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NFL draft grades 2018: Packers earn high marks for top picks

By Keegan Jackish

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Jaire Alexander of Louisville poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Jaire Alexander of Louisville poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Derwin James of FSU poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #17 overall by the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Derwin James of FSU poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #17 overall by the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos

Favorite pick: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, NC State

Overall grade: A

The Broncos hit it out of the park this draft and I think it is fair to say that by drafting Bradley Chubb fifth overall, they will have the best pass rusher tandem in the league with Von Miller and Chubb.

John Elway was also smart to add Courtland Sutton and Royce Freeman on day two. Both will be tremendous playmakers in an offense in need of skill position players.

Their selections on day three of Josey Jewell and Troy Fumagalli could turn out to be some of the best picks of day three as well.

Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite pick: Khalil McKenzie, DT, Tennessee

Overall grade: D

The Chiefs had one of the worst drafts. They gave up their first-round pick in the Patrick Mahomes trade last year, but they still had three picks on day two and I wasn’t really a fan of any of them.

The Chiefs needed to add depth at all of the offensive skill positions, and they failed to spend even a single pick to improve their offense despite having six selections.

I like the Kahlil McKenzie pick and they may have gotten a bargain on him, but that’s one of the only positives to take away from their draft.

Los Angeles Chargers

Favorite pick: Derwin James, S, Florida State

Overall grade: B

The Chargers had a great draft. They added arguably the best defensive back in the class, who has been compared to Sean Taylor, with the 17th overall pick. They also added another stud who will help their pass rush with Uchenna Nwosu in the second round.

They didn’t invest quite as many picks into the offensive side of the ball, but Scott Quessenberry should help out their interior line, and Justin Jackson should provide some solid depth in the running back corps.

Oakland Raiders

Favorite pick: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Grade: B-

The Raiders had a good draft despite it being fairly Al Davis-like. The Kolton Miller pick in the first round didn’t make the most sense. He has a lot of potential but I don’t know how much he will be able to help their team this year.

They stole Maurice Hurst in the fifth round, and as long as his heart stays healthy, he could be a first-round level talent. I didn’t like the Arden Key pick quite as much in the third round. He has the potential to be a good player in the NFL, but his character concerns would be a little too strong for me to spend a third-rounder on him.

I love the Johnny Townsend pick in the sixth round. He should be a good punter as a replacement for Marquette King.

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