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NFL Draft Thoughts

Insights on all the teams from a fan's perspective.

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NFL Draft Thoughts
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The NFL Draft is a day celebrated by fans of the league everywhere. The infusion of new talent into the teams by way of selecting them from college is a ritual for the die-hard fan. Here are a few of my thoughts on every NFL team in their drafts this year:

Arizona Cardinals:

Their first pick of the draft was Robert Nkemdiche who is an early first round talent but has many off the field issues. Evan Boehm could be a starter right away for the cardinals who need help on the offensive line. Overall the Cardinals class was fine, but few notable standouts.

Atlanta Falcons:

I am going to complain about Keanu Neal right off the bat, he is a physical safety and plays very hard but everyone knows they got this pick because the head coach used to be at Florida and is super high on this guy. The rest of the NFL saw him as a talent for the second round. Austin Hooper TE from Stanford might have the best hands of any tight end in the draft.

Baltimore Ravens:

The Ravens made a statement getting a couple of good offensive lineman in the first four rounds. I am a huge fan of Kenneth Dixon, I watched him in a bowl game a couple years ago and that man has true talent. Interesting to see the got Kennan Reynolds in the 6th round, converted quarterback to wide receiver from Navy. Bronson Kaufusi is a definite upgrade immediately on DE.

Buffalo Bills:

For a defensive minded coach (Rex Ryan) the Bills defense definitely needs to step it up this season. They got three very talented defensive players in Lawson (DE Clemson) Ragland (ILB Alabama) and Washington (DT Ohio State). The question I have is why did they pick up Cardale Jones (QB Ohio State)? Does that show that they are not committed to Tyrod Taylor? Also Kolby Listenbee (WR TCU) might be the fastest player in the draft.

Carolina Panthers:

What were you thinking getting Vernon Butler in the first round? You have gaping holes on defense and you grab an area that was already a strength? They really needed cornerback help with the loss of Josh Norman so they grabbed three in first four picks. I really see this team backsliding a lot this year.

Chicago Bears:

Immediate impact players from the first two rounds Leonard Floyd (OLB Georgia) and Cody Whitehair (OG Kansas State). Bullard hasn’t always shown the ability to play every down. If the Bears have a decent amount of production from their lower picks they can begin to compete again.

Cincinnati Bengals:

First round pick Jackson III (CB Houston) has super speed and athletic ability. WR Tyler Boyd (Pitt) may be the most underrated player in this draft. Bengals really need to get some production out of Cody Core (WR Ole Miss) to replace the lost Sanu and Jones at the position.

Cleveland Browns:

Five Wide-Outs? Really? At this point, I just feel sorry for Browns fans. Coleman (WR Baylor) was fantastic early last season but faded down the stretch during Big 12 play. Emmanuel Ogbah dominated lesser competition but against players like Tunsil of Ole Miss during the bowl game was completely shut down. Cody Kessler is an interesting pick (QB USC) once touted as the next Carson Palmer. How the heck they picked up Scooby Wright II in the 7th round might be someone that can actually sniff the playing field.

Dallas Cowboys:

I think their best steal of this draft was 4th round pick Maliek Collins from Nebraska, he was a defensive force to be reckoned with in 2014, although his stats suffered some in 2015, most likely because he drew double teams from everyone. Their selection of Dak Prescott is interesting as a future starter at quarterback to replace an aging Romo. But I am not a fan of selecting Ezekiel Elliot in the first round. Do you think they need a running back that much? They already have Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden.

Denver Broncos:

For those of us praying that the Broncos were stuck with Sanchez, we got a rude awakening when they selected Paxton Lynch (QB Memphis). It’s almost unfair that they were able to get who I think was the best quarterback in the draft. Booker (RB Utah) was super fun to watch in college and Broncos fans may hope he adds yet more depth to the position. They selected a couple of safeties Simmons may start right away.

Detroit Lions:

When you have an offensive line as atrocious as Detroit's, you grab three offensive lineman in five picks. And realistically, all three could start on the Lions. Miles Killebrew is one of the gems of this draft (S Southern Utah), and Jake Rudock was an intriguing pick (QB Michigan). Overall, the Lions did very well in this draft.

Green Bay:

Ah, the Green Bay Packers never fail to get the players they want, even if it seems boring to the rest of us. Kenny Clark (DT UCLA) had 63 tackles along with five sacks last season for the Bruins, and will help in place of Raji. Blake Martinez had 129 tackles last year for the Stanford Cardinal. The rest of the players should push for depth chart positions.

Houston Texans:

They should call this draft "get help for Brock Oswieller" draft. In selecting Will Fuller (WR Notre Dame), Braxton Miller (WR Ohio State) and Tyler Ervin (RB San Jose State) rushed for 1600 yards and 13 touchdowns. The offensive firepower acquired by Texans should help them attempt to repeat as division champions.

Indianapolis Colts:

Ryan Kelly (OC Alabama) was the perfect pick for the Colts. Last year, a lot of center exchanges were botched for the Colts, and a relationship between Kelly and Luck is pivotal for the success of the offense. They also picked up a couple more offensive lineman. Le’Raven Clark may also start this year for the Colts. It is a good draft for the Colts to fill a few needs.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

A+! This was the best draft class anyone had this year. With the unfathomable fall of Myles Jack to the second round (knee issues), the Jags picked up the two best defensive players in the draft. Third round pick Yannick Ngakoue (DE Maryland) is also a super good pick up for a rush end to go with Folwer last years first round pick. This team is on an upswing.

Kansas City Chiefs:

Defensive-minded Chiefs really are hoping to pick up young players to back up their current stars while gaining experience to replace them as they retire. Chris Jones (DT) is a good acquisition with the loss of DeVito. DeMarcus Robinson (WR Florida) will make the roster and be a good slot receiver. Kevin Hogan (QB Stanford) could make a career backup quarterback.

Miami Dolphins:

Laremy Tunsil had a tumultuous day (OT Ole Miss) who had a photo of him hitting up a bong surface before the draft which may have some teams question his character. Kenyan Drake (RB Alabama) is a shifty back with burning speed. Jakeem Grant (WR Texas Tech) was an accolated Red Raider being the main WR for the last couple years in an spread offense. The offense may hit a growth spurt but in the end has improved drastically.

Minnesota Vikings:

Laquon Treadwell (WR Ole Miss) is just what Teddy Bridgewater needed. With the fade of Cordalle Patterson a new weapon who is easily the best receiver on this team will help move the chains on third down. Makensie Alexander is a true lockdown corner to put on a teams top receiver. 5th round pick Kentrell Brothers had the most tackles in a season with 152. Look for the Vikings to make the playoffs again.

New England Patriots:

Cyrus Jones (CB Alabama) is a stud. Great pick up for the Pats. Jacoby Brissett (QB NC State) was a good pick up for a scout team QB who can run very well. Malcom Mitchell (WR Georgia) has good size for corner fades in the end zone. Kraft once again orchestrated a good draft.

New Orleans Saints:

With only 5 picks the WHO DAT nation sure felt they used a couple really well. Sheldon Rankins and Michael Thomas (DT Louisville, and WR Ohio State) sure are great fits for the Saints. The departing Marquise Colston loss was felt so Thomas can help there. And with a historically bad defense Grabbing A couple DT’s and a Safety sure helps add depth.

NY Giants:

Eli Apple (CB Ohio State) is a good player but not sure he’s a great fit for the Giants. Picking up Sterling Shepard (WR Oklahoma) sure does give a better option for slot receiver. Having him and Odell and Cruz seems unfair. Overall I’d give the Giants a C on the draft. In a weakened division they will be pushing for the playoffs.

NY Jets:

And there was much rejoicing in New York! Christian Hackenberg was the best option available for the Jets and they got him. Should start at some point this season, if not immediately. Darron Lee had a backslide season last year but has tons of talent. Picking up Jenkins (OLB Georgia) could contribute right away. Jets did good.

Oakland:

If you have the quarterback of the future in Derek Carr, than why pick up Connor Cook? I am a huge fan of Shilque Calhoun (DE Michigan State) has a great run stopping ability. Karl Joseph may have been a reach at 14th pick overall but time will tell. This is for certain these Raider look good.

Philadelphia Eagles:

Many places had Carson Wentz as the top or 2nd best QB in this class, my jury is still out based on the lack of true competition he faced in FCS level play. The guy is a winner though. Great intelligence, and leadership skills. Grabbing a couple more offensive lineman to help a struggling run game was a must. Jalen Mills falling to the 7th round was incredible and a great pick up for them.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

The Steelers did what they always do make very few splashes in the draft but get assured quality players. Artie Burns (CB Miami FL) may be pressed into duty immediately. Also Sean Davis (S Maryland) will see lots of field time this year. Only two picks out of seven went offensively although one being Demarcus Ayers (WR Houston) who may see some time after suspension of another receiver.

San Diego Chargers:

Joey Bosa could be the best athlete in the class, Great pick up by Chargers. Hunter Henry is primed to take over for Antonio Gates as the Tight End soon and is a very good receiver and decent blocker. Also of not J.J. Watt’s brother Derek was taken in the 6th round as a fullback. This team won’t be a cellar dweller much longer.

San Francisco 49ers:

DeForest Buckner is the type of player you can build a defense around. Weird trading all those picks to get a Guard at the end of the second round. Kelvin Taylor is underrated (RB Florida) and Jeff Driskel (QB LA Tech) might make the three deep. This team is in major rebuild mode. Getting Buckner is a start.

Seattle Seahawks:

Signing a trio of RB for the departed Marshawn Lynch was smart, I am not sold on Thomas Rawls. Germain Ifedi was a really touted guard who has size and intelligence. Jarren Reed will plug up the defensive line and be a great run stuffer for years to come. Alex Collins (RB Arkansas) may be their best late pick up.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Huge fan of Hargreaves III, he will start day one. Noah Spence (OLB Eastern Kentucky) has all the tools but has a terrible history of acting up. If they can get him to settle down he could be a force. Not understanding Roberto Aquayo in second round. Though a fantastic kicker (He made everything attempted within 40 yards in his career) the second round seems a bit high. Overall I’d give a C.

Tennessee Titans:

When you add the Heisman trophy player you know you are going to get better. Derrick Henry is a huge workhorse of a back to go with DaMarco Murray. Jack Conklin was my favorite offensive lineman in the draft. Great job picking up him in the first round. Protecting Mariota is key for the Titans. Strengthing their d-line was done very well adding Dodd and Johnson. This team looks improved.

Washington Redskins:

Josh Doctson (WR TCU) will immediately be the 2nd receiver for Kirk Cousins. He has amazing speed and scorches defenses. I am interested to see what he does with Pierre Garcon and DeShawn Jackson. Kendall Fuller is a great pickup in the third round he was a primer corner at Virginia Tech. Nate Sudfield can throw the ball all over the field, quality backup.

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