. They didn’t give up a whole lot for this pick. Rosen to me is the best QB in the draft, but has character issues. If they can reel him back, he can be a great pick for them. The character concerns do worry me a bit, but the talent is there. Grade: B

11. Dolphins: Minkah Fitzpatrick S Alabama

The Dolphins decide to go with Minkah Fitzpatrick. They decide to get a physical player with some versatility. I never thought this man would fall this far, but he did. I think this is a huge steal that will help cover the back end for their defense. Grade: A+

12. Buccaneers: Vita Vea DT Washington

The Bucs go Vita Vea. This is a very surprising pick. I for sure thought they would go Derwin, but decide to draft a big DT instead. Vea is a very good player, and I like the fit. They pair McCoy with a space clogger with strong ability to stop the run. A bit early, but like the pick. Grade: B+

13. Redskins: Da’Ron Payne DT Alabama

The Redskins take Payne, I think this is a slight bit of a reach, but he is still a good player. He isn’t going to offer much in terms of pass rush, but he will destroy the run game. The Redskins needed help in this area too. I feel they could have traded back to get him. Grade: B-

14. Saints: Marcus Saugen OLB Eastern Washington

Marcus Davenport was the pick. Considering the Saints traded up this far to take a DE is a bit concerning. Davenport is physically gifted, but he isn’t a complete product. Often he looks lost on the field. This is just way too high to take him. They hope he can play outside on their defense. Grade: F

15. Raiders: Kolton Miller OT UCLA

Miller is highly athletic. But this is a major reach in my opinion. He has no real technqiue and lacks strength. He will get abused early on. Grade: F

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