Forget about grading the draft in terms of “smart” picks or “team needs.” All we care about is Fantasy Football! Who added Fantasy-relevant players that can come in and contribute on offense! So our grades should be viewed through the lens of Fantasy Football, not team building.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | LB Leighton Vander Esch |
| 2 | G Connor Williams |
| 3 | WR Michael Gallup |
| 4 | DE Dorance Armstrong Jr. |
| 4 | TE Dalton Schultz |
| 5 | QB Mike White |
| 6 | LB Chris Covington |
| 6 | WR Cedrick Wilson |
| 7 | RB Bo Scarbrough |
The Cowboys waited until the third round to fill a glaring need at wide receiver. With Terrance Williams, Michael Beasley, Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson, Gallup doesn’t need to do much to be a key piece of the offense. The opportunity will be there for Gallup and he has size and speed.
Grade: C-
New York Giants
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | RB Saquon Barkley |
| 2 | G Will Hernandez |
| 3 | EDGE Lorenzo Carter |
| 3 | DT B.J. Hill |
| 4 | QB Kyle Lauletta |
| 5 | DT RJ McIntosh |
One pick at running back made this draft for Fantasy. Barkley is the consensus No. 1 pick in rookie drafts and will go in the first round of redraft leagues. Some might take him as the fifth running back off the board and while the Giants offensive line struggled the last few seasons, it’s improved. Barkley is an explosive back, and is a great receiver. This is a great spot for Barkley as he will get at least 300 touches.
Grade: A
Philadelphia Eagles
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 2 | TE Dallas Goedert |
| 4 | CB Avonte Maddox |
| 4 | DE Josh Sweat |
| 6 | OT Matt Pryor |
| 7 | OT Jordan Mailata |
Goedert is one of the best tight ends in this class and this is one of the worst landing spots for Fantasy with Zach Ertz the starter. Goedert will replace Trey Burton and that means he doesn’t have much value unless Ertz gets injured.
Grade: D
Washington Redskins
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | DT Da’Ron Payne |
| 2 | RB Derrius Guice |
| 3 | OT Geron Christian |
| 4 | S Troy Apke |
| 5 | DT Tim Settle |
| 6 | LB Shaun Dion Hamilton |
| 7 | CB Greg Stroman |
| 7 | WR Trey Quinn |
Guice was one of the stories of the draft as he fell far for alleged “off the field” concerns. He fell to the 59th overall pick when many thought he could be the second running back selected. This is a great landing spot for Guice, who will seize the lead back role. Chris Thompson will see a lot of third-down action and be involved in the passing game, but Guice will get a lot of carries and be a RB2. He’s a violent runner and was slowed by injury last season.
Grade: B
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NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | LB Roquan Smith |
| 2 | C James Daniels |
| 2 | WR Anthony Miller |
| 4 | LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe |
| 5 | DT Bilal Nichols |
| 6 | DE Kylie Fitts |
| 7 | WR Javon Wims |
Miller is the intriguing player for Fantasy. The Bears traded up 54 spots and sent the Patriots a 2019 second-round pick to get him. Miller is 5-foot-11 and plays bigger than his size. He had 191 catches and 32 touchdowns the last two seasons at Memphis. Allen Robinson was signed to be the No. 1 wide receiver, but Kevin White hasn’t been able to stay healthy and Miller has a shot to be the No. 2 receiver in an ascending offense.
Grade: B
Detroit Lions
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | C Frank Ragnow |
| 2 | RB Kerryon Johnson |
| 3 | S Tracy Walker |
| 4 | DL Da’Shawn Hand |
| 5 | OT Tyrell Crosby |
| 7 | FB Nick Bawden |
The Lions running game has been one of the worst for years. They signed LeGarrette Blount, still have Theo Riddick and the drafting of Johnson likely means the end of Ameer Abdullah. The Lions selected Johnson ahead of some better backs. There’s not much value for Johnson as of now.
Grade: C
Green Bay Packers
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | CB Jaire Alexander |
| 2 | CB Josh Jackson |
| 3 | LB Oren Burks |
| 4 | WR J’Mon Moore |
| 5 | OT Cole Madison |
| 5 | P JK Scott |
| 5 | WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling |
| 6 | WR Equanimeous St. Brown |
| 7 | DT James Looney |
| 7 | LS Hunter Bradley |
| 7 | LB Kendall Donnerson |
There’s not much here for Fantasy. The Packers took three wide receivers for depth. It will take an injury or two before one makes an impact. The Packers focused on bolstering the defense, especially the secondary.
Grade: D
Minnesota Vikings
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | CB Mike Hughes |
| 2 | OT Brian O’Neill |
| 4 | DE Jalyn Holmes |
| 5 | TE Tyler Conklin |
| 5 | K Daniel Carlson |
| 6 | G Colby Gossett |
| 6 | DE Ade Aruna |
| 7 | CB Devante Downs |
Talk about a boring draft for Fantasy, this is it. The only skill position they addressed was the tight end and with Kyle Rudolph the starter, Conklin has no value.
Grade: F
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | WR Calvin Ridley |
| 2 | CB Isaiah Oliver |
| 3 | DT Deadrin Senat |
| 4 | RB Ito Smith |
| 6 | WR Russell Gage |
| 6 | S Foyesade Oluokun |
Most of the Fantasy world was probably shocked to see Alabama WR Calvin Ridley available when the Falcons picked at 26. Many pundits had Ridley going to the Cowboys to replace Dez Bryant, but instead, the Cowboys decided to shore up their linebacking corps. Ridley is perfect for the Falcons who lost WR Taylor Gabriel to the Bears in free agency. Ridley should be able to step right in and have little pressure on him. While I like Ridley’s upside in a dynasty league, in redraft leagues, he’s going to have to compete with Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu for catches. If Ridley has 45-50 catches for 800+ yards, it will be a productive season for him. The Falcons also took a RB who will immediately slot in as their RB3 and potentially an RB2 in a year. Ito Smith, out of Southern Mississippi, is an excellent all-around RB who plays similarly to Devonta Freeman. He’s short in stature but has a quick burst and is very good at catching the ball out of the backfield (he had 40+ receptions each of the last three years). If I drafted Freeman and/or Coleman I might take Smith with my 20th round pick. He could have an Elijah McGuire-type of year.
Grade: B-
Carolina Panthers
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | WR D.J. Moore |
| 2 | CB Donte Jackson |
| 3 | S Rashaan Gaulden |
| 4 | TE Ian Thomas |
| 4 | LB Marquis Haynes |
| 5 | LB Jermaine Carter |
| 7 | LB Andre Smith |
| 7 | DT Kendrick Norton |
The Panthers took Maryland WR D.J. Moore as the first WR off the board (24th) in this year’s draft. There is no doubting that Moore is a stud, but I do have questions about whether he will catch enough balls to be Fantasy relevant in 2018. Moore is an exceptional playmaker who played with five different QBs at Maryland. It’s going to take him some time to learn to be more than just an athlete and by running perfected routes. Additionally, the Panthers throw the ball to their RB (Christian McCaffrey) and TE (Greg Olsen) more than most other teams in the NFL. The Panthers have solid, but not outstanding receivers in Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith, and Curtis Samuel who will compete with Moore for balls as well. Ultimately, Moore’s value is dependent on Cam Newton. Cam, as we all know, is a running QB who is very inconsistent in the passing game. I am not sure that Moore will see enough targets to be considered a star for the next few years. That said, I would take him in best ball drafts and hope for his talent to shine through. The Panthers also picked up their TE of the future in Ian Thomas. Thomas was a fourth round pick who many thought could go in the second round. He will have a terrific mentor in Olsen and will replace Ed Dickson as the heir apparent to Olsen when he retires. He has solid value in dynasty formats only.
Grade: B
New Orleans Saints
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | DE Marcus Davenport |
| 3 | WR Tre’Quan Smith |
| 4 | OT Rick Leonard |
| 5 | S Natrell Jamerson |
| 6 | CB Kamrin Moore |
| 6 | RB Boston Scott |
| 7 | C Will Clapp |
The only player with Fantasy potential that the Saints took was UCF WR Tre’Quan Smith in the third round. Sadly, though for Smith, the Saints signed Cameron Meredith to a free agent contract last week and re-signed Brandon Coleman in the off-season. This combined with the fact that the Saints became a running team with Ingram and Kamara severely dampens Smith’s value for the time being.
Grade: D
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | DT Vita Vea |
| 2 | RB Ronald Jones II |
| 2 | CB M.J. Stewart |
| 2 | CB Carlton Davis |
| 3 | G Alex Cappa |
| 4 | S Jordan Whitehead |
| 5 | WR Justin Watson |
| 6 | LB Jack Cichy |
With “Muscle Hamster” Doug Martin now with the Raiders, Tampa needed to find a potential RB1 which they did with USC’s RB Ronald Jones II. Jones will compete with Peyton Barber in training camp and should assume the lead RB role by mid-season. Jones is an explosive runner who has breakaway speed and doesn’t mind mixing it up with defenders. His biggest liability is that he is not much of a pass catching back (only 14 receptions last year), so look for the Bucs to take him out on third down and bring in Jacquizz Rodgers. If Jameis Winston can play a little better this year, there is a reasonable chance to think that Jones could have 1000 yards rushing if he can get the job from Day One. I might be willing to take that chance and draft him as a RB2 come late August.
Grade: B-
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | QB Josh Rosen |
| 2 | WR Christian Kirk |
| 3 | C Mason Cole |
| 4 | RB Chase Edmonds |
| 6 | CB Chris Campbell |
| 7 | OT Korey Cunningham |
The Cardinals traded up to land UCLA QB Josh Rosen in the first round. Rosen was one of the more controversial selections in this year’s draft as many teams struggled with his personality and questioned his passion and desire for the game. There is no doubting Rosen’s ability to throw a football, however, as most experts will agree that Rosen’s throwing motion might be one of the finest in the past decade. The Cardinals did their homework on Rosen and seemed very comfortable with him moving forward. The only thing standing in the way of Rosen starting as a rookie is Sam Bradford. With Bradford’s injury history as checkered as it is, I expect Rosen to be playing no later than Week 10 or 11 this season. He could be an interesting QB3 in best ball formats. When Rosen gets on the field, he might be throwing to fellow rookie (and second-round pick) WR Christian Kirk. Kirk was dominant at Texas A&M as both a receiver and punt returner, and I would expect him to have a similar role with the Cardinals. The slot receiver spot seems to be wide open right now, so it would not shock me to see Kirk be there in Week 1. He could be this year’s version of Cooper Kupp. Finally, the Cardinals added Fordham RB Chase Edmonds as a fourth-round pick. Edmonds was extremely successful both running and catching the football while at Fordham and was one of the top RBs in the FCS. His draft stock dropped in his senior year due to injuries, but if he’s 100%, he could easily begin the year as David Johnson’s backup.
Grade: A+
Los Angeles Rams
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 3 | OT Joseph Noteboom |
| 4 | C Brian Allen |
| 4 | DE John Franklin-Myers |
| 5 | LB Micah Kiser |
| 6 | RB John Kelly |
| 6 | OT Jamil Demby |
| 6 | DT Sebastien Joseph |
| 6 | DE Trevon Young |
| 7 | LB Travin Howard |
| 7 | DE Justin Lawler |
The Rams only added one player who should have any Fantasy value in 2018. Tennessee RB John Kelly was only a sixth round pick, but he is expected to compete with Malcolm Brown to be Todd Gurley’s backup this season. Look for Brown to initially begin the year as the backup but watch for Kelly to emerge later in the season. Regardless, neither player is expected to do much with Gurley getting 95% of the touches.
Grade: D
San Francisco 49ers
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | OT Mike McGlinchey |
| 2 | WR Dante Pettis |
| 3 | LB Fred Warner |
| 3 | S Tarvarius Moore |
| 4 | DE Kentavius Street |
| 5 | CB D.J. Reed |
| 6 | S Marcell Harris |
| 7 | DT Jullian Taylor |
| 7 | WR Richie James |
The 49ers added OL Mike McGlinchey in the first round who should help newly acquired RB Jerrick McKinnon find more running room and keep QB Jimmy Garappollo standing upright. Regarding direct Fantasy help in the draft, the 49ers added two wide receivers who should have an opportunity to make the team. In the second round, the 49ers took Washington WR Dante Pettis. Pettis was a solid receiver in college and possesses decent size and speed to be successful at the next level. He is shifty in his routes and plays with a lot of finesse. His biggest problem is that he needs to hit the weight room as he is not quite fast enough (or strong enough) to get the separation he needs at the line of scrimmage. Pettis looks more like a dynasty project than a Fantasy contributor in 2018. The other WR selected was Richie James in the seventh round. James is all sorts of fast but broke his collarbone in his senior year and spiraled down draft charts. If James can flash any of his speed and quickness that he showed in his early days at college, he could easily supplant Trent Taylor as the slot receiver in this offense.
Grade: B-
Seattle Seahawks
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | RB Rashaad Penny |
| 3 | DE Rasheem Green |
| 4 | TE Will Dissly |
| 5 | LB Shaquem Griffin |
| 5 | S Tre Flowers |
| 5 | P Michael Dickson |
| 5 | OT Jamarco Jones |
| 6 | LB Jake Martin |
| 7 | QB Alex McGough |
The Seahawks surprised the Fantasy world (and the NFL) by selecting San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny with the 27th pick in the first round of the draft. Penny was a tough, brilliant runner in college and should easily be part of the Seahawks running attack on first and second downs. The biggest criticism with Penny is his ability to catch the football out of the backfield. He only had 19 catches as a senior, so many scouts saw him only as a two-down RB. However, the Seahawks have repeatedly said after the draft that they envision Penny as a three-down RB. If the Seahawks are right, they got a steal who could have 1000 yards rushing and 200+ yards receiving as early as this season. If they are wrong, people will wonder if they should have taken Sony Michel or Ronald Jones with that pick.
Grade: B
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | QB Josh Allen |
| 1 | LB Tremaine Edmunds |
| 3 | DT Harrison Phillips |
| 4 | CB Taron Johnson |
| 5 | CB Siran Neal |
| 5 | G Wyatt Teller |
| 6 | WR Ray-Ray McCloud |
| 7 | WR Austin Proehl |
The Bills didn’t add any offensive firepower for Fantasy owners in 2018. Josh Allen is their future at QB, but he’ll be holding a clipboard this year. Buffalo focused on improving the core of their defense while understanding they will need to find Allen offensive talent in 2019 and 2020 to help push Buffalo further up the AFC East standings.
Grade: C
Miami Dolphins
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | S Minkah Fitzpatrick |
| 2 | TE Mike Gesicki |
| 3 | LB Jerome Baker |
| 4 | TE Durham Smythe |
| 4 | RB Kalen Ballage |
| 6 | CB Cornell Armstrong |
| 7 | LB Quentin Poling |
| 7 | K Jason Sanders |
In a year where Miami needed help at all three levels of their defense, the Dolphins made an effort to add talent to their secondary and linebacking core. Their defensive line still has some holes with questions with the pass rush on the interior with Ndamukong Suh no longer on the roster. The TE position now at least has a pulse by adding Mike Gesiski in the second round. Over the last two years at Penn State, Gesicki caught 105 passes for 1,242 yards and 14 TDs. This season I expect Fantasy owners to draft him as a high-level TE2 in PPR league with upside.
Grade: C-
New England Patriots
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | T Isaiah Wynn |
| 1 | RB Sony Michel |
| 2 | CB Duke Dawson |
| 5 | LB Ja’Whaun Bentley |
| 6 | LB Christian Sam |
| 6 | WR Braxton Berrios |
| 7 | QB Danny Etling |
| 7 | CB Keion Crossen |
| 7 | TE Ryan Izzo |
With many teams in the NFL getting better via the trade market or the draft, the Patriots have had a rather bland offseason. They didn’t find their future QB while falling to add talent at WR and TE in the draft. Sony Michel will add big play ability to the run game, and New England did add to pieces to their offensive line (Isaiah Wynn in the first round and Trent Brown in a deal with San Fran). The only Fantasy question comes with the value of Michel. The Patriots have depth at RB, which points to Sony being a role player out of the gate. His best value should come over the second half of the year. Typically, New England will score a lot of TDs from the RB position, which makes Michel an interesting Fantasy options if he’s not overpriced on draft day. More of a 9th to 11th round Fantasy draft pick in PPR leagues unless the options get narrowed down over the summer.
Grade: D
New York Jets
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | QB Sam Darnold |
| 3 | DT Nathan Shepherd |
| 4 | TE Chris Herndon |
| 6 | CB Parry Nickerson |
| 6 | DT Folorunso Fatukasi |
| 6 | RB Trenton Cannon |
Jets’ fans have to be excited about drafting their future QB. Sam Darnold may earn the starting job over the summer, but the offensive talent around him isn’t high enough to expect him to be a playable QB option in 2018. Chris Herndon is a developmental TE option with talent who is coming off a knee injury. New York didn’t address their need to improve the offensive line or add talent to the WR position. 2019 will be another rebuilding year for the Jets.
Grade: B+
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AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | TE Hayden Hurst |
| 1 | QB Lamar Jackson |
| 3 | OT Orlando Brown |
| 3 | TE Mark Andrews |
| 4 | CB Anthony Averett |
| 4 | LB Kenny Young |
| 4 | WR Jaleel Scott |
| 5 | WR Jordan Lasley |
| 6 | S DeShon Elliott |
| 6 | OT Greg Senat |
| 6 | C Bradley Bozeman |
| 7 | DE Zach Sieler |
It’s pretty clear to see that the Ravens are ready to change the page at QB with Joe Flacco at the end of his contract. Lamar Jackson should sit most of the season unless Baltimore falls out of contention before December. His ability to run will add another dimension to the Ravens’ offense when given the opportunity to start. Hayden Hurst should emerge as the top option at TE out of the gate, but his game has plenty of questions about his overall upside even as a first-round pick.
Grade: A
Cincinnati Bengals
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | C Billy Price |
| 2 | S Jessie Bates |
| 3 | DE Sam Hubbard |
| 3 | LB Malik Jefferson |
| 4 | RB Mark Walton |
| 5 | CB Devontae Harris |
| 5 | DE Andrew Brown |
| 5 | CB Darius Phillips |
| 7 | QB Logan Woodside |
| 7 | G Rod Taylor |
| 7 | WR Auden Tate |
The Bengals didn’t add any Fantasy players of value in this season’s draft. They concentrated on their defense while adding a nice piece to their offensive line in the first round with Billy Price. Injury-plagued 2017 season for RB Mark Walton led to him falling on draft day. Walton will compete for a backup role this year.
Grade: F
Cleveland Browns
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | QB Baker Mayfield |
| 1 | CB Denzel Ward |
| 2 | G Austin Corbett |
| 2 | RB Nick Chubb |
| 3 | DE Chad Thomas |
| 4 | WR Antonio Callaway |
| 5 | LB Genard Avery |
| 6 | WR Damion Ratley |
| 6 | CB Simeon Thomas |
As an outsider with an opinion, I wasn’t happy with the Browns first two picks. I’d rather see the elite RB Saquon Barkley and a QB on their roster today. In the end, maybe Cleveland finally got it right at QB. Time will tell how this plays out. Baker Mayfield won’t start in September, but the win total could dictate his opportunity in 2018. I love his receiving core, so I can’t dismiss him as a Fantasy option if he comes quickly. Mayfield is more of a QB3 flier this Fantasy season. Nick Chubb is a very good win for them at RB, but a knee injury in 2015 led to less explosiveness as a runner over his last two seasons. Chubb runs with power and TD ability. His upside should be higher than Carlos Hyde on early downs, but Fantasy owners may have to wait for a few games to see his role develop on early downs.
Grade: A+
Pittsburgh Steelers
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | S Terrell Edmunds |
| 2 | WR James Washington |
| 3 | QB Mason Rudolph |
| 3 | OT Chukwuma Okorafor |
| 5 | S Marcus Allen |
| 5 | FB Jaylen Samuels |
| 7 | DT Joshua Frazier |
The Steelers bought some QB insurance with Mason Rudolph in the third round. He tends to make good decisions with the football while showing the ability to make a play with his legs near the goal line. Every year it seems like Pittsburgh takes a flier on an upside WR. This season’s drat goes to James Washington who played his college career with incoming QB Mason Rudolph. Washington should take over the deep WR role in the Steelers’ offensive vacated by the trade of Martavis Bryant. James could be the missing link in the Steelers’ passing game while being discounted on draft day.
Grade: C
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 3 | S Justin Reid |
| 3 | C Martinas Rankin |
| 3 | TE Jordan Akins |
| 4 | WR Keke Coutee |
| 6 | DE Duke Ejiofor |
| 6 | TE Jordan Thomas |
| 6 | LB Peter Kalambayi |
| 7 | CB Jermaine Kelly |
There are only two names that Fantasy owners need to think about after the Texans draft. Third round pick TE Jordan Akins will get a chance to play as a rookie especially with C.J. Fiedorowicz gone and Ryan Griffin having a long concussion history. Akins is 26 and has a decent feel for the passing game, but I can’t see him having too much value as tight ends usually take time to adjust to the NFL game. WR Keke Coutee will most likely make the roster as a WR5 and kick returner. It’s possible that Coutee could make a name for himself in the slot for the Texans by the end of the season. He’s nothing more than a stash in deep dynasty leagues right now.
Grade: D
Indianapolis Colts
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | G Quenton Nelson |
| 2 | LB Darius Leonard |
| 2 | G Braden Smith |
| 2 | EDGE Kemoko Turay |
| 2 | DE Tyquan Lewis |
| 4 | RB Nyheim Hines |
| 5 | WR Daurice Fountain |
| 5 | RB Jordan Wilkins |
| 6 | WR Deon Cain |
| 7 | LB Matthew Adams |
| 7 | LB Zaire Franklin |
With Frank Gore now in Miami, the Colts drafted two running backs to compete with incumbent starter Marlon Mack. NC State RB Nyheim Hines was a steal in the fourth round (there was talk that he could have been a much higher pick had he stayed in school for another year) and should play right away. He’s got sub 4.4 speed and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. HC Frank Reich rotated backs and exploited matchups when he was the OC with the Philadelphia Eagles and should do much the same with Hines and Mack. Hines could get about ten touches a game this season and could be an RB4 in deeper leagues. The Colts also added RB Jordan Wilkins in the fifth round from Ole Miss. Wilkins is a big battering ram type RB (6’ 1, 215) and could see some immediate goal line and short yardage carries if he can beat out Robert Turbin in training camp. If he wins the job, he might be an asset in TD-only leagues. At WR, the Colts added two players who have significant upside. WR Daurice Fountain was a fourth-round pick and was named the MVP of the East-West Shrine Game. He wasn’t invited to the combine, but his pro day numbers were ridiculously good, and he could easily emerge as the WR3 by mid-season. The Colts also added Clemson WR Deon Cain in Round 5. Cain’s got great size and speed, but he dropped way too many passes in college. He is nothing more than a dynasty flier at this point.
Grade: C
Jacksonville Jaguars
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | DT Taven Bryan |
| 2 | WR D.J. Chark |
| 3 | S Ronnie Harrison |
| 4 | OT Will Richardson |
| 6 | QB Tanner Lee |
| 7 | LB Leon Jacobs |
| 7 | P Logan Cooke |
The Jaguars drafted only one player who has Fantasy upside, but he is potentially a good one. LSU WR D.J. Chark was the team’s second-round pick this year, and he should make the roster and spend this season primarily as the team’s WR5, with the possibility for more down the road. Chark is a big and fast WR (6’3, 4.34 speed) and dominates in jump ball type situations. The biggest problem that he will face is that he lacks the route running skills of many of his teammates. For right now, Chark will be used as a big play, down the field threat with the chance to do more as he learns the system.
Grade: C
Tennessee Titans
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | LB Rashaan Evans |
| 2 | EDGE Harold Landry |
| 5 | DB Dane Cruikshank |
| 6 | QB Luke Falk |
The Titans grabbed QB Luke Falk with the 199th pick (same as Tom Brady) on Day 3. The team just signed Blaine Gabbert to be Marcus Mariota’s backup in the off-season, so Falk will be nothing more than a clipboard holder for the next two or three seasons.
Grade: F
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | DE Bradley Chubb |
| 2 | WR Courtland Sutton |
| 3 | RB Royce Freeman |
| 3 | CB Isaac Yiadom |
| 4 | LB Josey Jewell |
| 4 | WR DaeSean Hamilton |
| 5 | TE Troy Fumagalli |
| 6 | G Sam Jones |
| 6 | LB Keishawn Bierria |
| 7 | RB David Williams |
Hats off to Broncos GM John Elway for nailing the first few picks of this draft. I am sure Elway was as shocked as the rest of us to see DE Bradley Chubb available at 5. Chubb will solidify Denver’s already dominant defensive line and keep defenses from triple-teaming Von Miller. Chubb is a spectacular young rusher in his own right and could easily be playing in a Pro Bowl within three years. In Round 2, SMU WR Courtland Sutton was a terrific pick for the Broncos as the team has been desperate for a WR3 for years. Sutton can watch and learn from Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas and possibly become a true WR1 down the road when he learns to run better routes and get separation off the line of scrimmage. Lastly, third-round pick Oregon RB Royce Freeman didn’t have a great 2017 as he dealt with numerous injuries, but Freeman was incredibly productive in 2016 and should be a terrific first and second down RB as early as this season. Elway has already said that the team plans to use Freeman this season and with C.J. Anderson out of the picture, Freeman could easily get 200+ carries if he plays well. Elway also snared WR DaeSean Hamilton in the fourth round. Hamilton was a terrific receiver at Penn State and will easily make the team as either the WR4 or WR5 if he plays well in training camp.
Grade: A+
Kansas City Chiefs
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 2 | DT Breeland Speaks |
| 3 | DT Derrick Nnadi |
| 3 | LB Dorian O’Daniel |
| 4 | S Armani Watts |
| 6 | CB Tremon Smith |
| 6 | DT Kahlil McKenzie |
The Chiefs took no offensive selections in this year’s draft. Much of their draft grade will depend on how well QB Patrick Mahomes produces in his second season.
Grade: F
Los Angeles Chargers
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | S Derwin James |
| 2 | EDGE Uchenna Nwosu |
| 3 | DT Justin Jones |
| 4 | S Kyzir White |
| 5 | C Scott Quessenberry |
| 6 | WR Dylan Cantrell |
| 7 | RB Justin Jackson |
The Chargers added two late selections, but only one player has any potential Fantasy value. Northwestern RB Justin Jackson is a complete back who can play all three downs and is Northwestern’s all-time leading rusher. With Austin Ekeler the only competition in the backfield and more of a third-down back, it stands to reason that if RB Melvin Gordon gets injured this season, that Jackson and not Ekeler would be the primary backup. The Chargers other selection, WR Dylan Cantrell will be fighting for the WR5 position in training camp.
Grade: D+
Oakland Raiders
| RD. | PLAYER |
| 1 | OT Kolton Miller |
| 2 | DT P.J. Hall |
| 3 | OT Brandon Parker |
| 3 | EDGE Arden Key |
| 4 | CB Nick Nelson |
| 5 | DT Maurice Hurst |
| 5 | P Johnny Townsend |
| 6 | LB Azeem Victor |
| 7 | WR Marcell Ateman |
The Raiders spent much of their draft taking offensive and defensive lineman. There is no one with any Fantasy value here.
Grade: F
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