2016 NFL Draft Grades: Round 1

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Jerry Jones definitely got his way. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott – RB – Ohio State

It would appear that Jerry Jones won the family power struggle in Dallas and got his guy. There was a lot of speculation that the Cowboys decision-makers were united on Joey Bosa but split on Jalen Ramsey and Ezekiel Elliott. So, of course Bosa gets taken one spot before they pick and the argument commenced.

Elliott looks to be a traditional work horse RB who can play all three downs, but there is some help available in Dallas from a mix of guys that have made a headline or two at some point in their careers. But to me, this is a missed opportunity to get a guy like Jalen Ramsey who would have done a lot for that defense.

Grade: C+

Elway’s credibility as a GM is on the line with his QB evaluations. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos: Paxton Lynch – QB – Memphis

The Broncos jumped up ahead of the Chiefs to grab their QBOTF. Lynch has a pretty good ceiling, but most analysts tend to agree he is a year or two…or more…away from being a legit starter in the NFL. It’s hard to say whether the Chiefs would have taken Lynch or not, but probably safe to assume that he wouldn’t have made it to No. 31, so the trade was a smart one.

This also closes the door on the potential Sam Bradford and Colin Kaepernick trades, and that’s a good thing for Denver. However, 2016 (at least) will likely belong to Mark Sanchez and that’s not such a good thing.

Grade: B-

Detroit Lions: Taylor Decker – OT – Ohio State

Losing a dynamic player like Calvin Johnson can really hurt a team…but, of course, Lions fans know that already. I applaud the Detroit leadership for not trying to go out and replace Johnson directly. It’s impossible. However, they needed to do something to help the offense rebound, and I think Taylor Decker will be an excellent piece to do that with.

Decker should start right away on the right side of the OL. This helps protect Stafford, giving him a better chance to get more out of the weapons the Lions still have.

Grade: B+

Green Bay Packers: Kenny Clark – DT – UCLA

The Packers essentially did what they had to do with BJ Raji taking a hiatus. Kenny Clark is a solid fit for the Packers 3-4 defense and should help out right away. Losing Raji definitely handicapped the Packers a little bit, but things fell the right way and they were able to overcome it. And that’s really all there is to this pick.

Grade: B+

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