NFL Draft Grades - Las Vegas Raiders
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Las Vegas Raiders Upcoming 2026 Draft Picks (2)
Round: 1 Pick: 1 | Overall: 1 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 2 Pick: 4 | Overall: 36 | Prospect:TBD
Walt's Mock Selections as of 12/29/2025 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders are desperate for a quarterback, so they'll do whatever it takes to move up for one. They don't have to do that in this scenario, but they could jump to the top selection. Even though ESPN DEI hire Mina Kimes said that Geno Smith is a top-10 NFL quarterback when he was traded the prior offseason, the Raiders need to find a new franchise signal-caller. Fernando Mendoza has great size, arm strength, and accuracy. He was seen as raw entering the 2025 season, but he had a tremendous year. Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal. Take a look: You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it! Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!
Round: 2
Las Vegas Raiders: Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
The Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers, so they'll need a new No. 1 receiver. Nyck Harbor is a massive 6-foot-5 receiver with loads of potential. Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here! Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal. Take a look: You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
Past Grades and Selections
2025 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2025
Pick 6. (R:1 P:6) -
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
C- I’m not crazy about this pick. Ashton Jeanty is obviously a great running back prospect, but I don’t think he’s on an elite level like Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey. I would only draft those sort of players in the top 10. If I were the Raiders, I would have drafted Armand Membou instead or tried to trade down. However, I can’t grade Las Vegas poorly for this because Jeanty will be a very good player. Still, with Chip Kelly on the staff, couldn’t the Raiders have drafted one of the Ohio State backs with their second pick?
C- I’m not crazy about this pick. Ashton Jeanty is obviously a great running back prospect, but I don’t think he’s on an elite level like Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey. I would only draft those sort of players in the top 10. If I were the Raiders, I would have drafted Armand Membou instead or tried to trade down. However, I can’t grade Las Vegas poorly for this because Jeanty will be a very good player. Still, with Chip Kelly on the staff, couldn’t the Raiders have drafted one of the Ohio State backs with their second pick?
2025
Pick 58. (R:2 P:26) - Jack Bech, WR, TCU
B+ No Shedeur Sanders is interesting. The Raiders needed to find a receiver after losing Davante Adams during the 2024 season. Jack Bech had a great Senior Bowl and answered some questions about his separation issues during the pre-draft process.
B+ No Shedeur Sanders is interesting. The Raiders needed to find a receiver after losing Davante Adams during the 2024 season. Jack Bech had a great Senior Bowl and answered some questions about his separation issues during the pre-draft process.
2025
Pick 68. (R:3 P:4) - Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
B Cornerback has been an issue for a long time. Perhaps Darien Porter will solve that issue. Porter is a big cornerback who fits this range, but there are some speed concerns with him.
B Cornerback has been an issue for a long time. Perhaps Darien Porter will solve that issue. Porter is a big cornerback who fits this range, but there are some speed concerns with him.
2025
Pick 98. (R:3 P:34) - Caleb Rogers, OT, Texas Tech
A+ I love this pick. The Raiders are addressing their offensive line once again, which is automatically a plus. Caleb Rogers is an extremely agile offensive lineman who possesses insane upside. He was one of my favorite sleepers this year.
A+ I love this pick. The Raiders are addressing their offensive line once again, which is automatically a plus. Caleb Rogers is an extremely agile offensive lineman who possesses insane upside. He was one of my favorite sleepers this year.
2025
Pick 99. (R:3 P:35) - Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
A+ I don’t like this offensive line pick as much as the Caleb Rogers selection, but I’m still a fan. Charles Grant is a quick and athletic blocker who was very consistent in school. The level of competition is a concern, but that’s why Grant lasted until the third round.
A+ I don’t like this offensive line pick as much as the Caleb Rogers selection, but I’m still a fan. Charles Grant is a quick and athletic blocker who was very consistent in school. The level of competition is a concern, but that’s why Grant lasted until the third round.
2025
Pick 108. (R:4 P:6) - Dont'e Thornton, WR, Tennessee
C It makes sense for the Raiders to select a receiver, given that they need talent there in the wake of the Davante Adams trade. However, Dont’e Thornton is a bit of a reach at this spot. I thought he’d go in the sixth or seventh round despite his size and speed combination. Also, why pass up on Shedeur Sanders?
C It makes sense for the Raiders to select a receiver, given that they need talent there in the wake of the Davante Adams trade. However, Dont’e Thornton is a bit of a reach at this spot. I thought he’d go in the sixth or seventh round despite his size and speed combination. Also, why pass up on Shedeur Sanders?
2025
Pick 135. (R:4 P:33) - Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina
D The Raiders drafted an undersized defensive tackle over a potential franchise quarterback. Unreal. It’s going to be tough for Tonka Hemingway to stick in the NFL because he doesn’t have a natural position.
D The Raiders drafted an undersized defensive tackle over a potential franchise quarterback. Unreal. It’s going to be tough for Tonka Hemingway to stick in the NFL because he doesn’t have a natural position.
2025
Pick 180. (R:6 P:4) - J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
B- J.J. Pegues is a versatile defensive lineman, but he struggled at the combine. Still, I don't mind the Raiders drafting someone who can help them up front after all the injuries they suffered in that area last year.
B- J.J. Pegues is a versatile defensive lineman, but he struggled at the combine. Still, I don't mind the Raiders drafting someone who can help them up front after all the injuries they suffered in that area last year.
2025
Pick 213. (R:6 P:37) - Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
B Tommy Mellott was getting some buzz late in the draft. He's an interesting prospect, as he's small but very mobile. Perhaps the Raiders can develop him.
B Tommy Mellott was getting some buzz late in the draft. He's an interesting prospect, as he's small but very mobile. Perhaps the Raiders can develop him.
2025
Pick 215. (R:6 P:39) - Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
C The Raiders sure love their Division I-AA quarterbacks. They'll be using Tommy Mellott at receiver, while Cam Miller will be the developmental quarterback. However, Miller isn't someone I believed should be drafted despite his great production at North Dakota State.
C The Raiders sure love their Division I-AA quarterbacks. They'll be using Tommy Mellott at receiver, while Cam Miller will be the developmental quarterback. However, Miller isn't someone I believed should be drafted despite his great production at North Dakota State.
2025
Pick 222. (R:7 P:6) - Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
B Cody Lindenberg seems like a two-down player in the NFL. He needs to prove that he won't be a complete liability in coverage. He makes sense here in the seventh round.
B Cody Lindenberg seems like a two-down player in the NFL. He needs to prove that he won't be a complete liability in coverage. He makes sense here in the seventh round.
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 13. (R:1 P:13) -
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
A So much for Michael Mayer. I don't really care that the Raiders drafted Mayer last year because A) Mayer sucked as a rookie, and B) this is a new front office. Brock Bowers makes the most sense as the best player available. I love this pick, as Bowers will be a great threat for whomever the Raiders find to play quarterback.
A So much for Michael Mayer. I don't really care that the Raiders drafted Mayer last year because A) Mayer sucked as a rookie, and B) this is a new front office. Brock Bowers makes the most sense as the best player available. I love this pick, as Bowers will be a great threat for whomever the Raiders find to play quarterback.
2024
Pick 44. (R:2 P:12) -
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
A+ What a steal by the Raiders. Jackson Powers-Johnson easily could have gone at the end of the first round, so they did a great job of getting him with this pick. The offensive line has been a weak spot for the Raiders for a long time, but Powers-Johnson will be able to help improve that dreadful situation.
A+ What a steal by the Raiders. Jackson Powers-Johnson easily could have gone at the end of the first round, so they did a great job of getting him with this pick. The offensive line has been a weak spot for the Raiders for a long time, but Powers-Johnson will be able to help improve that dreadful situation.
2024
Pick 77. (R:3 P:13) - Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland
D On one hand, I like that the Raiders are adding to their weak offensive line. On the other hand ... why Delmar Glaze? The Maryland product was considered a day-three prospect, so this is too early for him. Glaze is considered a backup swing tackle for the pros.
D On one hand, I like that the Raiders are adding to their weak offensive line. On the other hand ... why Delmar Glaze? The Maryland product was considered a day-three prospect, so this is too early for him. Glaze is considered a backup swing tackle for the pros.
2024
Pick 112. (R:4 P:12) - Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State
B Decamerion Richardson is a very raw prospect, but he possesses great upside and athleticism. I like taking a risk like this here to fill a major need at cornerback.
B Decamerion Richardson is a very raw prospect, but he possesses great upside and athleticism. I like taking a risk like this here to fill a major need at cornerback.
2024
Pick 148. (R:5 P:13) -
Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
B+ Tommy Eichenberg is a two-down linebacker who will help the Raiders improve against the run. The Raiders already had the great pass rush, but they needed to improve versus the rush. Eichenberg, who could have gone a bit earlier than this, will bolster that area.
B+ Tommy Eichenberg is a two-down linebacker who will help the Raiders improve against the run. The Raiders already had the great pass rush, but they needed to improve versus the rush. Eichenberg, who could have gone a bit earlier than this, will bolster that area.
2024
Pick 208. (R:6 P:32) - Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
A This is a steal for the Raiders, as Dylan Laube could have been chosen late in the third round without any complaints. The Raiders needed to find another running back, and they're doing that with a great receiver out of the backfield.
A This is a steal for the Raiders, as Dylan Laube could have been chosen late in the third round without any complaints. The Raiders needed to find another running back, and they're doing that with a great receiver out of the backfield.
2024
Pick 223. (R:7 P:3) - Trey Taylor, S, Air Force
B A safety and a special-teamer makes sense for the Raiders here in the seventh round. Taylor was projected around this area, so this pick earns a solid "B" grade.
B A safety and a special-teamer makes sense for the Raiders here in the seventh round. Taylor was projected around this area, so this pick earns a solid "B" grade.
2024
Pick 229. (R:7 P:9) - Marlon Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh
A+ Marlon Devonshire could have been chosen as early as the fourth round, so here's a steal for the Raiders at a position of need. Devonshire projects as a slot cornerback in the NFL.
A+ Marlon Devonshire could have been chosen as early as the fourth round, so here's a steal for the Raiders at a position of need. Devonshire projects as a slot cornerback in the NFL.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 7. (R:1 P:7) -
Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
B There was some concern with Tyree Wilson's health, but the Raiders are obviously OK with it. Defensive end was not a big need at the moment because the Raiders have Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones on the roster, but you can never have too many talented pass rushers. I think this is a solid pick, but the injury and age problems with Wilson may make the Raiders regret this selection in the future.
B There was some concern with Tyree Wilson's health, but the Raiders are obviously OK with it. Defensive end was not a big need at the moment because the Raiders have Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones on the roster, but you can never have too many talented pass rushers. I think this is a solid pick, but the injury and age problems with Wilson may make the Raiders regret this selection in the future.
2023
Pick 38. (R:2 P:7) -
Matthew Bergeron, OT/G, Syracuse
B+ I slotted Matthew Bergeron at the end of my final mock draft. He's a versatile player who can play tackle and guard, and he was terrific at the combine. The Falcons really needed offensive line help, as they went to the Super Bowl in 2016 because they had an elite blocking unit. The offensive line had been hurting ever since.
B+ I slotted Matthew Bergeron at the end of my final mock draft. He's a versatile player who can play tackle and guard, and he was terrific at the combine. The Falcons really needed offensive line help, as they went to the Super Bowl in 2016 because they had an elite blocking unit. The offensive line had been hurting ever since.
2023
Pick 70. (R:3 P:7) - Byron Young, DT, Alabama
B The Raiders really needed a defensive tackle because Jerry Tillery is currently slated to start there. Byron Young is an undersized player, which is why he wasn't going higher than this, but he's a talented player who should have a role in the Raider defense. This is a solid, but not great pick.
B The Raiders really needed a defensive tackle because Jerry Tillery is currently slated to start there. Byron Young is an undersized player, which is why he wasn't going higher than this, but he's a talented player who should have a role in the Raider defense. This is a solid, but not great pick.
2023
Pick 100. (R:3 P:37) - Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati
C- Tre Tucker is an undersized slot receiver. I'm not sure where he fits into the Raiders' offense with Hunter Renfrow holding the position. This range isn't terrible for Tucker, but I don't like the fit for a pick this early.
C- Tre Tucker is an undersized slot receiver. I'm not sure where he fits into the Raiders' offense with Hunter Renfrow holding the position. This range isn't terrible for Tucker, but I don't like the fit for a pick this early.
2023
Pick 109. (R:4 P:7) - Dylan Horton, DE, TCU
B Dylan Horton had a great season last year as a dynamic pass rusher for TCU. The Texans needed someone to get after the quarterback, and Horton fits the range. This is a fine pick for a team that needed to revamp its defense.
B Dylan Horton had a great season last year as a dynamic pass rusher for TCU. The Texans needed someone to get after the quarterback, and Horton fits the range. This is a fine pick for a team that needed to revamp its defense.
2023
Pick 141. (R:5 P:6) - Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU
C I don't think the Vikings needed to trade up for Jaquelin Roy. They at least had to find a replacement for Dalvin Tomlinson, and Roy has potential as an athletic player. However, he's a raw player who needs to get stronger.
C I don't think the Vikings needed to trade up for Jaquelin Roy. They at least had to find a replacement for Dalvin Tomlinson, and Roy has potential as an athletic player. However, he's a raw player who needs to get stronger.
2023
Pick 144. (R:5 P:9) - Antonio Mafi, G, UCLA
B This is a player who could have gone where the Patriots selected some of their other reaches. Another blocker makes sense, and Atonio Mafi is a powerful blocker who can blast open big running lanes for Rhamondre Stevenson.
B This is a player who could have gone where the Patriots selected some of their other reaches. Another blocker makes sense, and Atonio Mafi is a powerful blocker who can blast open big running lanes for Rhamondre Stevenson.
2023
Pick 174. (R:5 P:39) - Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
C Warren McClendon is a limited athlete, so he may have to move to guard. However, he's a versatile player and could fight for a starting spot in the interior of the Rams' dreadful offensive line.
C Warren McClendon is a limited athlete, so he may have to move to guard. However, he's a versatile player and could fight for a starting spot in the interior of the Rams' dreadful offensive line.
2023
Pick 204. (R:6 P:27) - Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, LSU
A+ I want to find out why Jarrick Bernard-Converse fell so hard in the 2023 NFL Draft because I thought he easily could have gone in the third round. Bernard-Converse has good size, quickness and athleicism. The Jets didn't need a cornerback, but they're getting a talented prospect.
A+ I want to find out why Jarrick Bernard-Converse fell so hard in the 2023 NFL Draft because I thought he easily could have gone in the third round. Bernard-Converse has good size, quickness and athleicism. The Jets didn't need a cornerback, but they're getting a talented prospect.
2023 Las Vegas Raiders - Prospect:TBD
2023
Pick 220. (R:7 P:3) - Zach Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
B+ Zack Kuntz was one of the most athletic tight ends at the combine. I thought he'd go a bit earlier as a result, but the Jets are getting a good value and a potential weapon for Aaron Rodgers.
B+ Zack Kuntz was one of the most athletic tight ends at the combine. I thought he'd go a bit earlier as a result, but the Jets are getting a good value and a potential weapon for Aaron Rodgers.
2023
Pick 231. (R:7 P:14) - Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State
B+ Nesta Jade Silvera is solid in run support, but needs to improve his pass-rushing ability. Having him around to help versus the rush will help in some matchups. He might be able to make the final roster.
B+ Nesta Jade Silvera is solid in run support, but needs to improve his pass-rushing ability. Having him around to help versus the rush will help in some matchups. He might be able to make the final roster.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 90. (R:3 P:26) - Dylan Parham, C, Memphis
A Grade
I love what the Raiders just did. They didn't pick until No. 86, but they moved down four spots and picked a player who easily could've gone in the second round. Not only that, but Dylan Parham fills a huge need. Parham can play guard and center, and the Raiders will need his versatility on their horrid blocking unit.
A Grade
I love what the Raiders just did. They didn't pick until No. 86, but they moved down four spots and picked a player who easily could've gone in the second round. Not only that, but Dylan Parham fills a huge need. Parham can play guard and center, and the Raiders will need his versatility on their horrid blocking unit.
2022
Pick 122. (R:4 P:17) -
Zamir White, RB, Georgia
B+ Grade
Zamir White is the next of impressive backs to come out of Georgia, along with James Cook. He's a solid pick here in the fourth round, as the Raiders need to figure out what to do with Josh Jacobs, who has been very inconsistent for them.
B+ Grade
Zamir White is the next of impressive backs to come out of Georgia, along with James Cook. He's a solid pick here in the fourth round, as the Raiders need to figure out what to do with Josh Jacobs, who has been very inconsistent for them.
2022
Pick 126. (R:4 P:21) - Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU
B- Grade
Neil Farrell is a big nose tackle who can help the Patriots stop the run. The problem is that the rest of the AFC West is all about passing, so I'm not sure about this fit. Farrell makes sense in this range as a fourth-round prospect though.
B- Grade
Neil Farrell is a big nose tackle who can help the Patriots stop the run. The problem is that the rest of the AFC West is all about passing, so I'm not sure about this fit. Farrell makes sense in this range as a fourth-round prospect though.
2022
Pick 164. (R:5 P:21) - Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame
B- Grade
I don't know why the Rams traded up for a running back, but at least there's some value with this pick. Kyren Williams struggled at the combine, but he figures to be a solid receiver out of the backfield in the NFL.
B- Grade
I don't know why the Rams traded up for a running back, but at least there's some value with this pick. Kyren Williams struggled at the combine, but he figures to be a solid receiver out of the backfield in the NFL.
2022
Pick 228. (R:7 P:7) - Tariq Carpenter, S, Georgia Tech
B+ Grade
I mocked this exact pick to the Packers in the seventh round. This fit makes sense, as the Packers needed to address their secondary depth. Green Bay showed interest in Carpenter, so they got their man.
B+ Grade
I mocked this exact pick to the Packers in the seventh round. This fit makes sense, as the Packers needed to address their secondary depth. Green Bay showed interest in Carpenter, so they got their man.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 17. (R:1 P:17) -
Alex Leatherwood, OT/C, Alabama
B+ Grade
This is such a perfect fit. Alex Leatherwood is the sort of tough offensive lineman Jon Gruden loves. The Raiders were desperate for an offensive lineman after losing not one, not two, but three blockers in free agency. It makes sense for Leatherwood to be the fourth offensive lineman off the board, so I like this pick for the Raiders.
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Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal.
Take a look:
You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
B+ Grade
This is such a perfect fit. Alex Leatherwood is the sort of tough offensive lineman Jon Gruden loves. The Raiders were desperate for an offensive lineman after losing not one, not two, but three blockers in free agency. It makes sense for Leatherwood to be the fourth offensive lineman off the board, so I like this pick for the Raiders.
Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!
Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal.
Take a look:
You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
2021
Pick 48. (R:2 P:16) -
Aaron Banks, G, Notre Dame
B- Grade
I've said this multiple times, but I'm always a fan of teams adding to the offensive line to protect a young quarterback. Trey Lance is raw, so he'll need all the protection he can get once he takes over for Jimmy Garoppolo. I had Banks slated as a third-round prospect, but I don't hate this value in the middle of the second frame.
B- Grade
I've said this multiple times, but I'm always a fan of teams adding to the offensive line to protect a young quarterback. Trey Lance is raw, so he'll need all the protection he can get once he takes over for Jimmy Garoppolo. I had Banks slated as a third-round prospect, but I don't hate this value in the middle of the second frame.
2021
Pick 79. (R:3 P:15) - Malcolm Koonce, DE/OLB, Buffalo
F Grade
I defended the Alex Leatherwood pick, but I can't do the same thing for this one. I've had Malcolm Koonce slated late on Day 3. He seems like a nice situational pass rusher who will be exposed in run support if he has to play on those downs. He doesn't even fill a need, so I don't see why he's a third-round pick.
F Grade
I defended the Alex Leatherwood pick, but I can't do the same thing for this one. I've had Malcolm Koonce slated late on Day 3. He seems like a nice situational pass rusher who will be exposed in run support if he has to play on those downs. He doesn't even fill a need, so I don't see why he's a third-round pick.
2021
Pick 80. (R:3 P:16) - Divine Deablo, S, Virginia Tech
D Grade
I'm not a big fan of this pick either, but it's better than the other one. Divine Deablo is a talented player, but he's a linebacker-safety hybrid, so it's unclear where he'll fit in the Raiders' defense. Linebacker is a huge need, so why not select someone like Jabril Cox?
D Grade
I'm not a big fan of this pick either, but it's better than the other one. Divine Deablo is a talented player, but he's a linebacker-safety hybrid, so it's unclear where he'll fit in the Raiders' defense. Linebacker is a huge need, so why not select someone like Jabril Cox?
2021
Pick 121. (R:4 P:16) - Jordan Smith, OLB, UAB
F Grade
The Jaguars traded up for a player they could have obtained with their natural pick. Seems par for the course when accounting for Urban Meyer's inexperience with the NFL Draft. I'm all for Jacksonville obtaining another edge rusher, but teams weren't dying to draft Jordan Smith. I didn't even have him drafted, though I considered him in the seventh round.
F Grade
The Jaguars traded up for a player they could have obtained with their natural pick. Seems par for the course when accounting for Urban Meyer's inexperience with the NFL Draft. I'm all for Jacksonville obtaining another edge rusher, but teams weren't dying to draft Jordan Smith. I didn't even have him drafted, though I considered him in the seventh round.
2021
Pick 162. (R:5 P:18) - Noah Gray, , Duke
C- Grade
Andy Reid drafted a tight end. You don't say!? The Chiefs love running mult-tight end formations, so this pick makes sense. That said, I'm not sure why the Chiefs traded up for Noah Gray. Were there teams dying to pick Gray? I doubt it, so why did the Chiefs squander a resource for him?
C- Grade
Andy Reid drafted a tight end. You don't say!? The Chiefs love running mult-tight end formations, so this pick makes sense. That said, I'm not sure why the Chiefs traded up for Noah Gray. Were there teams dying to pick Gray? I doubt it, so why did the Chiefs squander a resource for him?
2021 Las Vegas Raiders - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 200. (R:6 P:16) - Brandin Echols, CB, Kentucky
B Grade
This is the 716th defensive back for the Jets on Day 3. Brandin Echols is an athletic player, and he's someone I thought would be chosen in the final couple of rounds.
B Grade
This is the 716th defensive back for the Jets on Day 3. Brandin Echols is an athletic player, and he's someone I thought would be chosen in the final couple of rounds.