Open Rants by dy1ann

Today is finally draft day so for every pick I'm going to be doing my personal grades, analysis, and opinion of every single pick of the first round. These are my thoughts so feel free to agree or disagree however you like.

Grading Scale:

A+: Fantastic picks no criticism

A to A-: Great pick, little criticism at most

B+: Good pick, some criticism

B to B-: Solid picks, more criticism than average

C+: Average pick, not great not bad

C to C-: Below average pick, not good not horrible

D+ to D-: Bad pick, few positives depending on situation

F: Horrible picks, no justification

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

A+

Obvious pick but Lawrence is arguably the best QB prospect in history and is almost guaranteed to change this losing franchise around so committing to the tank and picking him up can't be anything less than an A+

2. New York Jets- Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

A

I really like how the Jets committed to their future by taking Wilson and trading Darnold before the draft this franchise finally has some direction and it will be interesting to see how Robert Saleh and Zach Wilson will change the culture in New York. I think there are some genuine concerns about Wilson and personally I like Fields more as a prospect but overall it was a good pick and the Jets finally have their franchise guy they believe in so you can't really knock this pick.

3. San Francisco 49ers- Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

A++

As a lifelong Niners fan, I'm super ecstatic about Lance to San Francisco. The pick alone is an A+ and the Niners get an extra plus for not picking Jones. I preferred Justin Fields but Lance admittedly is a better fit for this offense as he's taken more snaps under center and has more experience doing play-action. He's incredibly smart, a great athlete, has arguably the best arm in this draft, and only will be 21 years old by the time the season starts. It's very possible that by the time he reaches the age Justin Fields and Mac Jones are right now (which is 22) he will be way better than those guys coming into the draft especially with a year under Kyle Shanahan. Yes, Lance has some things to work on and needs experience but for a team that's capable of winning a Super Bowl, picking a potential superstar like Lance could put them over the top for years to come so I can't give this any less than an A+.

4. Atlanta Falcons- Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida 

A

The Falcons go best player available and it makes a lot of sense for them I think Matt Ryan still can play at a high level and this offense only got better. Kyle Pitts has a chance to go down as the best tight end to ever do it and with their only QB option they liked Trey Lance off the board I don't see how you can't justify this pick. My only knock is that if Justin Fields pans out do they regret this pick down the road? Time will tell but for right now this is a great pick.

5. Cincinnati Bengals- Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

A-

I'll probably have a higher grade on this pick than most but it makes sense to me. Zac Taylor said that Jonah Williams and Riley Reiff were going to be the starting tackles the only place Penei Sewell would've played is guard where he has no experience. Meanwhile, the Bengals lost A.J. Green and to a lesser extent John Ross so it makes sense to replace Green with someone Joe Burrow posted not just great numbers with but historic numbers. Suddenly, the Bengals have an explosive offense and they can go draft a offensive lineman on day 2. Personally, I would've drafted Sewell and figured it out later. It's possible that he can have a better career in the long run and there could be a run on offensive tackles later in the 1st round leaving the Bengals with no options but I can't see how you can knock this pick too much especially knowing that Chase is going to be a great player no matter what.

6. Miami Dolphins- Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

A

Love this pick, I had Waddle rated higher than Devonta Smith and I know a lot of teams had so as well and his fit in this offense is great with DeVante Parker on one side and Will Fuller on the other making this offense even more explosive. Some people will argue it should've been Penei Sewell but the Dolphins weren't going to pick any guys that opted out. We'll see who the better receiver will be between Waddle and Smith but this pick is great. Reuniting Tua Tagovailoa with Waddle is going to be fun to watch.

7. Detroit Lions- Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

A+

There's an argument that Sewell could've been the 4th pick in this draft and that Sewell is the best non-QB prospect in this draft so for the Lions to get him at 7 to me is a steal. Sewell will have to settle for right tackle but I think this is the right pick for the Lions and I also like how they didn't force a trade back with an elite prospect like Sewell still on the board.

8. Carolina Panthers- Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

A-

I'm kind of surprised but this pick makes a lot of sense. I didn't think they would go defense after going all defense last year but Horn was the consensus #1 corner in this draft and to me it was a case where the best player available was taken which also fills a big need. Even though Justin Fields was on the board I like how the Panthers are still committing to Sam Darnold as well. Maybe they should've picked Rashawn Slater to protect their new QB or maybe Patrick Surtain will come out of this draft as the best corner but Horn was a good pick.

9. Denver Broncos- Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama

B

Wow I'm stunned, I thought Justin Fields was for sure going here. This defense is now stacked in Denver but passing on a franchise QB when all you have is Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock is very surprising and maybe the wrong move. We'll see how this pans out. Patrick Surtain is a great player and if Fields wasn't on the board this would've been in the A- range since even though he's skilled they had a hole at linebacker and already used free agency to solve their cornerback problem. This secondary can now truly matchup against the Chiefs but passing on a potential superstar like Fields could be something we talk about for a long time.

UPDATE: Walter made a great point that this pick could've been made for the Packers with the intention of acquiring Aaron Rodgers. If this is true, it makes a lot of sense to me, then my grade will go up a letter.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Dallas Cowboys)- Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama 

A+

Surprised that the Cowboys and Eagles made a trade with each other. I love this pick the Eagles finally came to their senses and did not screw up a pick and also chose to build around Jalen Hurts. Let's also remember that the Eagles were also able to acquire a 1st rounder also so essentially they got Smith and a 1st rounder for the cost of a 3rd rounder. Great job Eagles it's about time. 

11. Chicago Bears (from New York Giants)- Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

A+

Finally Justin Fields stops sliding. It was obvious Chicago was not about to go into the year with Andy Dalton as their guy with jobs on the line so this trade up is great. Hopefully, the Bears can successfully build around Fields and not waste this opportunity to finally have an answer at QB. If Fields is the real deal this could make up for the major blunder of passing on Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes so great job Bears.

12. Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia Eagles)- Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

B+

The Cowboys saw the two top corners get drafted before 10 so good job by them to trade down instead of panic. Linebacker may be confusing but there isn't really a defensive player other than Parsons I would've taken here. Maybe they should've take Rashawn Slater to help aid an aging offensive line but I feel like defense was the way to go no matter what. Micah Parsons is an interesting prospect he has the skill and talent but will he be weighed down by his character issues? I guess we'll find out. There's a lot of risk with this pick so I have to knock it to some degree. This also probably means Leighton Vander Esch is on his way out. 

13. Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

A

I really like this pick for the Chargers, they're committed to protecting Justin Herbert and I love Slater's versatility nothing to hate about this pick except that there's a chance he doesn't pan out at left tackle and is a career guard. The value is just right in my opinion so overall great pick.

14. New York Jets (from Minnesota Vikings)- Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

A-

The Jets had a ton of picks so two 3rd rounders to get a prospect you love is reasonable to me. I like the prospect and I like the fit so while the Jets had to pay extra this pick immediately benefits them especially in the run game. 

15. New England Patriots- Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

B-

I'm currently in disbelief that the Patriots actually took a QB in the 1st round but the fit makes a lot of sense. Jones will be able to execute what Bill Belichick wants but I don't think he's going to be great though. I know people who are expecting someone who can be comparable to Tom Brady one day but I don't see it but I guess we'll see if Jones proves me wrong. I also don't like how they didn't trade up for Fields even with an abundance of picks as their new offense they installed to accommodate Cam Newton showed that the Patriots were not going to be stuck in the pocket passing era and were willing to evolve with the new generation of QB's and Fields would've been perfect for this movement learning from Cam Newton for one year then taking over. Yes, the pocket passing offense was more successful back then compared to the Patriots offense today but that was probably due to having the greatest QB of all time and we haven't even seen this Cam Newton offense at full strength so time will tell if I'm proven wrong. To me, taking Jones and reverting back to your old ways with a significantly worse QB than what you had with Brady is the step in the wrong direction in my opinion.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

A-

This pick was reported the last couple of days and it makes a lot of sense. They lost Haason Reddick so Collins is a great prospect to replace him and I can see Collins filling multiple roles for the Cardinals so to get that kind of player at 16 is good value. With limited draft picks though maybe the Cardinals should've traded down but still a good pick.

17. Las Vegas Raiders- Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

B

This was the classic Mike Mayock pick: a prospect who fills a need but is a reach, goes to a big name school preferably the SEC, athletic, and has good football IQ. I actually don't hate it this time around Leatherwood was a perfect fit for preference in zone blocking and he has a lot of versatility. The value can be knocked with higher rated players on the board and Leatherwood thought to be available in the 2nd round but this was a better pick than people will realize assuming they'll hate it like usual.

18. Miami Dolphins- Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

B+

I like the fit and I really like the player. Yes, Phillips carries a good amount of risk but he has the talent of a top 10 prospect so the risk could well be worth it. The value is just right here in my opinion and so far I really like how the Dolphins draft is coming together with Waddle and Phillips. 

19. Washington Football Team- Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

B+

I've had this pick for a while after it was reported that Washington had interest in him as he was the only linebacker worthy of being a 1st round pick they met with and given that it was their biggest need it was a good fit. In terms of value, it was reported on this website that some teams had Davis over Parsons so I think the value here is good.

20. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)- Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

A-

This one surprised me but I really like Kadarius Toney as a prospect. I think the value is good and I also really like that the Giants got a haul to move back making this a B+ to an A-. A WR core with Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, and Kadarius Toney as well as having Saquon Barkley at RB gives Daniel Jones not only an explosive offense but also no excuses. Toney does have injury concerns and is a one year wonder but the potential is there for him to be a playmaker.

21. Indianapolis Colts- Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

B

Another shocker I thought Darrisaw was gonna be the pick. Paye is a good prospect kind of a head scratcher given how raw he is and how the Colts are in win-now mode. Solid pick overall though if they develop him right.

22. Tennessee Titans- Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

A-

I like this pick, usually picking a player with medical red flags is a knock which still applies to Farley but his talent is understandably too much to pass on. Remember, Farley was being considered as a top 15 pick at the latest before his injuries and was being debated as the top corner in this draft so assuming that he can get past these concerns the Titans got a steal.

23. Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets)- Christain Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

A+

Great pick by the Vikings, it was reported that they wanted Darrisaw at 14 but were scared he wouldn't be there to pick up. Instead they were able to trade back and get extra picks while still getting the guy they wanted all along. This is nothing short of an A+ pick in my opinion.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

B

I like Najee Harris, I just think it's time to move on from picking RB's in the 1st round unless they're hall of fame talents. I think Harris is great and will be successful in Pittsburgh I'm just not in love with the value. 

25. Jacksonville Jaguars- Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

B-

Last year, James Robinson was one of the few bright spots on the Jaguars so it's only right that the Jaguars take a RB in the first round. Here's what I like about this pick: I like reuniting Lawrence with Etienne and giving Lawrence someone he can rely on out of the gate and I like adding a playmaker to an offense that was mostly stagnant last year. Here's what I hate about the pick: everything else. The Jaguars are nowhere in a position to take a luxury player with multiple holes on the team but Etienne is a good player so the pick shouldn't be knocked a ton.

26. Cleveland Browns- Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern

B

With Greedy Williams being hurt most of the year, I think this pick makes sense. They signed Troy Hill but I don't see him as a long term solution. Even then, this secondary is upgraded which was a need so solid pick by the Browns. I liked Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah more just because I thought he could have filled more roles for this team so I'm going to knock this pick a little bit.

27. Baltimore Ravens- Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

A

Finally the Ravens invest in WR for Lamar Jackson. I think Bateman is under-appreciated in this WR class as he was a big playmaker in Minnesota for all three years he was there which is exactly what Baltimore needs. I don't know what to criticize this pick on I think this was a great pick for the Ravens and the value was good. 

28. New Orleans Saints- Payton Turner, DE, Houston

B

Woah I did not expect this one. I had Turner as one of my sleepers and Charlie Campbell reported Turner was rising up draft boards but I don't think anyone had him in round 1. His physical traits are enticing (6'5, 270, with an 84 inch wingspan is insane) and he has underrated athleticism for his size. The Saints needed to replace Trey Hendrickson and Turner could be that guy. The value could be better though but still a good pick.

29. Green Bay Packers- Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia 

C- 

My least favorite pick of the draft and I just saw the Jaguars take a RB in the first round. Aaron Rodgers is mad at the franchise so you would think the Packers would draft something on offense whether it's another target or some more blockers to minimize the damage at the very least. But no, amidst the controversy the plan was to draft a cornerback. I get it's a need and Stokes is not a horrible prospect but he not only wasn't the best corner on the board he wasn't even the best corner from Georgia in this draft. The Packers had potential to be a good team but decisions like these are the reason why the Packers will not see a Super Bowl anytime soon.

30. Buffalo Bills- Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

B+

Gregory Rousseau was once considered to be a top 10 pick so I would say it's a steal but Rousseau was overhyped for the beginning of the draft process so it's understandable that this was a more realistic spot for him. The Bills defense was disappointing last year and they failed to generate a consistent pass rush attack so adding Rousseau makes a lot of sense. I think Rousseau is not the player he was hyped to be but I think he's better than what people are valuing him now so it would not surprise me if Rousseau is successful.

31. Baltimore Ravens- Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

A-

I really like this pick, even though Oweh doesn't have the numbers he was very consistent in disrupting the pass and his high athleticism makes him a high upside guy. I think there's risk here and with the Ravens essentially having to trade Orlando Brown to get Oweh a lot is going to be expected from him. But Oweh has a lot of the tools to be successful.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

B+

Tryon was a name I feel like everyone including myself forgot about and him being picked here shouldn't be surprised as Daniel Jeremiah in his first mock draft said that Tryon was well regarded around the league. I like his upside here and the fit makes sense with the Buccaneers pass rushers aging. I think I would've preferred to see Azeez Ojulari even with his injury concerns, Christian Barmore, or Levi Onwuzurike but Tryon is still a good pick that shouldn't get knocked a lot.