Well, we thought this year’s NFL Draft was gonna get weird, and I’ll be damned – it got weird. It was the first time two brothers were drafted in the first round of the same draft. It was the first time that the first round was book-ended with Heisman Trophy winners (Mayfield at #1, Jackson at #32). All around, just a strange night. We had our solid picks and our questionable ones alike. So, let’s dive in and examine who won and who lost last night – which is weird in and of itself, considering we won’t really know for years, potentially. Weird.
Winners
Hate to say it, as many folks hate ’em, but the New England Patriots absolutely won the night last night. I said leading into the draft that they needed some pass rush help, and they didn’t address that, but that was assuming there was no tackle worth taking. It sure as hell sounds to me like they plan to use Isaiah Wynn as a tackle. I’m high on Wynn and think that he was the best offensive lineman in this draft outside of Quenton Nelson. So, yeah – that sort of changes things for me a bit. Then, they add Sony Michel to replace Dion Lewis. That’s going to provide an excellent weapon for Tom Brady and company. Michel is capable of being the workhorse in that Pats offense. The rich getting richer.
A lot of people are hating on the Cleveland Browns this morning, but considering I’ve had Baker Mayfield atop my quarterback rankings for over a month now, I love the pick. Everyone wants to compare Mayfield to Johnny Manziel, but people don’t realize that Mayfield is different in that he can make every NFL throw in the book. I also caught some flack earlier in the month, mocking Denzel Ward to the Browns at #4, but he’s the best pure corner in this draft, and fills a dire need for the Browns. Some people are scratching their heads this morning, but not me. The Browns nailed it.
I also love what the Baltimore Ravens did to start preparing for the future. Not only that, but just revitalizing the offense there. The last few seasons have been pretty dreadful and hard to watch on offense. They’ve lacked a true play-maker…and many thought that meant they needed to go WR in the first round. But, it didn’t – it just meant they needed a play-maker. And, they got one in South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst. Then, they trade back up into the first round to snag Lamar Jackson, a kid I liked more than Josh Allen, to groom to be the future quarterback. As Mike Mayock pointed out, it demonstrated a clear willingness to dramatically shift their offensive philosophy. I think it’ll make this offense much more electric in a few seasons.
The best value pick of the night is easily the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Florida State safety, the BEST safety in this draft class, Derwin James at #17. I had him as high as #7 in my mocks, but I saw people speculating that he could go as high as #4 to Cleveland. Absolute steal at #17.
Finally, props to the Carolina Panthers, for not ignoring their need for a #1 WR any longer and selecting Maryland’s D.J. Moore.
Losers
Only three real head-scratchers for me last night, but atop the list is easily the Seattle Seahawks going with Rashaad Penny at #27. I understand the philosophy of building to your strengths and re-building this franchise around Russell Wilson. But, that defense has taken a major blow in recent years, and Harold Landry was right there for the taking. I also like Penny a lot, but not with Michel and Ronald Jones still on the board. Just don’t get it.
The New Orleans Saints giving up a ton to move up and select Marcus Davenport doesn’t seem to make sense. Davenport was a guy that I considered elite, but I don’t know why you give up your first rounder next year for him. The fifth round pick is one thing, but you’re essentially using two first round picks for the guy. That’s a hell of a gamble. Again, I like Davenport, but I don’t think I like him that much.
Lastly, the Pittsburgh Steelers going with Terrell Edmunds was questionable. One of my Steelers fan friends on Twitter posted last night that the Steelers have no idea how to evaluate defensive backs. I’m happy for the Edmunds brothers, but with Ronnie Harrison and Justin Reid BOTH still available, this pick just looks bad.
Who were your biggest winners and losers? Hit up dem comments.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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