The NFL Draft took place last night and had some major shake ups from what people expected. Trades were made, players fell and rose and now that the dust has settled, let’s take a look back at the top picks of the draft and hand out some grades based on the pick.
1. Los Angeles Rams select Jard Goff – B
(source: skysports.com)
Everybody and their mother saw this pick coming so it really isn’t a surprise to anyone. The Rams got their guy, and it is a pretty quarterback. Goff has NFL size and throwing power and is an extremely accurate short passer. The name of the game for this pick is the word pressure. The amount of pressure that not only comes with being a first overall pick, but also one expected to take the reigns of a franchise from day one, is staggering. Let’s hope he can handle it.
2. Philadelphia Eagles select Carson Wentz – B+
(source: nj.com)
Like Goff before him, this pick was basically set in stone a few days before the draft. The Eagles traded up six picks and they are ecstatic to get their quarterback of the future. In this quarterback, they get a guy who is not only an extremely great arm but also comes with accuracy and athleticism to boot. While he played against lower level competition than some would like, he had major success against them and played in a solid offense, but there will still be a learning curve once he gets to the NFL of course. It’s unlikely he’ll be the immediate starter like Goff, so he will have that time to develop and adjust.
3. San Diego Chargers select Joey Bosa – C+
(source: forbes.com)
Being the first pick after the two quarterbacks taken, the Chargers had their pick of the litter. Many people had them either taking Jalen Ramsey or Deforest Buckner, however, the Chargers went off the board (in some people’s mind) and took Bosa, though I don’t think it is a reach at all. They needed pass rush help and they get it with the high motor Bosa who is basically a better version of Melvin Ingram who they drafted a few years ago. However, I cant help but think Ramsey would’ve been a better pick.
4. Dallas Cowboys select Ezekiel Elliot – C-
(source: thelandryhat.com)
While many people had Elliot mocked here, I didn’t agree and was shocked when they took him. While he is far and away the best RB this year in the draft, I think 4 is simply too high to take him, especially when you see who is still on the board. The team had bigger needs than RB, even though Elliot is a special talent. The team needed defensive help and Ramsey would have been perfect here, but Elliot will still be fun to watch behind that line.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars select Jalen Ramsey – A+
(source: jaguars.com)
This, in my opinion, was the best pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. I personally think Ramsey is the best player in the draft and is fully capable of playing any defensive back position at a high level. The fact the lasted until 5 is absolutely crazy to me and I am pretty shocked that neither the Chargers or Cowboys took him. There is a high demand for versatile players like him, but in reality, they are few and far between and the Jags lucked out and got one yesterday.
