2016 NFL Draft Grades: Round 1
By Ben Almquist
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff – QB – Cal
The Rams did exactly what everyone assumed they would do and took Jared Goff to helm the club moving forward. It makes sense. Get the California kid to lead the new California franchise. Goff should bring some immediate excitement to the fan base, even if he has some growing pains on the field.
The trade up was costly, but not nearly as much as some recent moves teams have made to get their QBs. Kudos to GM Les Snead for not allowing himself to be taken hostage…as he once did to the Washington Redskins for Robert Griffin III.
Grade: B+
Miami Dolphins: Laremy Tunsil – OT – Ole Miss
Laremy Tunsil lost some serious money in what was one of the most bizarre incidents in draft history. I’m not going into the whole thing, you can read it here. The major part of Tunsil’s fall was likely the fact that teams didn’t have time to properly investigate the whole thing. Realistically, the Dolphins were probably the first team with the need on the OL and the time to vet the situation.
Tunsil should provide a reliable presence on the Miami OL, which has been sorely missing. The Dolphins do have Branden Albert and Jermon Bushrod on the roster, but Albert isn’t reliable and Bushrod is still Bushrod. Tunsil will get on the field early providing there are no more…situations.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Vikings: Laquon Treadwell – WR – Ole Miss
There was little doubt that the Vikes were going WR here. They have to get some weapons on the field around Teddy Bridgewater. Treadwell is a big bodied receiver who should be able to impose his will and win a lot of 50/50 balls. That’s a solid tool to have available. Many analysts believed Treadwell to be the top WR in this class as well as a top 15 pick, so the value of getting him in the 20s is pretty outstanding.
Grade: B+
New England Patriots: No Pick – Forfeited
The real significance of this pick is that the first part of the Deflategate punishment is officially in the books and can’t be reversed. That’s a real win for the NFL league office and Roger Goodell.
Grade: NA
Next: Saints take the beef...