NFL Draft: First Round Winners and Losers

Whenever you say this, it doesn’t usually bode well for what’s about to be said. But, here we go – I don’t really know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it. The first round of the NFL Draft was wild as hell.

If you want my thoughts on the Titans picks, check this out. Otherwise, let’s just let it all sink in and dive on in to the night’s winners, losers, best fits, and best picks.

Winners

Cleveland Browns – The Browns owned it, plain and simple it. Poppa Bear delivered a classic line on our Facebook Live broadcast last night: “If the Browns select Mitchell Trubisky, they will always be the Browns.” Well, the Browns didn’t select Trubisky. In fact, they didn’t select a quarterback at all, and that’s a good thing. They ended up with three first round selections and wound up with Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, and David Njoku. What an incredibly talented trio.

San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers defense of the future has two incredibly talented cornerstones: Solomon Thomas at defensive end and Reuben Foster at inside linebacker. They had to trade up to select Foster, but that’s what you do when the opportunity is right. He’s a steal at #31 and the 49ers are closing the gap on the rest of the defenses in the NFC West.

Kansas City Chiefs – I said Patrick Mahomes was the most interesting quarterback in this year’s draft, but now I think he could end up being the best. Why? Because he is in the best possible situation he could’ve ended up in. The Chiefs are a pretty complete team, so giving up picks to move up and get him doesn’t hurt them as bad as say….Chicago. Mahomes will have ample time to learn behind Alex Smith, and Andy Reid has his long-term solution at quarterback. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Losers

Chicago Bears – The Bears are the only team I would classify as “losers,” and I know I’m not the only one this morning. But, it’s not just the selection of Mitchell Trubisky, it’s what they gave up to get him. This isn’t a deep and talented enough roster to merit such a pick. They needed all of the draft picks they gave up to build this team towards the future. Do I think Trubisky will be a bust? Yes. Do I think he’ll be hot garbage? No. Plus, there’s always the chance that he does come out and become what the Bears obviously think he will be. For now, I don’t see it.

Best Fits

Jamal Adams, New York Jets – The Jets lucked out in Adams falling to #6. He’s the most complete safety in this year’s draft and will become the face of that Jets defense. Gang Green should be doing cartwheels this morning.

John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals – Ross doesn’t have the skills required of a true #1 receiver. He’s a specialty guy – that’s why it makes so much sense for him to go to a team like Cincinnati, where he won’t be counted on to be that receiver. Teams that double A.J. Green will be made to pay with Ross’ blazing speed.

Takk McKinley, Atlanta Falcons – What a story and what a moment – McKinley bringing a photo of his late grandmother out on stage with him. He’s a fiery guy, and Dan Quinn is all about fire and energy. McKinley will line up opposite Vic Beasley, and with Deion Jones in the mix, the Falcons now have one of the best young linebacking corps in the NFL.

Top 5 Picks

5. O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19th overall) – The Bucs offense is now loaded with talent – Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard, and it’s all manned by Jameis Winston. I imagine they’ll look defense later in the draft, but this pick really puts their offense on the ascent.

4. Derek Barnett, Philadelphia Eagles (14th overall) – Barnett is arguably the best pure, traditional pass rusher in this class. He goes to Philadelphia where his skills are needed and he’ll be able to make an impact immediately.

3. John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals (9th overall) – Electric playmaker in an offense where he won’t have to do it all. Enough said.

2. Reuben Foster, San Francisco 49ers (31st overall) – You’d call me crazy, but I would not have judged the Niners had they selected Foster 3rd overall. He’s the best tone-setter in the draft and his range at linebacker will help create the next great Niners defense.

1. Malik Hooker, Indianapolis Colts (15th overall) – Hooker slides to 15 and fills a need for the Colts. He’ll contribute right away with explosive playmaking ability. The former Ohio State Buckeye was a steal at #15.

But, who stole the show? Kingston Bolles. Easy. Next question.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo

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