2016 NFL draft grades for Rounds 2-3
CHICAGO – The Jags look scary. Jerry Jones gambled, as only he can. And there was a surprise at what quarterbacks heard their names called on Friday night. Oh, and someone traded UP to get a kicker.
Here are knee-jerk reactions and grades for Day 2 of the NFL draft, which featured Rounds 2 and 3.
Round 2
1. Cleveland Browns: DE Emmanuel Ogbah – A big, talented rush end who might stand up in the Browns’ 3-4 defense or bulk up and play the end spot. A bit of a curious pick given that uncertainty, but Ogbah is athletic and has a track record of getting to the QB. Grade: C+
2. Tennessee Titans: DE Kevin Dodd – Pass rusher run! Dodd was one of our favorites, Shutdown Corner’s No. 14 overall player, and he has a chance to be a very good pro after breaking out last season and residing in the shadow of Shaq Lawson until the national title game. Dodd can play on his feet, has great length and is ascending. The Titans needed front-seven help. A nice start to their second day. Grade: A-
3. Dallas Cowboys: LB Jaylon Smith – Giddy up! Smith is a clear top-10 talent whose questionable knee caused forced him off some teams’ boards. But the Cowboys were willing to gamble on potential greatness here, and their team doctor performed the surgery on Smith after his Fiesta Bowl injury, so there’s a level of comfort there. Smith could be a star in this defense, either as a weakside or a middle linebacker. Figure on 2016 being a wash. This risk is significant; the payoff could be huge. Grade: C+.
4. San Diego Chargers: TE Hunter Henry – This was about as easy a pick to mock in Round 2 as there might have been. The Chargers liked what they saw in the good receiving tight end, who reminds some of Greg Olsen and could be a natural replacement for Ladarius Green this year and Antonio Gates in 2017. Henry is not a great blocker but he can stretch the seam. Grade: B-
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Myles Jack – What a coup. We mocked Jack to the Jaguars for months before the injury news on his knee seemed to worsen by the day. But to trade up and score Shutdown Corner’s fifth-rated player here — in addition to landing our best talent, Jalen Ramsey, on Day 1 — could be an incredible, once-a-decade type of coup. Even if Jack plays only five good years, it’s worth it. Grade: A
6. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Chris Jones – Jones has great potential, but he’s young and raw, and has some bust qualities to his game. Some weeks he looks great, others less so. But he could play almost any spot on the Chiefs’ front and could help immediately replace Mike DeVito up front. Grade: B-
7. Miami Dolphiins: CB Xavien Howard – A later riser in the draft process who has the big frame the Dolphins are seeking at such a big need of a position. Howard was sneaky good last season and might be a good fit if he’s used correctly. He’s a very physical, grabby corner, which can work against him. Grade: C+
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL Noah Spence – The Bucs wanted to come out of this draft with a pass rusher, and they got one. Spence has bent over backward for teams to show he does not have a problem after his multiple failed drug tests at Ohio State before he was kicked out of the Big Ten. Spence lacks bulk and can be run at, but he has great pass-rush feel and talent. Grade: A-
9. New York Giants: WR Sterling Shepard – We suspected the Giants would take a receiver here, and it makes sense that they grabbed one with great potential in the slot given Victor Cruz’s unknown status. Shepard is a joy to watch, and he could be a great complement to Odell Beckham Jr. Shepard is not big, and he might never be a true game-breaker, but he’s similar to the Seahawks’ Tyler Lockett, who was an instant contributor as a rookie in 2015. Grade: B+
10. Buffalo Bills: LB Reggie Ragland – The Bills traded up aggressively (giving up a fourth-rounder this year and next year) to land a Rex Ryan-type of throwback middle linebacker. They did a lot of work on him and likely were surprised to see him still on the board. Ragland has limitations in coverage but is a superior run defender and has underrated athleticism and blitz potential. Grade: A-
11, Baltimore Ravens: DE Kamalei Correa – A classic Ravens pick of a tweener pass rusher with A+ intangibles and a hot motor. This fits in line with the type of defender GM Ozzie Newsome has found in this range in the past, and we like the fit given the talent and the need. Grade: B
12. Tennessee Titans: DT Austin Johnson – The Titans had a big need at nose tackle, and they might have found their blue-collar starter there for the next several years. He’s not flashy but is a stout run defender and has a blue-collar approach that will fit well on this unit. The linebackers behind him will be happy with how well he absorbs blocks. Like the Jack Conklin Round 1 pick, it lacks sexiness but looks effective. Grade: B-
13. Oakland Raiders: DE Jihad Ward – Wait, Al Davis is not with us, right? A classic Davis pick — just like Oakland’s first-rounder, Karl Joseph — that is a gamble with equal parts upside and risk. Ward is a late bloomer with surprising athleticism who could play a number of techniques up front. Are the Raiders worried about the neck injury of Mario Edwards Jr.? We shall see. Grade: B-
14: Tennessee Titans: RB Derrick Henry – The Titans will have the past two Heisman winners on the field together in Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry, all part of their “exotic smashmouth” offense they’re building with some intriguing pieces. DeMarco Murray is another hammer of a back, so the formula is becoming clear in Nashville: they’re going to pound the rock. You have been forewarned, AFC South. Was it a luxury pick? Perhaps, but the Titans have the extra ammo to do it. Grade: B
15. Detroit Lions: DT A’Shawn Robinson – The Lions get a force up front and a player they probably entertained as a possibility in Round 1 at some point during the pre-draft process. Some evaluators believe Robinson has a lot of work to do, but he has much tread left on his tires, has heavy hands and can battle inside. Is he ever going to be special? Tough to say. But he’ll contribute right away. Grade: B
16: New Orleans Saints: WR Michael Thomas – The need for a bigger receiver was high, so from that perspective this was a solid pick. Thomas’ arrow is pointing up, and if he’s never a true No. 1 receiver he appears to be a good fit as a complement opposite Brandin Cooks. But Thomas needs work on his blocking and his route running, two things that head coach Sean Payton harps on. Grade: B-
17. Green Bay Packers: OT Jason Spriggs – We’ll discuss the pick in a minute. Ted Thompson traded up! Stop the presses. You almost never see it, certainly not this high in the draft. He must really like the athleticism of Spriggs, who is tough and used to playing in a high-tempo passing offense. Did Thompson want to get ahead of the Bears for this pick? Another page in the rivalry. (The Bears traded the following pick to the Seahawks) Grade: A-
18. Seattle Seahawks: DT Jarran Reed – Watching a top talent tumble deep into Round 2, the Seahawks pounce, trading up into the Bears’ old spot for Reed. He’s a perfect Seahawk: powerful, mean and a bit flaky. He committed to three schools, via junior college, before landing at Alabama. The coaches there felt he needed to mature, and he did, turning into a force against the run. A good pick at a need spot for the Seahawks. Grade: A-
19. Houston Texans: G Nick Martin – Once more, the Texans slide up a short distance for a low cost to ensure they get a good fit with their pick. Expect Martin to play center, which was his primary position, although he could factor in as a guard if need be. A few other teams were monitoring Martin in this range, so the trade appears prudent. A solid, unspectacular pick, but Martin could start Day 1. Grade: B-
20. New York Jets: QB Christian Hackenberg – Wow. Our fourth QB off the board — and before Connor Cook — is a stunner, although it shouldn’t be surprising the Jets took one. Still, the depth chart as it sits now is Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Hackenberg. With Ryan Fitzpatrick very much in limbo. Hack hopefully won’t play now, but the promise might be there down the road. Wonder if Jets GM Mike Maccagnan, who came from the Texans two years ago, ever had a conversation about Hackenberg? Grade: C-
21. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Deion Jones – The Falcons wanted to add attitude and speed to their defense. They got the former with first-rounder Keanu “Kiki” Neal; they got the latter in Jones. One of the faster linebackers in the draft, Jones is extremely lean at 222 pounds (only 11 fewer than Neal, a safety) and was a one-year starter. But he can cover tight ends and backs. Grade: C+
22. Washington Redskins: OLB Su’a Cravens – It’s understandable why GM Scot McCloughan would be attracted to Cravens, who is a far better football player than a tester athletically. But is he quick enough to be a strong safety? The Redskins don’t have a clear option otherwise right now, and no matter what Cravens will spend a lot of time in the box, where he’s most effective. Grade: B
23. Minnesota Vikings: CB Mackensie Alexander – Seeing him fall out of Round 1 was not stunning, but this is a bit farther than imagined. This is interesting because the Vikings have two big corners on the outside, and Alexander hasn’t played a lot in the slot. Another thing: ball skills. The next interception he gets will be his first since high school. But he’s a highly confident, physical corner who will support the run and get in receivers’ faces, no matter the size. Mike Zimmer could get the best out of him. Grade: B+
24. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Tyler Boyd – Having lost Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency, depth certainly was an issue behind A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell. But Boyd is not a burner, and speed is what this unit appears to need. Still, Boyd is a very capable chain mover and a versatile player who became a part-time running back when James Connor got hurt. Solid but not sexy. Grade: B-
25. Chicago Bears: G Cody Whitehair – Bears fans should love this blue-collar, meat-and-potatoes blocker who played left tackle last season out of need but likely has his best home inside in the NFL. Is he a right tackle, their biggest need? No. A center? A guard? It’s unclear. But we love Whitehair’s durability and professionalism, even if his short arms likely will limit him against top pass rushers. Grade: B+
26. Indianapolis Colts: FS T.J. Green – Green is not universally loved by NFL scouts, and he picked a bad time to have a horrible game in the national championship, but his stock rose lately because of his size and upside. Both are very good, and this ex-WR has good ball skills that could develop in the NFL. Grade: C+
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Sean Davis – This pick was better than their first-round selection of Artie Burns. Davis is a hybrid player who was great at safety in 2014 and less so at corner last season. But he’s big and athletic, and has plus hitting ability. He also could be a great special-teamer. Grade: B
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: K Roberto Aguayo – Oh, come on. The Buccaneers traded up, giving up third- and fourth-rounders, to get a kicker — the highest one has been picked in 11 years (Mike Nugent, Jets, No. 47 in 2005). This is bad value here. Tampa has plenty of needs on offense and defense, and it did this? Awful, even if Aguayo could be very effective in the warm weather. This has the feel of the Jaguars passing up Russell Wilson in 2011 for punter Bryan Anger. Grade: D
29. New England Patriots: CB Cyrus Jones – Welcome to the draft, New England. Jones was a player often pegged to the Patriots, and he fits the mold of undersized, quick, smart, opportunistic cornerback they often seek. He doubles as a potentially excellent special teams player. Jones was one of Nick Saban’s favorite players at Bama and is likely to be one Bill Belichick likes, perhaps as a nickel back right away. Grade: B
30. New Orleans Saints: FS Von Bell – They moved up 17 picks, giving up their third- and fourth-rounders, to nab Bell in a good spot here. The Saints have big money committed to safety but also big questions about the long-term viability of Jairus Byrd and the uneven play of Kenny Vaccaro. The highly athletic Bell might be really good in two years, but he’s unrefined. Grade: C+
31. Carolina Panthers: CB James Bradberry – He can be a press corner or a safety in the NFL, and he looked great at the former at the Senior Bowl practices, where his physicality stood out. The small-school thing might worry some, but Bradberry and Jaquiski Tartt were a tremendous pair in 2014. Tough, durable player with sneaky upside, Bradberry fits the Panthers’ defense nicely. Grade: B-
32. Denver Broncos: DT Adam Gotsis – A poor man’s Derek Wolfe? Gotsis is a big, raw, physical 5-technique who grew up overseas playing Australian Rules Football. Although the game is new to him, it’s also very important to him. He was a team captain and the coaches called him the hardest worker on the roster. The Broncos helped replace their hole at end to replace Malik Jackson, but that’s a big dropoff right now. Grade: C+
Round 3
1. Tennessee Titans: SS Kevin Byard – Round 3 kicks off with the first non-combine invite but a player who flashed a few times at the Senior Bowl and has good production in college. This selection feels a bit high. Byard is well put together but might not be great when asked to cover in space. The Titans have made a lot of safe picks, but this feels like a risk. Grade: C-
2. Cleveland Browns: DE Carl Nassib – A “Moneyball” pick? We doubt it. This might have been one the coaches fought hard for. Nassib has great size and very good production, and he checks every box in the character department. He will outwork almost everyone on the field. However, we feel he’s very limited athletically and will not be the stat-sheet stuffer he was in college, when he beat up on lesser competition. Grade: C
3. San Diego Chargers: C Max Tuerk – Before suffering a torn ACL last season, Tuerk was emerging as one of the nation’s better centers. But he’s tall and skinny (he was at 269 last season at one point) for the position, and some scouts say he could be a tackle in the NFL. This could be a bit of a redshirt season. He’s up to almost 300 pounds now. A fascinating prospect. Grade: B
4. Dallas Cowboys: DT Maliek Collins – We like this one a lot. Collins got a bit lost in the shuffle in a deep DT class, but he is super quick and could be a terrific fit in Rod Marinelli’s system. The Cowboys didn’t just need ends; the interior has been a bit overlooked, so this could work out nicely. He’ll turn 21 this year and could have been a first-rounder had he stayed in school, but Collins has high potential. Grade: A-
5. San Francisco 49ers: CB Will Redmond –– Redmond is on the mend from a torn ACL that cut his final season in half, and he might never be a top-shelf outside corner. But he has good nickel potential and special teams value once he returns to health. A solid player who would have gone higher had he not gotten hurt. Grade: B-
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Yannick Ngakoue –– The Jags are wrecking the draft. We were a little late to pick up on the hard-charging rusher who stood up as a 3-4 linebacker in 2014 and rushed from an end spot in 2015. Ngakoue has great strength and quickness but is undersized. Still, he can be a very nice nickel rusher who maximizes his snaps on third downs. Grade: B+
7. Baltimore Ravens: Bronson Kaufusi –– One of our favorite players to scout, Kaufusi is the son of the Cougars’ DL coach and holds himself to a high standard. He works hard to get into the backfield and has intriguing athleticism for a player who stands almost 6-7 and 285 pounds. He’s a 5-technique in the Ravens defense and makes a good group better. Grade: B+
8. New York Giants: FS Darian Thompson – A steal at this point, Thompson could be the Day 1 starter across from Landon Collins — and perhaps clean up some of his coverage mistakes. There is no rangier safety in the draft, and he would have gone higher had Thompson not tested so poorly at the scouting combine after food poisoning caused him to lose 8 pounds. His pro day workout was much better. The Giants like what they see. Grade: A-
9. Chicago Bears: DT Jonathan Bullard – Nice value here, getting a very good run-stopping 5-technique at this stage of the draft. Bullard can slide inside and has good pop but should not be counted on for any real pass-rush value. He could battle for a starting job with a host of incumbents who appear to be lesser fits in their scheme. Grade: B
10. Miami Dolphins: RB Kenyan Drake – Derrick Henry’s backup, whom some believe might have a better NFL career, goes to a team that needs backs. Drake has NFL speed and can catch the ball, but injuries derailed his college career. He also could be a very good kickoff returner too, taking one back in the national title game to help finish off Clemson late. Risky but interesting pick. Grade: C+
11. Kansas City Chiefs: CB KeiVarae Russell – Few teams did more work on Russell than the Chiefs, who need help with Sean Smith gone to Oakland. Russell played the 2015 season through a leg fracture, which gives you an idea how tough he is. He’s confident and loquacious and could be a future starter, but his ball skills are suspect despite converting from offense in high school. Grade: B-
12. Oakland Raiders: DE Shilique Calhoun – The athletic, inconsistent Calhoun can get after the passer — but it’s too often hot and cold with him. His ability to bend the edge is admirable and he will put in the time to be great. But he could use some coaching before he’s ready for a full-time role. That Raiders front, though, could be something special. Grade: B
13. Cleveland Browns: OT Shon Coleman – Coleman is an inspiring story, having beaten leukemia, and he has some talent. But he turn 25 as a rookie, lacks finesse in his game and has a knee injury that could keep him limited for the offseason program. The Browns got a physical masher and help at tackle, but he too often seeks to bury players. Grade: C+
14. Carolina Panthers: CB Daryl Worley – The Panthers grab another big, physical DB with Worley, who has some character concerns after a few run-ins in school. Against Baylor, Corey Coleman gutted Worley. But in the Panthers’ heavy zone-based scheme, he could be very good at rerouting receivers and supporting the run. Grade: C+
15. New England Patriots: G Joe Thuney – A five-position player in college with uncommon intelligence, Thuney has handled some of the best pass rushers in the country as a senior at left tackle but might be best inside. He’s an ideal fit in the Patriots’ zone-blocking scheme. One way or another, they’ll find a home for this sound blocker. Grade: B+
16. Philadelphia Eagles: G Isaac Seumalo – Two position player with decent athleticism to fit in a zone scheme, but he feels like a reach here. There were better options at both guard and center. He might develop but the underclassman tends to be a little out of control. Grade: D+
17. Buffalo Bills: DT Adolphus Washington – Rex Ryan’s fingerprints are all over this draft as that’s 3-for-3 on defense. Washington could be a multiple-technique player for the Bills, and he is light on his feet. But he also has underachieving traits and might not be fully conditioned to be much more than a rotational player at first. Grade: C+
18. Atlanta Falcons: TE Austin Hooper – The Falcons have stumbled with their picks up to this point, but they get a decent player here. Hooper is a multi-position work in progress as a blocker but has good size to be a seam receiver. He came out as a third-year sophomore, which surprised some, so he unrefined. Grade: B-
19. Indianapolis Colts: OT Le’Raven Clark – We liked Clark more than others, but the inconsistent tape doesn’t lie. He’ll have a chance to be special if he can learn better technique to handle speed. Clark has rare wingspan (36-inch arms), massive hands and could be special. He’s not close to starting, this is a good pick for down the road if he’s coached up properly. Grade: B+
20. New York Jets: OLB Jordan Jenkins – There wasn’t much separating Jenkins and No. 9 overall pick Leonard Floyd, according to a good amount of Georgia defensive tape. They’re different players, and roles had a lot to do with the production. Jenkins is a power rusher in the Jets’ system and has great length, intelligence and the ability to be a three-down player in time. Grade: A-
21. Washington Redskins: CB Kendall Fuller – His meniscus injury and microfracture surgery could keep him on the mend for a bit, and it likely caused his fall, much like it did for UCLA’s Myles Jack. But Fuller has a chance to be the best of in family, which includes three NFL brothers. His instincts and ball skills are very good, and he has a great football temperament and pedigree. Grade: B
22. Houston Texans: WR Braxton Miller – The Texans have added playmakers and speed on offense with Miller, Will Fuller and Lamar Miller, which is music to the ears of Brock Osweiler and Deandre Hopkins. Hopkins no longer must see constant tricked-up coverages, and Miller’s playmaking ability can be used sparingly until Bill O’Brien’s staff is convinced he has made enough growth as a wide receiver. Grade: B
23. Miami Dolphins: WR Leonte Carroo – The competitive, productive Carroo is attractive, but how fast will he get on the field on offense? Maybe the Kenny Stills experiment won’t work out, but DeVante Parker figures to get more run and Jarvis Landry dominates the slot, which is where some figured Carroo might be best. One way he can contribute immediately: on special teams, where he’s blocked punts. But his character risks are worrisome, especially after the Laremy Tunsil pick. Grade: C
24. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Nick Vigil – Athletic middle linebacker with incredible college production whose role in the NFL might be as a core special-teamer, and fourth or nickel linebacker. Not a pass rusher and not elite in coverage either, Vigil could be a good player but don’t expect greatness. Grade: C
25. Green Bay Packers: LB Kyler Fackrell – He’ll turn 25 as a rookie and lacks base strength. But this is a fascinating player to watch, and if he can learn to play better on his feet as he’ll have to in the Packers’ 3-4 system (assuming he’s be an outside rusher) he could be a good rotational player with his length, intensity and instincts. Grade: B-
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Javon Hargrave – With short arms and a 6-1 frame, where will he fit best in the Steelers’ defense. Maybe as an end, but perhaps best as a stout, quick nose tackle. Hargrave is a fascinating study, as he dominated lower competition and once had a six-sack game against Bethune-Cookman that he didn’t even start. There might be a wake-up call when he plays against NFL linemen, but there’s potential upside. Grade: B
27. Seattle Seahawks: RB C.J. Prosise – An interesting pick for a run-heavy team that just lost Marshawn Lynch to retirement. Thomas Rawls is coming off a nice rookie season, but he finished it on injured reserve, and the Seahawks like to invest mid-round picks in running back depth. With Prosise the Seahawks get a solid 220-pound back who has some room to grow. Prosise was a receiver at Notre Dame before moving to running back last season, when he averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Grade: B
28. New England Patriots: QB Jacoby Brissett – Brissett is a big, strong-armed and athletic quarterback. He needs some coaching, which makes him a fine pick for the late third round. But here’s the rub: Why are the Patriots taking another quarterback? Yes, Tom Brady is getting older, and Jimmy Garoppolo will be at the end of his rookie deal before we know it, but using a top-100 pick on a player who likely won’t play for a few years is odd for a team that’s among this season’s Super Bowl favorites. Grade: C-
29. Arizona Cardinals: CB Brandon Williams – Once upon a time, Williams was a big-time recruit at running back for Oklahoma. But he transferred schools, then positions. He moved to cornerback for the 2015 season and showed enough that he moved into the third round despite a lack of experience there. But the Cardinals will go against conventional wisdom at times, and they like having good depth at corner. Grade: C
30. Cleveland Browns: QB Cody Kessler – A bit of a surprise, partially because the Kessler pick ensured that Connor Cook was going to fall out of the second day of the draft. It’s an interesting pick for a team that stocked up on picks with trades and is still looking for a quarterback of the future. Kessler isn’t too impressive, considering he doesn’t have an obvious strength, isn’t that big and was never great at USC. Apparently the Browns see something in him though, although it’s a stretch to say Kessler is the one to break through the Browns’ long, tortured quarterback history and become a star. Grade: D+
31. Seattle Seahawks: TE Nick Vannett – The Seahawks need a quality blocker at the position, so this was a smart play. He has good athleticism, red zone and special teams value, and is a team-first player who got lost in the shuffle with all the talent in Columbus but never said a word about it. A nice player who will contribute in some way. Grade: B
32. Detroit Lions: C Graham Glasgow – The local product has a chance to be a scrappy, competitive pro, but some scouts felt he’s not best at center but rather guard. So that makes him a bit like Travis Swanson, the player the Lions wouldn’t mind upgrading over. And with the Lions’ recent focus on clean-sheet players, this pick is a bit out of line given Glasgow’s past probation violation involving alcohol. Grade: C
33. New England Patriots: DT Vincent Valentine – An uninspiring pick. Valentine has shown flashes in college but has not dominated and passed up another year of eligibility despite an incomplete career for the Huskers that was marred by injury. He’s not laterally quick and doesn’t always maximize his power, but he has good mass that the Patriots seek inside. Grade: C-
34. Seattle Seahawks: OG Rees Odhiambo – Odhiambo might have been a top-50 pick had injuries not derailed his career. If you stack up the best tape of him and Germain Ifedi, you won’t notice a ton of variation. Odhiambo is smart, tough and powerful and can play at a number of spots — just like the Seahawks like them. They’ve had a nice little draft. Grade: B+
35. Denver Broncos: FS Justin Simmons – With some great testing numbers at the scouting combine and a great frame, Simmons is a fascinating prospect. Think former Broncos S Rahim Moore, who has started games in the NFL but also bounced around and never played at a high level. Simmons might project similarly. Grade: C
