2016 NFL Draft Grades: Round 1

9 of 9

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M offensive lineman Germain Ifedi speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Seahawks: Germain Ifedi – OT – Texas A&M

Russ Wilson makes his living avoiding the opposing pass rush. However, that’s not how he should be making his living and the Seahawks realized that. Adding Germain Ifedi helps secure at least one direction that teams have been able to attack Wilson from, and that’s progress.

Nothing to really not like about this pick. The Hawks needed the best offensive lineman on the board, and many would argue that Ifedi was just that. And dropping back a few spots and adding more picks to do it? Well, that’s just gravy.

Grade: A

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vernon Hargreaves – CB – Florida

The Bucs must have been thrilled that the Giants took Apple instead of Hargreaves. It’s clear that they had to have had him targeted on their board because Apple was a surprise pick and apparently didn’t disrupt the Bucs’ plans.

Hargreaves will make an immediate impact in Tampa with his ability to play either inside or outside coverage. This should help buy their front seven a bit more time in getting after the quarterback. The versatility of this pick works well with Alterraun Verner and Brent Grimes on the roster because it doesn’t pigeon hole them into a specific look.

Grade: B+

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Jack Conklin (Michigan State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Tennessee Titans as the number eight overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee Titans: Jack Conklin – OT – Michigan St

Trading back to acquire picks and then trading up to get the guy they needed was risky, but paid off. Conklin is an immediate starter and should allow the Titans to deploy both he and Taylor Lewan according to their strengths.

Protecting Marcus Mariota is the key to future success in Tennessee, and this move goes a long way towards that. All the maneuvering around it just makes it that much more well done.

Grade: A

Washington Redskins: Josh Doctson – WR – TCU

This move was a bit of a surprise, but it does make sense. The Redskins are thinking about the future with both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon coming up on Free Agency (and also their 30s). A Cousins-Doctson connection is the future of this franchise.

However, this doesn’t help the Redskins dreadful run defense, and that’s the real concern. The DT class might be deep, but when you have a pressing need it always makes more sense to fix the problem with the best talent you can get. Washington missed on that part of this.

Grade: C+

Well, that will do it for me Chiefs fans. And quite frankly, I’m exhausted. I think I need an intern.

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