Complete 32 Team 2016 NFL Draft Grade Book

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Arizona Cardinals (B+)

The Cardinals had few needs this offseason. Besides putting a quarterback behind Carson Palmer, the team needed role players to fit into different positions and develop. The Cardinals took this approach and drafted great talent in their first two picks. Ole Miss defensive lineman, Robert Nkemdiche, will be able to impact this defense immediately and Texas A&M cornerback, Brandon Williams, will be able to fit a role whether it’s nickleback, cornerback, or safety and benefit Patrick Peterson and Tyrone Mathieu. Their late pick in Harlan Miller was a phenomenal selection late in the draft.

Overall, the Cardinals had a decent draft with good selections. However, they needed to bring in a backup quarterback, and they weren’t able to.

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Atlanta Falcons (B+)

The Atlanta Falcons had an outstanding draft if Stanford tight end, Austin Hooper, works out. Safety, Keanu Neal, and linebacker, Deion Jones, were great picks for the defense needy Falcons. Although they could have used an offensive lineman earlier in the draft, grabbing San Jose State guard, Wes Schweitzer, adds some depth to their struggling offensive line.

Overall, the Falcons filled wholes in the defense in a big way. If Austin Hooper is able to play in 2016, this draft class can be one of the best.

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Baltimore Ravens (A-)

The Baltimore Ravens came into the draft with a few positions to fill and they took care of all of them. Starting strong with Notre Dame tackle, Ronnie Stanley, adds a great pass protector to Joe Flacco. Adding defensive linemen, Kamalei Correa and Bronson Kaufusi were huge steals in the second and third round. Picking cornerback, Tavon Young was a major key in this draft as well. However, their biggest steal came in the fourth round when they selected running back, Kenneth Dixon out of Louisiana Tech. Dixon can become an immediate impact player for the Ravens behind Justin Forsett.

Overall, The Raven had one of the best drafts in the NFL. Many of these players can have an immediate role on the team and can become stars sooner rather than later.

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Buffalo Bills (A)

It’s hard to get a draft class as on point as the Buffalo Bills 2016 class. Starting off with possibly the second best pick of the first round in Shaq Lawson and following it up with Reggie Ragland in the second round made their good defense an outstanding defense.

Drafting quarterback, Cordale Jones, was one of the best quarterback selections in the draft. Allowing him to set behind Tyrod Taylor and learn from a player who is virtually an exact replica is going to benefit him tremendously. Also, grabbing Kolby Listenbee late in the draft adds depth to their wide receiver core by adding a lot of speed.

Overall, the Bills had one of the top 5 drafts in the league. It’ll be interesting to see if these players work out and impact the team immediately. If so, the Bills can make noise in 2016.

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Carolina Panthers (C+) 

The Panthers decided that small schools were the way to go in the early portion of the draft. Defensive lineman, Vernon Butler, was a solid pick at the end of the first round, but besides that, there isn’t much promise for the rest of this draft class. James Bradberry out of Samford isn’t necessarily a bad pick. He can definitely add to a defense who doesn’t seem to have any reliable cornerbacks after losing Josh Norman, but he wasn’t the best option. Although part of the Panthers’ problem was that they were a low pick in the draft, they could have made moves in order to get better picks.

Overall, the Panthers got maybe one good pick with Vernon Butler, but besides that there wasn’t much promise in the draft class.

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Chicago Bears (B+)

The Bears had plenty of picks to build their struggling team. They did get some solid players with guys like Leonard Floyd, Cody Whitehair, and Jonathan Bullard. Safety, Deon Bush, was a good fourth round pick, but after that, they may have only gotten two late picks that can have an impact. Wide receiver, Daniel Braveman, and running back Jordan Howard, add depth to their offense and can compliment guys like Jay Cutler in the passing game.

Overall, the Bears had a solid draft overall with some hit or miss guys and some great choices.

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Cincinnati Bengals (C+)

The Bengals had to draft a cornerback and a wide receiver. They did draft both positions within their first two picks, but they should have done it in a different order. William Jackson III is one of the top defensive players in the entire draft and easily a first round selection. When it came to picking a wide receiver, though, Tyler Boyd was not the answer. After Jackson, the Bengals didn’t really have a pick worth bragging about.

Overall, the Bengals didn’t help their team too much in the draft. Jackson is a great steal late in the first round, but they needed to do more afterward and they didn’t.

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Cleveland Browns (C+) 

The Browns started off the draft so strong. Then it just seemed to end. Corey Coleman was a great pick to help the new quarterback, Robert Griffin III. Then, they went on to select Emmanual Ogbah and Carl Nassib, which were great picks. However, after that, they didn’t seem to succeed much. It still boggles the mind why they chose five wide receivers when they needed much more than pass catchers.

Overall, the Browns did okay. They got what they needed early but then seemed to fall off.

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Dallas Cowboys (A-)

The Cowboys started off with a bang by drafting Ezekiel Elliot and didn’t slow down. Their pick of Jaylon Smith can be the best pick in the draft if he’s capable of playing. Maliek Collins and Charles Trapper added depth to their defensive line and they covered their backup quarterback situation by drafting Dak Prescott. The Cowboys had a game plan and executed it well. If Rico Gathers works out, it’ll be even better.

Overall, the Cowboys had a well-played draft. They covered all the aspects they needed and added a superstar in Elliot.

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Denver Broncos (B)

Although not everyone agrees with their opening pick of Paxton Lynch, the Broncos had a good draft for a team who needed nothing. They got a player to potentially replace Malik Jackson by drafting Adam Gotsis out of Georgia Tech. They also got the safety they needed with Justin Simmons. Their fourth round pick of Devontae Booker can be a great pick if his talent translates to the NFL and can benefit C.J. Anderson in a big way. The Broncos’ last pick, Riley Dixon, the punter out of Syracuse was a steal in the seventh round.

Overall, the Broncos did just what they needed to for a Super Bowl champion.

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Detroit Lions (B)

The Lions started off strong in the draft. Ohio State tackle, Taylor Decker, was one of the best picks in the opening round and should provide protection for Matthew Stafford. Joe Dahl and Graham Glasgow will also add to their offensive line in a significant way if they are able to play well in the NFL. Alabama defensive lineman, A’Shawn Robinson, was one of the best second-round selections as well. They also got a late round steal by selecting long snapper, Jimmy Landes.

Overall, the Lions had a good draft early. Their late round selections weren’t as good as other teams, but they filled wholes they needed to.

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Green Bay Packers (B)

The Packers got a solid pick with all of their seven picks. Each player they selected is a player that has a shot at being a great NFL player. The problem is that besides Kenny Clark, each player only has a shot at being good. These players like Jason Spriggs, Dean Lowry, and Kyler Fackrell are all hit or miss players. If all of these guys turn out great, then the Packers had possibly the best overall draft, but if they don’t pan out then it’s nothing more then a subpar draft.

Overall, the Packers will have to wait and see if these players work out. Some guys may need a year or two before being NFL ready.

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Houston Texans (A-)

DeAndre Hopkins has to be one of the happiest players in the NFL after the 2016 NFL Draft. The Texans went to help their offense and their new quarterback and they did. Will Fuller is going to be one of the best number two options in the NFL and Braxton Miller isn’t going to be far behind him. Safety, K.J. Dillon was also an outstanding fifth round pick. The Texans didn’t get many picks in this years draft, but they definitely made the most out of their opportunities.

Overall, the Texans made Brock Oswieler one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL with these weapons. It’ll be hard for him not to pan out with these weapons around him.

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Indianapolis Colts (B+)

The Colts had a theme to the draft, protect Andrew Luck. Drafting Ryan Kelly and Le’Raven Clark helped the awful Colts’ line in a big way. Safety, T.J. Green, was a big plus for their defense as well. Later in the draft, they added more offensive line depth and a solid linebacker with Antonio Morrison. With eight picks, the Colts had a good plan by drafting linemen.  The later rounds didn’t seem to offer much for them.

Overall, protecting Andrew Luck was a great goal for the Colts and they executed.

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Jacksonville Jaguars (A+)

The Jaguars hands down had the best draft of 2016. Starting off with a steal in Jalen Ramsey was perfect. Getting Myles Jack in the second round wasn’t even fair. They just kept getting steals as the draft went on too. Yannick Ngakoue in the third round to compliment Malik Jackson on the end of their defensive line was a pick they shouldn’t have been able to get. Then, they carried on the success with Sheldon Day, Tyrone Holmes, and Jonathan Woodard to add depth. There wasn’t a bad pick for the Jaguars. Even quarterback, Brandon Allen, in the sixth round was a steal.

Overall, the Jaguars won the 2016 NFL Draft. Honestly, it wasn’t even close.

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Kansas City Chiefs (C)

The Chiefs didn’t have a first-round pick and it hurt them. Although Chris Jones and KeiVarae Russell could turn out to be good picks, their uncertain right now. As you go down, the Chiefs continued to make questionable decisions. Their best pick late in the draft may have been Stanford quarterback, Kevin Hogan. Sadly, the Chiefs weren’t able to build much in this draft.

Overall, there isn’t much to say about the Chiefs except they did okay. They weren’t able to get a solid player and have a few that may or may not work out.

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Los Angeles Rams (B-)

The Rams traded their life away for Jared Goff. Goff can be a great quarterback, but he doesn’t have much around him. The Rams drafted tight end, Tyler Higbee, out of Western Kentucky in the fourth round. That may have been their best pick besides Goff. There isn’t a lot to talk about because they had to give so much up for the first overall pick. Honestly, it wasn’t a great draft for the Rams.

Overall, the Rams gave up too much to draft Jared Goff. Because of this, they weren’t able to build the rest of their team.

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Miami Dolphins (B+)

The Dolphins got the best pick of the entire draft by having Laremy Tunsil fall to them at #13. He hands down makes the entire Dolphins team better right out of the gate. Cornerback, Xavien Howard, kept the ball rolling with a great second round pick. It’s unknown how well Jay Ajai will be in the NFL, but drafting Kenyan Drake helps take a lot of pressure off of him. Their late round picks were a little iffy. If they work out, though, this Dolphins team can thrive in 2016.

Overall, the Dolphins had the best first round pick and continued their success into the second and third round.

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Minnesota Vikings (A-)

Laquon Treadwell was a lot of people’s best wide receiver in the draft. Getting him at #23 and the third overall wide receiver was a steal. He will immediately help Teddy Bridgewater and the pressure off of Adrian Peterson. Cornerback, Mackenzie Alexander, was one of the best second round picks being a top cornerback to fall out of the first round. They also got one of the most interesting picks in the draft. Wide receiver, Moritz Boehringer, from Germany, has all the talent most NFL wide outs do. This Vikings’ offense can be a much bigger contributor to their success in 2016.

Overall, the Vikings had a few great picks and could benefit from them early.

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New England Patriots (B+)

For not having a first-round pick, the Patriots did pretty well. Cyrus Jones will be an immediate contributor to their defensive secondary. They also added depth to their linebacker core with Kamu Grugier-Hall, who can be a breakout rookie with the right coaching. Although, Jacoby Brissett isn’t as good as Connor Cook, he’s still a good player to have one the roster. Their best late round pick was wide receiver, Milcolm Mitchell out of Georgia. He shouldn’t have slid to round four but with Tom Brady as his quarterback, he could be a dangerous threat.

Overall, the Patriots did well given their circumstance. With Mitchell, Tom Brady can have a new favorite target.

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New Orleans Saints (A-)

The Saints had an extraordinary draft with only five picks. They added one of the best defensive linemen in the draft with Sheldon Rankins. Michael Thomas was the top receiver in the draft at one point and he somehow fell to the second round. Drew Bress was smiling ear to ear when he heard the pick. The Saints’ other second-round pick, Vonn Bell, was another Ohio State steal. His physicality makes him a threat for any team. Also, if Cal running back, Daniel Lasco, can transfer his big play ability to the NFL he will be a great back up for Mark Ingram.

Overall, the Saints had a well-rounded 2016 draft. Mike Thomas and Vonn Bell should add immediate impact.

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New York Giants (B+)

Eli Manning now has another toy to play with this season besides ODB and Victor Cruz. Second round pick and former Oklahoma wide receiver, Sterling Shepard, was a top pick outside the first round. The Giants’ first-round pick, Eli Apple, was definitely a good pick, but might have been a high pick. With Vernon Hargreaves III still on the board, the Giants may have jumped the gun on Apple. Nevertheless, the rest of the Giants’ draft was right on the money. Cornerback, Darian Thompson, and linebacker, B.J. Goodson, were two of the top later round picks in the draft. They should be able to step in and fill a void for the Giants whether it is nickleback or pass rusher.

Overall, the Giants had a good draft defensively. Add Shepard to the mix and they had a complete seven rounds.

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New York Jets (C-)

Realistically, the Jets didn’t draft anyone besides Darron Lee that can come in and make an immediate impact or possibly even play at all in 2016. Second rounder, Christian Hackenberg, was one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. For a team who could afford to develop him. The Jets didn’t really improve; they just drafted players who can’t do much in 2016. The Jets didn’t really need much help to begin with, but they could have benefited from a solid player or two to support their playoff hopes.

Overall, the Jets didn’t have a good draft in the slightest. Darron Lee can be a threat for their already powerful defense, but besides that they aren’t looking at much.

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Oakland Raiders (B)

If the Raiders didn’t already have their quarterback of the future, they would have the biggest steal of 2016 in Connor Cook. Because of that, it’s hard to judge the Raiders’ overall draft. If you breakdown every other pick, the Raiders did okay. Kar Joseph is the perfect fit for their hard-nosed defense. Defensive lineman, Jihad Ward, fits just as well as Joseph. These players were the best fit for the Raiders’ defensive scheme and their style of play. Fifth round pick, running back DeAndre Washington will also fit well with the Raiders. He isn’t quiet ready to take on the starting role of an NFL team, but complimenting Latavius Murray is a perfect role for the rookie.

Overall, the Raiders added some outstanding talent to their defense and took some of the pressure off of their run game by adding Washington.

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Philadelphia Eagles (B-)

It’s hard to have a successful draft when you focus solely on one player. Carson Wentz has all the potential to be a Pro-Bowl quarterback in the NFL. It’s still hard to say if he was worth the second pick in the draft. The Eagles needed much more than a quarterback, and they didn’t seem to fill any voids. Guards, Isaac Seumalo and Halapoulivaati Vaitai, aren’t starting linemen in the NFL. Those being the only other notable players the Eagles draft, it’s easy to see why they didn’t do well.

Overall, the Eagles went all in for Carson Wentz and they’ll struggle this season because of it.

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Pittsburgh Steelers (B)

Artie Burns will be a good cornerback in the NFL. It’s questionable if he was worth a first-round draft though when players like Mackenzie Alexander and Cyrus Jones were taken in the second round. However, the Steelers did fill most of the needs. Safety, Sean Davis, and Artie Burns will tremendously improve their secondary this season. Realistically, besides replacing Martavias Bryant for a season, the secondary was the only thing the Steelers desperately needed. One of the best parts of their draft was seventh-round pick, Tyler Matakevich, out of Temple. Matakevich is an uncertainty in the NFL, but he was an outstand college player and could have a lot of upside in the pros. If they were able to draft a notable defensive lineman, they would have had a complete draft.

Overall, the Steelers filled a lot of needs in the draft. Look for Davis and Burns to step into their roles immediately.

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San Diego Chargers (A-)

The Chargers had the team’s worst season since acquiring Phillip Rivers. It was obvious that a well-constructed draft was needed for the team to have any hope. They started off strong by drafting Joey Bosa third overall. Bosa has the potential to be the best player taken in the entire draft. Their second rounder, Hunter Henry, has all the promise in the world being able to learn behind Antonio Gates and should become a dominant tight end in the NFL. The Chargers’ fourth and fifth round linebacker picks, Joshua Perry and Jatavis Parker, were late round snags that have the possibility of cracking the starting lineup for the Chargers in 2016.

Overall, the Chargers had the draft they needed. They filled their defensive struggles and added a tight end with tremendous upside.

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San Fransico 49ers (A-)

The 49ers surprisingly and extremely under the radar had a phenomenal draft. Chip Kelly received a former Oregon Duck, DeForest Buckner to place into the defense. Buckner will be the face of this new defense this season along with cornerbacks, Rashard Robinson and Will Redmond. These three should vastly improve the 49ers defense this season. To add to the 49ers’ draft, they got one of the best late round picks of 2016. Running back, Kelvin Taylor, has all the makings of an NFL superstar. If he can stay out of off the field issues and develop next season, he should have an NFL career just like his dad’s.

Overall, the 49ers stayed under the radar and had an extremely successful draft. Their defense will be new and improved with Buckner, Robinson, and Redmond.

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Seattle Seahawks (B-)

The biggest problem with the Seahawks’ draft is that it started off so strong and then went completely downhill. Texas A&M tackle, Germain Ifedi, has all the makings of a strong NFL tackle. Even there second and third round picks, Jarran Reed and C.J. Prosise, have all the ability to help this Seahawks team. After that, though, they seemed to be draft players who aren’t very gifted athletically, they’re just hard workers. Of course, hard working NFL players work out all the time. It’s just unknown right now if they will or not. Also, the Seahawks seemed to become running back hungry late in the draft. Why they are looking for numerous running backs is unknown, seeing what Thomas Rawls did last season.

Overall, the Seahawks should be able to use their early picks right away. As of their later round selections, it’s uncertain what will happen.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B+)

Is it strange to like the Bucs trade up to draft kicker, Roberto Aguayo, in the second round? Well, it shouldn’t be. Starting off the draft with two top 15 talents in Vernon Hargreaves III and stealing Noah Spence in the second round, Aguayo was a great pick. He literally doesn’t miss anything! It’s hard to doubt a player who played so well during his college career, and if any kicker was worth a second round pick Aguayo is it. Besides these three, Ryan Smith and Devante Boyd were great later round selections for the Bucs. Both players have the ability to grow and become starters in the NFL.

Overall, the Bucs had three outstanding picks. After that, their late rounder draftees have the ability to continue to grow and match the talent of their early round selections.

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Tennessee Titans (B)

The Titans did the smart thing by moving out of the first overall pick and receive more draft picks. They started off strong with offensive tackle, Jack Conklin, a player who will do well protecting Marcus Mariota. However, after that, each player has humongous upside, but can have a hard time in the NFL. Kevin Dodd and Austin Johnson both are animals in the middle on the defensive line, but it’s hard to say if they can transfer into the NFL. Derrick Henry has the possibility to be a great NFL running back, but the decision to draft him is questionable with the signing of Demarco Murray.  Their later round stand out is UCLA linebacker, Aaron Wallace. Wallace played well in college but has some question on whether or not he has the ability to compete in the new style of play NFL linebackers have to endure.

Overall, the Titans could be a hit or miss. If their defensive linemen peak, then they won. If they don’t, they lost.

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Washington Redskins (B+)

Starting the draft off with Josh Doctson is an early lead in many people’s minds. Overall, the Redskins drafted a player each round that can turn into an NFL player you’d want on your team. USC linebacker, Su’a Cravens, is one of those players you don’t know if he’ll player linebacker or safety, but he can perform well at either one. One of the biggest hit or miss players of the draft will be cornerback, Kendall Fuller, who, if healthy, has all the accolades of his older brother Kyle Fuller. The Redskins’ last pick, Keith Marshall, was one of the best players at the combine, but his play on the field still concerns people. If he can overcome is college injury, he can be a top running back.

Overall, the Redskins grabbed a lot of talent. If these players develop well, they can be Pro-Bowlers.

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