2016 NFL Draft Grades: Round 1
By Ben Almquist
Carolina Panthers: Vernon Butler – DT – La Tech
GM Dave Gettleman has literally told everyone that he likes big guys and doesn’t draft for need…so I guess it shouldn’t be all that surprising that he took a big man that he didn’t need. I don’t know how Butler will get on the field in Carolina.
They have a young and talented front four…really, it’s the envy of the league. A corner like Mackensie Alexander would have made a lot of sense here. I get sticking with strategy, but a little give isn’t a bad thing. I like the player, but it doesn’t help if he has no where to play.
Grade: C+
Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd – LB – Georgia
Vic Fangio’s defense needs a strong pass rusher, and the Bears went out and got one. There will be a lot of pressure on Floyd to deliver early, but he shouldn’t have a lot of problem with that coming from a very similar defense at Georgia. There really isn’t a lot to say about this pick…it hit on all cylinders.
Grade: A
Cincinnati Bengals: William Jackson III – CB – Houston
I have not been the least bit tepid about my thoughts on Will Jackson. I think he is the red herring in this draft, and the Bengals fell for him. He fills a need, but not necessarily a pressing one.
This pick probably had a lot to do with the WR run that happened just before the Bengals were on the clock. Sometimes that’s just the way it works. However, I think Reggie Ragland would have been a much better pick here. Or take the risk on Myles Jack.
Grade: C+
Cleveland Browns: Corey Coleman – WR – Baylor
The Browns pretty much hit reset on the entire organization this offseason. So that means they need to be building their foundation. Wide receiver…not necessarily the safest foundation piece, and Coleman was generally not considered the best WR in this class.
The only real fit I see here is that Coleman and QB Robert Griffin III should be on the same page having come out of the same program. I don’t like this pick other than that…and I’m already not a fan of RGIII being the starting QB in Cleveland. However, the Browns do get a bump in their grade for acquiring more picks in this draft. Strategically, they are looking pretty good. But they’ve got to start picking better.
Grade: C+
Next: Cowboys take Elliott...