Cincinnati Bengals
Round 1 (1): QB Joe Burrow, LSU
Round 2 (33): WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
Round 3 (65): LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Round 4 (107): LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, App State
Round 5 (147): Edge Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame
Round 6 (180): T Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
Round 7 (215): LB Markus Bailey, Purdue
In getting arguably the best quarterback prospect of all time, the Bengals are ultimately winners. That being said ignoring your subpar offensive line, until round six with project tackle Hakeem Adeniji, is inexcusable. Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis Gaither, and Markus Bailey gives this Bengals LB corps a much needed infusion of versatility and athleticism. While not being my top WR available at pick 33, Tee Higgins gives Joe Burrow a high floor possession receiver, who I compared to another Clemson WR Mike Williams. Higgins will most likely be the long term replacement for AJ Green, and fit in as a WR 2/3 from day 1.
GRADE: B
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 (10): T Jedrick Wills, Alabama
Round 2 (44): S Grant Delpit, LSU
Round 3 (88): DI Jordan Elliott, Missouri
Round 3 (97): LB Jacob Phillips, LSU
Round 4 (115): TE Harrison Bryant, FAU
Round 5 (160): IOL Nick Harris, Washington
Round 6 (187): WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
The Cleveland Browns had themselves a very good draft, starting with getting my OT 1 Jedrick Wills with the 10th pick. I have full confidence in Wills to make a relatively seem-less transition to the left side, and protect Baker Mayfield’s blindside for ten years. Getting a stud like Grant Delpit to be your cover safety in round 2 is great value, and he will complement Karl Joseph nicely. Jordan Elliot was a steal at pick 88 and can be an interior pass rusher next to Larry Ogunjobi. Linebacker Jacob Phillips was a reach at 88 with Troy Dye still on the board, but will find a role on this subpar defense. Harrison Bryant was a reach for me especially with Austin Hooper and David Njoku on the roster. However, getting Nick Harris in the fifth round, who can push for a starting job on day 1, and Donovan Peoples-Jones in the sixth, who has all the tools to become an impact starter, give Cleveland a strong day 3.
GRADE: A-
Pittsburg Steelers
Round 2 (49): WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Round 3 (102): EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte
Round 4 (124): RB Anthony McFarland Jr., Maryland
Round 4 (135): IOL Kevin Dotson, Louisiana
Round 6 (198): S Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland
Round 7 (232): DI Carlos Davis, Nebraska
Sacrificing this years 18th overall selection to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick, was a home-run move for Pittsburg as Fitzpatrick imediatly impacted this defense, ending the year in the DPOY conversation. Chase Claypool is a high upside WR who has physical tools galore, I think he’ll slot in nicely as this teams WR2, with James Washington and Dionte Johnson serving complimentary roles. Alex Highsmith was one of my sleepers and has a high upside as the future replacement for Bud Dupree, while making a rotational impact from the jump. Anthony McFarland Jr. is a nice change of pace back that the Steelers power laden backfield was missing. I don’t have much of an opinion on their day 3 picks, but all fit positions of need on the roster.
GRADE: B-
Baltimore Ravens
Round 1 (28): LB Patrick Queen, LSU
Round 2 (55): RB JK Dobbins, Ohio State
Round 3 (71): DI Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
Round 3 (92): WR Devin Duvernay, Texas
Round 3 (98): LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
Round 3 (106): IOL Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State
Round 4 (143): IOL Ben Bredeson, Michigan
Round 5 (170): DI Broderick Washington, Texas Tech
Round 6 (201): WR James Proche, SMU
Round 7 (219): S Geno Stone, Iowa
The Ravens were one of my favorite drafts. This team didn’t rest on their laurels and maximized their draft capital by selecting impact players. Patrick Queen was a top 20 player on my board and fits a pressing need, his astronomical ceiling can be breached in Baltimore. JK Dobbins was another steal at pick 55 and is a perfect fit for their downhill power scheme. He is an immediate Gus Edwards replacement and a long term Mark Ingram replacement. Justin Madubuike, Devin Duvernay, and Malik Harrison were all impact starters found in round 3. Duvernay being my favorite as a young Golden Tate esque weapon for Lamar Jackson, who wins in the middle of the field and after the catch. Ben Bredeson, James Proche, and Geno Stone were all great value picks on day 3. Stone is a guy who’s floor is a special teams ace, he will find his way onto the football field, fantastic pick at 219.
GRADE: A+
