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Gxd333
2018 NFL Draft Round 1 Year 2 Review
Published at 4/6/2020
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2018 NFL Draft Round 1 year 2 Review

Goals:

Picks 1-10 = Draft a sure fire starter and potential Pro Bowl Caliber player

Picks 11-20 = Draft a sure fire starter

Picks 21-32 = Draft a starter

1. Cleveland Browns - Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma

The hype train just didn't go anywhere for the Browns in 2019. Mayfield definitely went through a sophomore slump and didn't look like the same player.  Maybe he should focus more on improving his game in the off season than running his big mouth. Mayfield went 6-10 as a starter completing 59% of his passes for 3,800 yards 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Granted his offensive line was not great but he did have the 2nd leading rushing in the NFL along with 2 dynamic WR's.

Year 1 Grade = 5 stars, Year 1 numbers = 64% completion, 3700 yards, 27 TD's, 14 Int in 14 games, 6-7 Record

Year 2 Grade = 2.5 Stars

2. New York Giants - Saquon Barkley RB Penn State

Barkley missed 3 games from injury in 2019 but still had good numbers. He rushed for 1,000 yards and 6 TDs, caught 52 passes for 438 yards and 2 TDs. Barkley is still the most complete running back in the NFL. He can carry the ball 20 times a game with game breaking runs at any time and is a very good pass catcher out of the backfield.

Year 1 Grade = 5 Stars, Year 1 numbers = 1300 yards, 11 TDs, 5.0 avg; 91 rec, 728 yards, 4 TDs

Year 2 Grade = 5 Stars

3. New York Jets - Sam Darnold QB USC

Darnold missed the first 3 games of the year and the team clearly struggled as they went 0-3 without him. Darnold came back and put up similar numbers to his rookie year and the team went 7-6 with him. Darnold had 62% completion rate, 3,000 yards, 19 TDs and 13 Ints. The Jets traded up to land Darnold and getting a franchise QB is really the only time it is worth it. So far Darnold has been average so time will tell if it was worth it.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 numbers 58% completion, 2800 yards, 17 TDs, 15 Ints, 4-9 Record

Year 2 grade = 3.5 Stars

4. Cleveland Browns - Denzel Ward CB Ohio State

Ward started in 12 games, had 44 tackles, 2 Ints, 11 PDs and played 70% of snaps. The Browns hype train didn't go anywhere as the team went 6-10. Teams completed less than 49% of their passes against Ward's coverage for 517 yards and only 1 touchdown. Ward is a true #1 CB when he is on the field. His only issue has been injuries and missing 3-4 games each year.

Year 1 Grade = 4 Stars, year 1 numbers = 12 starts, 3 Ints, 51% against him, 507 yards, 5 TD's allowed, 53 tackles

Year 2 Grade = 4 Stars

5. Denver Broncos - Bradley Chubb Edge North Carolina State

Chubb did not have the sophomore year he was hoping for as he missed most of the season with an injury. Chubb played in 4 games recording 1 sack.

Year 1 Grade = 5 Stars, Year 1 numbers = 60 tackles, 14 TFL, 12 sacks, 1 FF, 2 PD and 16 starts

Year 2 Grade = 0 Stars

6. Indianapolis Colts - Quenton Nelson OG Notre Dame

Nelson had another amazing year as he was selected to his 2nd straight Pro Bowl and 1st Team all Pro. Nelson started every game and saw 97% of the team snaps. Nelson is considered by some to be the best OG in the NFL.

Year 1 Grade = 5 Stars, year 1 numbers = 16 starts, 100% of snaps, Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro selection

Year 2 Grade = 5 Stars

7. Buffalo Bills - Josh Allen QB Wyoming

Allen had a very solid 2nd year carrying his team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. If it wasn't for a dynamic Deshuan Watson comeback they would have made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Allen completed 59% of his passes for 3,000 yards 20 TDs and 9 Ints. He also had 510 yards rushing with 9 rushing TDs. Allen certainly looks like a franchise QB and should only improve with a legitimate #1 WR in 2020 with Stefon Diggs. The Bills traded a lot to get high enough to draft Allen, so for I would say it's worth it but Allen needs to improve his completion percentage and the organization needs to build around him.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 numbers = 11 starts, 5-6 record, 52% completion, 2,000 yards, 10 TDs, 12 Ints, 631 yards rushing 8 TDs

Year 2 Grade = 4 Stars

8. Chicago Bears - Roquan Smith LB Georgia

Smith started 12 games, had 101 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 Int, 2 PD, 2 sacks. Smith only allowed a 75 QB rating when targeted. As a team the Bears finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

Year 1 Grade = 4 Stars, Year 1 numbers; 14 starts in 16 games played, 121 tackles, 8 TFL, 1 Int, 5 PD, 5 Sacks and 95 QB rating when targeted

Year 2 Grade = 3.5 Stars

9. San Fransisco 49ers - Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame

McGlinchey started 12 regular season games and all 3 playoff games for the Super Bowl runner ups. Being a starter on a team that goes to the Super Bowl carries a lot of weight.

Year 1 Grade = 4 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 16 starts and 100% of snaps played

Year 2 Grade = 4.5 Stars

10. Arizona Cardinals - Josh Rosen QB UCLA

Well, this poor guy has been dismantled enough. Rosen got a 2nd try as he was traded to Miami. Rosen started 3 games and when 0-3. He completed 52% of his passes for 500 yards, 1 TD, and 5 Ints. Rosen was benched again by a 35 year old QB. I think this is the end of the road for Rosen. Which, I just want to say that if you check my mock drafts I never had Rosen going in the first round it was a mistake from the beginning.

Year 1 Grade = 1 Stars, Year 1 Numbers: 13 Starts, 3-10 record, 55% completion, 2200 yards, 11TDs, 14 ints

Year 2 Grade = 0 Stars

11. Miami Dolphins - Minkah Fitzpatrick S Alabama

Miami traded Minkah for 2 first round draft picks to Pittsburgh. Fitzpatrick had 16 starts, 69 tackles, 5 ints returning one for TD, 9 PD, and 2 FF. Teams completed 62% of passes against him with 4 TDs and a 93 QB rating. Pittsburgh had a dominate defense that nearly carried a 2nd and 3rd string QB to the playoffs and Fitzpatrick was a big reason for that. Not sure he was worth 2 first round picks but he's good as he made the Pro Bowl and was 1st Team All Pro.

Year 1 Grade = 4 Stars, Year 1 numbers: 11 starts in 16 games; 80 tackles, 2 ints, 9 PD, 56% of passes completed, 0 TDs and 64 QB rating when targeted

Year 2 Grade = 5 Stars

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Vita Vea DT Washington

Vea started 16 games and was on the field for 66% fo snaps. He has 35 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 12 QB hits. He also helped Tampa Bay have a very solid rush defense. I also have to mention that Vea caught a touchdown pass becoming the biggest player to every have a receiving TD in NFL history.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 8 starts in 13 games, 3 sacks, 28 tackles, 47% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 4 Stars

13. Washington Redskins - Daron Payne DT Alabama

Panye took a step back in 2019. Payne started 9 of 15 games played. He was on the field for 67% of snaps, had 58 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 PD, 4 QB hits and his team went 3-13.

Year 1 Grade = 4 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 16 starts, 77% of snaps played, 56 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 QB hits, 1 FF, and 3 PD.

Year 2 Grade = 3 Stars

14. New Orleans Saints - Marcus Davenport DE Texas-San Antonio

The Saints traded 2 first round picks for the right to select Davenport which was a big reach on draft night and still is. Davenport started 14 of 14 games this year including one playoff game. Davenport had 31 tackles, 5 TFL, 6 sacks, 16 QB hits and 2 FF. He played 50% of snaps. These are average numbers for a situational player. Not the numbers you want from a guy you traded an extra 1st round pick to select.

Year 1 Grade = 2 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 13 games played, 0 starts, 4.5 sacks, 22 tackles, 12 QB hits, 40% of snaps played

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

15. Oakland Raiders - Kolton Miller OT UCLA

Miller started all 16 games for a team that went 7-9. He played 100% of snaps.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, year 1 numbers: 16 starts and 97% of snaps for a 4-12 team

Year 2 Grade = 3.5 Stars

16. Buffalo Bills - Tremaine Edmunds LB Virginia Tech

Edmunds stared every game for a playoff team. He had 115 tackles, 10 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 Int, 9 PD while playing 95% of snaps. 76 QB rating when targeted.

Year 1 Grade = 4 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 121 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 Int, 12 PD, 2 FF while playing 91% of snaps and a 93 Qb when targeted.

Year 2 Grade = 4 Stars

17. Los Angeles Chargers - Derwin James S Florida State

James was injured for most of the year, playing in only 5 games. He was a major loss for the team.

Year 1 Grade = 5 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 18 starts in 18 games for a playoff team, 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 Ints, 13 PD, 4 TFL, 6 QB hits as well as Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro honors

Year 2 Grade = 1 Star

18. Green Bay Packers - Jaire Alexander CB Louisville

Alexander started 16 plus games for a playoff team. He had 58 tackles 17 PD, and 2 Ints. He gave up 54% of passes for 831 yards 5 TDs and a 85 QB rating when targeted. 

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 11 starts in 13 games, 66 tackles, 1 Int, 11 PD, 65% of passes for 818 yards, 3 TDs and a 100 QB rating.

Year 2 Grade = 4.5 Stars

19. Dallas Cowboys - Leighton Vander Esch LB Boise State

Leighton started 9 games having 72 tackles and 3 PD. He missed a good chunk of the year with injury which was the big concern with him coming out of college. The Cowboys defense definitely missed him.

Year 1 Grade = 5 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 11 starts in 16 games played, playoff team, 140 tackles, 7 PD, Pro Bowl Selection

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

20. Detriot Lions - Frank Ragnow OC Arkansas

Ragnow started 15 games and was on the field for 92% of snaps for a below average team.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 numbers, 16 starts 100% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 3 Stars

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Billy Price OC Ohio State

Price lost his starting job in training camp but came on later to start 8 games at OG for the worst team in the NFL. Price played 54% of snaps.

Year 1 Grade = 2 Stars, Year 1 numbers; 10 starts (missed 6 to injury), 56% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

22. Tennessee Titans - Rashan Evans LB Alabama

Evans started every game for a playoff team. He recorded 111 tackles, 9 TFL, 8 QB hits, and 2.5 sacks. He was on the field for 87% of snaps. Evans didn't do well in coverage giving up 87% of targets to be completed and a 112 QB rating.

Year 1 Grade = 2 Stars; Year 1 Numbers; started 7 of 15 games played, 53 tackles, 70% completion and a 89 QB rating

Year 2 Grade = 3 Stars

23. New England Patriots - Isaiah Wynn OT Georgia

Wynn started at left tackle and was injured again, missing 8 games before coming back and starting the remaining 7 games.

Year 1 Grade = 0 Stars, Wynn missed the entire season with an injury

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars, Wynn has missed 24 of 32 regular season games so far it in his young career

24. Carolina Panthers - DJ Moore WR Maryland

Moore caught 87 of 135 targets for 1175 yards and 4 touchdowns averaging 13.5 yards per catch. Moore is close to being a #1 WR even if it has been for a below average team.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 numbers 55 catches on 88 targets for 788 yards 2 TDs

Year 2 Grade = 3.5 Stars

25. Baltimore Ravens - Hayden Hurst TE South Carolina

Hurst started 4 of 16 games for a playoff team. He caught 30 of 39 targets for 349 yards and 2 TDs. He played 41% of offensive snaps. Hurst was traded this offseason to the Falcons for a 2nd round pick.

Year 1 Grade = 2 Stars, year 1 numbers; 0 starts in 12 games, 13 of 23 targets for 163 yards and 1 TD playing 23% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

26. Atlanta Falcons Calvin Ridley WR Georgia

Ridley started 10 of 13 games played being on the field for 61% of snaps. He caught 63 of 93 targets for 866 yards and 7 TDs, averaging 13.7 yards. The Falcons have gone 7-9 for both of his seasons missing the playoffs. The Falcons did feel good enough about Ridley to trade long time #2 WR Manu to the Patriots for a 2nd round pick.

Year 1 Grade = 3 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 5 starts in 16 games, 61% of snaps, 64 catches on 92 targets for 821 yards and 10 TDs

Year 2 Grade = 3 Stars

27. Seattle Seahawks - Rashaad Penny RB San Diego State

Penny has zero starts in 10 games played for a playoff team, seeing 14% of snaps. He had 400+ total yards and a few TDs. Penny was considered a mega reach on draft night and two years in those predictions have been proved correct as you can find a #2 or #3 RB in the lower rounds.

Year 1 Grade = 1 Star, year 1 numbers; zero starts in 14 games close to 500 total yards, 2 TDs, 17% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 1 Star

28. Pittsburgh Steelers - Terrell Edmunds S Virginia Tech

Edmunds had 105 tackles for a very good defense. But he is mostly an in the box safety as he got torched in coverage. Giving up a 131 QB rating when targeted. He started 16 games and played 96% of snaps. You can find average big tackling safeties in the lower rounds.

Year 1 Grade = 2.5 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 15 starts in 16 games, 78 tackles, 1 sack and 1 Int with 93% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

29. Jacksonville Jaguars - Taven Bryan DT Florida

Bryan had 8 starts playing in 16 games seeing the field 47% of the snaps. Bryan had 33 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 TFL, 9 QB hits. The Jags had a terrible rush defense and a rough overall year.

Year 1 Grade = 0 Stars, Bryan started one game and had one sack before missing the rest of the season with an injury

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

30. Minnesota Vikings - Mike Hughs CB Central Florida

Hughes had 3 starts in 14 games for a playoff team. He had 45 tackles, 9 PD and 1 int while being on the field for 46% of the snaps. Teams had a 91 QB rating when targeting him. The team might have confidence in him as they let several free agents walk so Hughes should be starting in 2020.

Year 1 Grade = 1 Star, Year 1 numbers; Hughes started 2 games out of 6 played, 104 QB rating when targeted, 23% of snaps

Year 2 Grade = 2 Stars

31. New England Patriots - Sony Michel RB Georgia

Michel started 14 of 16 games for a playoff team. He was on the field 37% of the snaps. He had over 900 yards and 7 TDs with less than 100 yards receiving. Michel might not be good in the passing game or James White is just that good. He can find average RB's that can't catch passes in the lower rounds.

Year 1 Grade = 3.0 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 900+ yards rushing 6 TDs, Great playoff stretch 330 yards 6 TDs

Year 2 Grade = 2.5 Stars

32. Baltimore Ravens - Lamar Jackson QB Louisville

I am going to say it every time I can, I thought the Browns should have taken Jackson with the #1 overall pick and they should have. Jackson had an unbelievable year as he was the MVP. 15 starts, 13-2 record, 66% completion, 3100 yards, 36 TDs, 6 Ints, 1200 yards rushing and 6 TDs. Jackson was a Pro Bowler and 1st Team All Pro. Jackson might be the most dynamic QB in NFL history if he has multiple seasons like the one he just had.

Year 1 Grade = 5 Stars, Year 1 Numbers; 7 starts, 6-1 record, 58%, 1200 yards, 6 TDs, 3 Ints, 695 rushing yards 5 TDs

Year 2 Grade = 5 Stars



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