Lombardi Ave
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Sam Darnold of USC poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the New York Jets 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: Sam Darnold of USC poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the New York Jets 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) /

Buffalo Bills

Favorite pick: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Overall grade: B

I am not the biggest Josh Allen fan and I think Josh Rosen is the better quarterback. But Allen’s arm strength and personality may make him a better fit in Buffalo than Rosen. I like that Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills were bold and went up to get their guy without having too give up too much. The Bills were also smart to add AJ McCarron in free agency as a guy they can start while Allen is groomed to be their franchise quarterback.

The Tremaine Edmunds pick was one of the best of the first round, as they got him in the late teens despite being projected by most people to be a top-10 pick. Buffalo should be thrilled to add a guy like him on defense.

Harrison Phillips was a smart player to add in the third round as well. He could be a good replacement for Kyle Williams down the line.

Miami Dolphins

Favorite pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

Overall grade: B-

I loved the Dolphins’ first two selections, but after that their picks kind of fell off.

Minkah Fitzpatrick will immediately improve their defense, and I loved that they gave Ryan Tannehill another target with the athletic Mike Gesicki. But they didn’t really get that much better after that. Jerome Baker could be a replacement for Cameron Wake, but they should have added another quarterback and upgraded their defensive line more.

New England Patriots

Favorite pick: Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami

Overall grade: C

The Patriots spent their first three picks on guys they believe can replace the major players they let walk in free agency: Isaiah Wynn for Nate Solder, Sony Michel for Dion Lewis, and Duke Dawson for Malcolm Butler.

These aren’t bad players by any aspect, but the Patriots missed out on the opportunity to find their quarterback of the future in this draft. Josh Rosen slid all the way to the 10th pick and I believe he will be a franchise quarterback in this league.

They could have packaged their picks together to get him, or they could have selected Lamar Jackson instead of Sony Michel at 31.

I still do like their first few picks from a talent standpoint, and the Braxton Berrios selection was smart on day three. He could be a reliable slot receiver should Julian Edelman get hurt again.

New York Jets

Favorite pick: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Overall grade: A

The Jets added the perfect quarterback in Sam Darnold after he slid into their laps when Cleveland and the New York Giants passed on him. He has the potential to turn that franchise around and Jets fan should be enthusiastic to land him.

I also liked that they brought in two defensive tackles to beef up their defensive line, after recently losing Muhammad Wilkerson in free agency and Sheldon Richardson to Seattle in a trade (later went to Minnesota in free agency).

Home/Green Bay Packers Draft