With the 2021 NFL Draft first round completed, we are going to be taking a close look at who each team selected and if it was a good or bad decision for the team. I’m going to be giving each draft pick a letter grade based on a few factors. One factor is if the prospect has high talent, that will obviously give them a high grade. Other factors going into my decision will be draft steals, reaches and if there were better players that said team could have targeted over who the pick was. Let’s get started with the first...quite obvious pick:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
(Photo Courtesy: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
We all expected this pick since the Jets beat the Rams to get their first win on December
20th. The Jaguars were the favorites to land the first overall pick since that day and whoever owned it, Trevor Lawrence was the guy. Jacksonville gets one of the highest rated QB prospects ever; and for having the first overall pick, the Jags have a pretty solid team to help out the young QB phenom.
Grade: A+
2. New York Jets
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Along with Trevor Lawrence to the Jags, Zach Wilson has been the Jets guy for a while now. Although I like the future of the Jets under Saleh and I think Zach Wilson is a good prospect, I still had Justin Fields at QB2. Zach Wilson now with a great skill set shown at BYU, has a chance to play under the bright lights of New York.
Grade: B+
3. San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Since the San Francisco 49ers traded up with Miami for this pick, everyone knew it was going to be a quarterback. The question since then was which quarterback? Instead of going for a promising, talented QB in Justin Fields or a “safe” pick with Mac Jones; the Niners opt for the guy with the most untapped potential: Trey Lance. Trey Lance, with only one full season in college is a huge question mark for how he is going to develop at the next level. But if anyone can get the most out of him, it’s the offensive mind of Kyle Shanahan.
Grade: B+
4. Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
This is one of my favorite picks of the first round. Even with Atlanta having one of the worst defenses in the league, if you have a chance at Pitts to expand the offense...you gotta take it. Kyle Pitts gives Matt Ryan yet another elite target alongside Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Pitts, “too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers”, this guy will have the matchup advantage against just about all the defenders in the league.
Grade: A
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
If you asked me a month ago who I thought the Cincinnati Bengals would target here, I would’ve told you Penei Sewell without any hesitation. After Joe Burrow said that he wants to play with his former college teammate in Ja’Marr Chase, that pretty much sold me on Chase going to Cincy. Ja’Marr Chase is a pretty close to perfect WR prospect AND he has chemistry with Burrow. The Bengals make their future franchise quarterback happy by taking Ja’Marr Chase and I’m not mad at this move at all.
Grade: A-
6. Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Bengals made their quarterback happy with his college teammate; Miami decides to do the same here. Jaylen Waddle was Tua’s favorite target at Alabama and to help Tua succeed in the NFL, Miami decides to bring him a guy he’s comfortable with. Devante Parker is not a true WR1 and Will Fuller has an injury history. Jaylen Waddle has a chance to step in here, be the speedy slot guy, but can also be Tua’s favorite target as well.
Grade: A-
7. Detroit Lions
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Detroit Lions were in a great spot at seven. They could’ve gone with really any position they wanted. They choose to help Jared Goff by bolstering the offensive line with high talent prospect Penei Sewell. The Lions offensive line wasn’t terrible to begin with but Penei Sewell just makes it that much sweeter. As one of the highest graded offensive tackle prospects ever, Jared Goff is gonna learn to love this guy.
Grade: A
8. Carolina Panthers
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Jaycee Horn being the first defensive player off the board is something I did not expect, although I’m not mad at it. Horn was my CB2 in the draft but it’s easy to fall in love with this guy by seeing him on tape. An aggressive, chirpy corner who knows all the right ways to get under opposing receivers' skin. After hitting on a lot of defensive guys in last year’s draft as well, Carolina wasn’t able to attain a solid second corner alongside Donte Jackson. They hope that Jaycee Horn can be the player to do it.
Grade: B
9. Denver Broncos
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
(Photo Courtesy: The Athletic)
Patrick Surtain II is my CB1, although I did not expect the Broncos to be the team to take him. The Denver Broncos were able to acquire Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller in free agency so they seemed set at cornerback. However, with Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan expected to hit free agency after the 2021 season, Surtain gives the Broncos a solid CB1 option for the future.
Grade: B+
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via DAL)
Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The first trade of the night was the Philadelphia Eagles trading up in a rare intra division trade with the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia, seeming all set to take defense here, took the last of the big three WR’s off the board by snagging Heisman winner Devonta Smith. The Eagles look to be picking pretty highly in next year's draft and can even end up with the first overall pick due to the lack of talent on their team. Devonta Smith can step in and be the WR1 for Jalen Hurts that the Eagles have whiffed on the past few years. (JJ Arcega Whiteside over AJ Brown, DK Metcalf in 2019; Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson in 2020)
Grade: B+
11. Chicago Bears (via NYG)
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Another trade scenario here. The Chicago Bears trade up with the Giants from 20 to draft their quarterback of the future: Justin Fields. Justin Fields dropping to eleven was something no one would’ve imagined after Ohio State defeated Clemson on New Year's Day in the Sugar Bowl. Justin Fields to Chicago is a dream scenario for them and a guy that they hope can lead them to the promiseland.
Grade: A+
12. Dallas Cowboys (via PHI)
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
After Denver took Patrick Surtain at 9 (a potential Cowboys target), the Cowboys decided to trade down and take LB1 Micah Parsons with the twelfth pick. Micah Parsons is a highly talented LB prospect that will step in for the recently retired Sean Lee to pair with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Although secondary is much more of a need, Parsons is a high-level playmaker that should turn out to be a solid addition for the Cowboys defense.
Grade: B-
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Rashawn Slater at thirteen to the LA Chargers is one of the best picks of the first round. Slater is a versatile offensive lineman who can play any position on the line at a high level. After the free agency pickup of center Corey Linsley, the Bolts double dip in the draft on the offensive line to give Justin Herbert great protection for the future.
Grade: A
14. New York Jets (from MIN)
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
The Jets traded up with Minnesota from 23 in order to help Zach Wilson on the offensive line. Alijah Vera Tucker, the top ranked interior offensive lineman in the draft is who they take to do it. After taking big Mekhi Becton in the first last year, they continue to add young talent on the line for their franchise QB.
Grade: B
15. New England Patriots
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
(Photo Courtesy: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
This pick is kind of a match made in heaven for both sides here. The New England Patriots hope that Jones can be their QB of the future, and Mac Jones lands in one of the best systems in the league. With the influx of offensive weapons and a solid offensive line, this is a great spot for Mac Jones to succeed. Now it’s a matter of if he starts week one or sits behind Cam for a little.
Grade: B+
16. Arizona Cardinals
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
This is my first “reach” of the draft. Zaven Collins is a big, physically imposing linebacker who will be a nice replacement in the defense for Haason Reddick. However, I feel like there were better players available that they could have gone with here.
Grade: C+
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Another draft...another head scratcher by the Raiders. Ever since Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock took over, they have been nothing short of confusing. Alex Leatherwood at seventeen is quite a reach, especially with Christian Darrisaw on the board. Luckily, for Derek Carr’s sake, they DID draft an offensive lineman and didn’t go after another position. Alex Leatherwood was a borderline first rounder most likely going round two, the Raiders must see something in him that other scouts do not.
Grade: C-
18. Miami Dolphins
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Jaelan Phillips no matter where he would get drafted is a risk. Miami at eighteen is willing to take that risk. Jaelan Phillips is a MONSTER on the field but has had three concussions throughout college even forcing him to retire from UCLA for a short time. IF Jaelan Phillips is able to stay on the field, this would be a steal for the Dolphins.
Grade: B
19. Washington Football Team
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
I assumed Washington would go linebacker with this pick, I was not expecting Jamin Davis however. Jamin Davis is one of the big risers due to an impressive pro day. Jamin Davis is a great athlete at the linebacker position and will look good in their star studded defense.
Grade: B
20. New York Giants (via CHI)
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
I can’t really grade this pick right now because I’m not completely sold on Kadarius Toney due to his issues catching the football. Toney is an elite route runner and separator but needs to work on his hands. If all goes well, he’s the IDEAL WR2 alongside Kenny Golladay for Daniel Jones. But if he hasn’t shown great consistency catching the ball yet, will he ever?
Grade: C+
21. Indianapolis Colts
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Kwity Paye was one of my favorite prospects heading into this draft and I love his fit with the Colts. With two less than ideal defensive ends in Tyquan Lewis and Al-Quadin Muhammed starting currently, Paye should be able to get his chance to start alongside Deforest Buckner on the line right away to wreak havoc against opposing offenses.
Grade: B
22. Tennessee Titans
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Caleb Farley is one of the biggest boom or bust prospects in this draft due to a back surgery that he had last month. Before those concerns, Farley was named by some as the highest rated corner in this draft. After the Titans lost their two starting corners from last season, they took a chance on Caleb Farley to be the lockdown corner of the future. HUGE upside here if he turns out.
Grade: B-
23. Minnesota Vikings (via NYJ)
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Great pick by Minnesota. They were able to trade back, acquire more picks and still take the guy that they wanted. Christian Darrisaw was my OT3 in this draft and I am quite shocked that he fell to 23. A no brainer for the Vikings to pull the trigger on him here and add some more protection for Kirk Cousins.
Grade: A+
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
I’m not completely in love with this move here. With a struggling offensive line and a weak CB room, I would have rather seen the Steelers draft either Teven Jenkins (OT) or Greg Newsome (CB). To talk about Najee Harris now, the guy is a stud. He can beat you in many different ways using his power and speed; Harris is even effective in the passing game. Not a terrible pick, just don’t really like running backs in the first (with some exceptions).
Grade: B-
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
(Photo Courtesy: NFL)
This pick shocked just about everyone. I had mocked Etienne going to the Jaguars with their first pick in the second round and take safety Trevon Moehrig here. Jacksonville had different plans and opted to give Trevor Lawrence his college running back. It’s tough to argue strongly one way or the other between who is RB1 and RB2. Harris and Etienne are more so 1A and 1B depending on what certain teams would want. With certain aspects of his game getting comparisons of Alvin Kamara, this may turn out very well for the young Jags offense. However my initial thoughts, they could have tended to more pressing needs with this pick.
Grade: C+
26. Cleveland Browns
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
I was not expecting the Browns to go cornerback here but it makes a lot of sense. The Browns could have one of the best young secondaries in the league next year. Acquiring John Johnson in free agency and getting highly touted 2020 draft pick Grant Delpit healthy for 2021, the Browns look to lock down any team. Greg Newsome will only be asked to be at most the CB2 with Denzel Ward locking down the WR1’s. A low pressure situation for a guy with a lot of talent.
Grade: A-
27. Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Rashod Bateman; another one of my favorite draft prospects and my WR4. The Baltimore Ravens had to have been loving the fact that he was available here for them. The Ravens NEED to get Lamar Jackson a true WR1 and they hope Bateman will be up for the task.
Grade: A
28. New Orleans Saints
Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
I’m not really sure what this pick was about. A report came out on draft morning that Payton Turner could rise into the first round due to his character and good medicals. Turner is a big body defensive end that will help on the line with Cam Jordan. With Christian Barmore, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Trevon Moehrig still available, I’m not a huge fan of Turner at 28.
Grade: C-
29. Green Bay Packers
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
What a whirlwind of a day for the Green Bay Packers. From Aaron Rodgers not wanting to play for the team anymore to them not drafting an offensive weapon for him. This isn’t a bad move whatsoever though. Kevin King could be single-handedly blamed for the loss to the Buccaneers in the NFC championship game last year for his unimpressive play. Eric Stokes is a great athlete with good ball tracking skills to make for a nice duo alongside Jaire Alexander. However, we may have seen the last of Rodgers in Green Bay and I’m guessing it started with the Jordan Love pick last year.
Grade: B-
30. Buffalo Bills
Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
If Gregory Rousseau was draft eligible in the 2020 draft, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’d be a top 10 pick. However, due to his opt out in the 2020 season and scouts getting a better look at him on tape, he fell. Gregory Rousseau to Buffalo is a great selection to me. With three of Buffalo’s starting pass rushers being over 30, Rousseau has some time to sit behind them to figure out the NFL, and step in when he’s ready. Rousseau’s upside is sky high, just a very raw prospect as of right now.
Grade: B-
31. Baltimore Ravens
Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
The Ravens could have gone one of two ways with this pick. They could have targeted the offensive line which is a big need, but they decided to go for another need. Edge rusher Jayson Oweh. Oweh was a big riser due to his impressive pro day numbers and is another big boom or bust prospect. Considering he’ll be in a great Baltimore defense led by coordinator Wink Martindale, the boom is much more likely than the bust for Oweh.
Grade: B
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
With the final pick in the first round, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made an interesting decision. Instead of going for a Barmore or Ojulari, they opt to go for a more raw prospect in Joe Tryon. Tryon is a very good edge prospect and he doesn’t need to be starter ready on day one. With Ndamukong Suh, William Gholston and Jason Pierre-Paul all getting up there in age, Tryon looks to be the stud edge rusher after they’re gone.
Grade: C+
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