Best:
Michael Carter- New York Jets
The Jets lacked an explosive running game last season, and chose not to address the need on the first two days of the draft. Luckily for them, UNC’s dynamic back Michael Carter slipped to day three where the Jets got great value for a player who may become their RB1.
Amon-Ra St. Brown- Detroit Lions
Similarly to the Jets at RB, the Lions had a major need at receiver yet did not select one until day three. St. Brown, who I grade as a second round talent, should instantly be a top two receiver for them.
Tylan Wallace- Baltimore Ravens
By drafting Rashod Bateman in the first round, the Ravens showed they understood that Lamar Jackson needed bigger, sturdier, more reliable receivers. Wallace, who certainly fits that mold, can emerge as a productive starter out of the fourth round.
Brevin Jordan- Houston Texans
Jordan slipped to the fifth round due to poor interviews, but the tape shows an athletic, competitive player who does not dominate but definitely excels as both a receiver and a blocker. If he puts it together, Jordan can be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Daviyon Nixon- Carolina Panthers
Nixon carried a mid second round grade from me as a freakishly athletic defensive tackle with really high upside who already possesses solid instincts. His slide to the fifth round is puzzling, making him one of the best value picks in the entire draft.
Talanoa Hufanga- San Francisco 49ers
Hufanga plays with relentless energy and effort, which is a great mentality for a safety. He may not shine in any one area, but there is a strong chance he becomes a reliable starter for the 49ers despite his draft position.
Hamsah Nasirildeen- New York Jets
Nasirildeen was seen as a gamble in this draft due to his limited sample size of play following a 2019 ACL tear, but his pre-injury self showed a big, fast, physical safety with ball skills and coverage value. The gamble is very much worth it in the sixth round.
Deonte Brown- Carolina Panthers
Brown fell in the draft due to his extraordinarily high weight numbers, but this is actually an advantage on the field, where he absolutely mauls opponents. With that size, he sacrifices some athleticism, but is still surprisingly quick. If he keeps his weight consistent, Brown could become a starter.
Trey Smith- Kansas City Chiefs
Smith would have been a second day pick if it were not for his medicals, which were spotty due to an injury history that included time missed with blood clots. This all seems to be behind him though, and he is a highly intelligent, powerful guard who could start on a handful of teams.
Worst:
Robert Rochell- Rams
With several highly graded cornerbacks left on the board, the Rams reached for Rochell in round four. I have a seventh round grade on Rochell.
Buddy Johnson- Steelers
Johnson is quite limited athletically, which affects him in the run game and means he has no coverage value. In the fourth round, where teams often take shots at physically gifted players to potentially develop into a starter, his selection is puzzling.
Josh Kaindoh- Chiefs
Kaindoh’s film did not reveal an early day three talent, as he lacks fluidity and bend on the edge to ever really make a difference in the NFL as a pass rusher. The Chiefs could have gone in different directions to build depth with players who would have more impact.
Top 15 Undrafted Free Agents:
- Austin Watkins, WR, UAB
- Cade Johnson, WR, South Dakota State
- Darius Stills, DT, West Virginia
- Alaric Jackson, OG, Iowa
- Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
- Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
- Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
- Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan State
- Adrian Ealy, OT, Oklahoma
- Pooka Williams, RB, Kansas
- Marlon Williams, WR, UCF
- Kayode Awosika, OG, Buffalo
- Damonte Coxie, WR, Memphis
- David Moore, OG, Grambling State
- Javian Hawkins, RB, Louisville
