AFC NORTH
Jun 9, 2021 14:59:35 GMT -5
Cincinnati Bengals (Chris), Carolina Panthers (Justin), and 3 more like this
Post by Jacksonville Jaguars (Jordan) on Jun 9, 2021 14:59:35 GMT -5
Baltimore Ravens (Goose)
Grade: A
Goose’s draft is a case study of the benefits of trading down. BAL started the 2021 Rookie Draft with 1.04 in hand. As it got to his pick, Najee Harris was still available; and, Garrett was willing to pay for the chance at getting the consensus #1 RB. Normally, not the best idea to trade to a division rival. However, Goose was able to trade down to 1.10 and pick up Javonte Williams (DEN-RB) in the process. Picking up a 2022 1st, 2.10, and Javonte Williams is a great return for 1.04. Goose might have to wait a year for the production (maybe less...maybe like a few weeks), but once Javonte takes over, he’s going to really pop in value and output. At 2.04, Goose selected Azeez Olujari (NYG-LB), and at 2.10 selected Josh Palmer (LAC-WR). The Olujari pick isn’t the sexiest, but could provide some real nice value. 2.09 was the real prize of the 2nd round for Goose. Granted, most of the excitement with Palmer is with Herbert. He’s likely to be a non-factor in year one, so we’re into 2022 before we get an idea of what Palmer will be. Regardless, there’s still excitement to be had in the prospects of what Palmer might become for LAC’s offense. Goose finished off his draft in the 3rd round by picking up Patrick Jones (MIN-DL) at 3.04. Just a solid DL, and could end up being a real good value pick for him in the 3rd round. A solid draft overall for Goose, which leads to the ultimate question: If an actual Goose can have a good draft, what’s your excuse?
Cincinnati Bengals (Chris)
Grade: B-
Our supreme leader’s draft requires us to look back in time to earlier in the offseason. In April, Chris traded Budda Baker for DEN’s 1st. Chris then worked multiple angles to try and move up in the draft, but ultimately, couldn’t gain any traction with possible trade partners. As the draft was progressing, he figured his guy wasn’t going to be there at 1.23. So, along with his 2022 2nd & 3rd, traded with NE (in a negotiation that lasted longer than the ‘Hundred Years War’) to move up and select Terrace (Not Terrance) Marshall Jr. (CAR-WR) at 1.18. Chris identified a WR that he was high on, and made a move to get him. Time will tell what Terrace will blossom into with CAR’s offense. He’s not an alpha #1 WR, nor is he a slot/underneath grinder. He’s a finesse outside WR, and unfortunately not that great for consistent FF play (especially with Darnold at QB...just ask Robby Anderson). He has upside that makes him of interest, but that might take a few years. But our supreme leader can afford to wait with his roster.
Cleveland Browns (Kevin)
Grade: C
In a draft where two division rivals made significant strides, Boz couldn’t afford to have a lackluster draft. And while I wouldn’t necessarily call Boz’s draft lackluster, it wasn’t a home run either. There were a lot of moves during draft time, so a lot to unpack on this one. Let’s start with his 1st pick, in which Boz chose Zaven Collins (ARI-LB) at 1.16. The Cardinals currently list Collins as an ILB, and are allowing Hicks to seek a trade. This is possibly one of the dumbest moves Arizona could make, but they are becoming kinds of personnel stupidity. But that’s good news for Boz, as Collins should be in a prime spot right away. Shortly before our rookie draft kicked off, Boz made a trade that netted him DAL 1st (1.32) that saw him get rid of his 1st next year. He then traded 1.32 for 2.08 and David Long (TEN-LB). At 2.08, he selected Kwity Paye (IND-DL). A good-not-great rush end prospect. Worth noting, he also gave up Joey Bosa in this process in exchange for his 2021 2nd (2.16) that he had previously given up. He then traded this pick for HOU 3rd (3.07) and Jamychal Hasty (SF-RB). At 3.06, Boz selected a 7th round RB in Kylin Hill (GB-RB). This just doesn’t stack up against the drafts that his division rivals had, unfortunately. And getting all of that in exchange for his 1st next year as well, doesn’t bode well for this team competing in the near future.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Garrett)
Grade: A
I don’t really need to say much about Garrett’s draft other than you’d be splitting hairs to find fault in the moves and picks he made. Honestly, try to find something wrong with this draft:
1.04 - Najee Harris (PIT-RB)
1.21 - Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah (CLE-LB)
1.31 - Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET-WR)
2.06 - Chazz Surratt (MIN-LB)
2.18 - Tutu Atwell (LAR-WR)
2.19 - Trevon Moehrig (LV-DB)
2.25 - Derrick Barnes (DET-LB)
3.10 - Tommy Tremble (CAR-TE)
I mean the list speaks for itself. Value pick after value pick at each of his selections. Obviously time will tell if each of these picks will end up producing the way Garrett would hope. However, I don’t have to do really any analysis for you to understand that Garrett made the most of his draft. The only thing for Garrett now is to find the contract years to get them on his roster. But the future is definitely much brighter post-draft for PIT.
Grade: A
Goose’s draft is a case study of the benefits of trading down. BAL started the 2021 Rookie Draft with 1.04 in hand. As it got to his pick, Najee Harris was still available; and, Garrett was willing to pay for the chance at getting the consensus #1 RB. Normally, not the best idea to trade to a division rival. However, Goose was able to trade down to 1.10 and pick up Javonte Williams (DEN-RB) in the process. Picking up a 2022 1st, 2.10, and Javonte Williams is a great return for 1.04. Goose might have to wait a year for the production (maybe less...maybe like a few weeks), but once Javonte takes over, he’s going to really pop in value and output. At 2.04, Goose selected Azeez Olujari (NYG-LB), and at 2.10 selected Josh Palmer (LAC-WR). The Olujari pick isn’t the sexiest, but could provide some real nice value. 2.09 was the real prize of the 2nd round for Goose. Granted, most of the excitement with Palmer is with Herbert. He’s likely to be a non-factor in year one, so we’re into 2022 before we get an idea of what Palmer will be. Regardless, there’s still excitement to be had in the prospects of what Palmer might become for LAC’s offense. Goose finished off his draft in the 3rd round by picking up Patrick Jones (MIN-DL) at 3.04. Just a solid DL, and could end up being a real good value pick for him in the 3rd round. A solid draft overall for Goose, which leads to the ultimate question: If an actual Goose can have a good draft, what’s your excuse?
Cincinnati Bengals (Chris)
Grade: B-
Our supreme leader’s draft requires us to look back in time to earlier in the offseason. In April, Chris traded Budda Baker for DEN’s 1st. Chris then worked multiple angles to try and move up in the draft, but ultimately, couldn’t gain any traction with possible trade partners. As the draft was progressing, he figured his guy wasn’t going to be there at 1.23. So, along with his 2022 2nd & 3rd, traded with NE (in a negotiation that lasted longer than the ‘Hundred Years War’) to move up and select Terrace (Not Terrance) Marshall Jr. (CAR-WR) at 1.18. Chris identified a WR that he was high on, and made a move to get him. Time will tell what Terrace will blossom into with CAR’s offense. He’s not an alpha #1 WR, nor is he a slot/underneath grinder. He’s a finesse outside WR, and unfortunately not that great for consistent FF play (especially with Darnold at QB...just ask Robby Anderson). He has upside that makes him of interest, but that might take a few years. But our supreme leader can afford to wait with his roster.
Cleveland Browns (Kevin)
Grade: C
In a draft where two division rivals made significant strides, Boz couldn’t afford to have a lackluster draft. And while I wouldn’t necessarily call Boz’s draft lackluster, it wasn’t a home run either. There were a lot of moves during draft time, so a lot to unpack on this one. Let’s start with his 1st pick, in which Boz chose Zaven Collins (ARI-LB) at 1.16. The Cardinals currently list Collins as an ILB, and are allowing Hicks to seek a trade. This is possibly one of the dumbest moves Arizona could make, but they are becoming kinds of personnel stupidity. But that’s good news for Boz, as Collins should be in a prime spot right away. Shortly before our rookie draft kicked off, Boz made a trade that netted him DAL 1st (1.32) that saw him get rid of his 1st next year. He then traded 1.32 for 2.08 and David Long (TEN-LB). At 2.08, he selected Kwity Paye (IND-DL). A good-not-great rush end prospect. Worth noting, he also gave up Joey Bosa in this process in exchange for his 2021 2nd (2.16) that he had previously given up. He then traded this pick for HOU 3rd (3.07) and Jamychal Hasty (SF-RB). At 3.06, Boz selected a 7th round RB in Kylin Hill (GB-RB). This just doesn’t stack up against the drafts that his division rivals had, unfortunately. And getting all of that in exchange for his 1st next year as well, doesn’t bode well for this team competing in the near future.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Garrett)
Grade: A
I don’t really need to say much about Garrett’s draft other than you’d be splitting hairs to find fault in the moves and picks he made. Honestly, try to find something wrong with this draft:
1.04 - Najee Harris (PIT-RB)
1.21 - Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah (CLE-LB)
1.31 - Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET-WR)
2.06 - Chazz Surratt (MIN-LB)
2.18 - Tutu Atwell (LAR-WR)
2.19 - Trevon Moehrig (LV-DB)
2.25 - Derrick Barnes (DET-LB)
3.10 - Tommy Tremble (CAR-TE)
I mean the list speaks for itself. Value pick after value pick at each of his selections. Obviously time will tell if each of these picks will end up producing the way Garrett would hope. However, I don’t have to do really any analysis for you to understand that Garrett made the most of his draft. The only thing for Garrett now is to find the contract years to get them on his roster. But the future is definitely much brighter post-draft for PIT.