The 2017 NFL Draft is finally underway, and NFL expert Matt Verderame will grade every pick for Thursday and Friday night’s action.
After months of talking about who is going to be picked where, we are finally finding out. It has been a long road, starting with the tape from the last few years, and onto the East-West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and pro days.
On Thursday night, we’ll see 32 players go off the board, with surprises popping up occasionally. While only three quarterbacks are sure to be taken, it would be a mild shock if at least one more doesn’t hear his name called before the end of the first night. In the NFL, quarterbacks aren’t forced to wait. Conversely, who ends up sitting in the green room until Friday? Unfortunately, a poor soul or two will be left wondering for another day what their fates are to be.
Some of the more notable names to keep an eye on include corner Gareon Conley, running backs Dalvin Cook and Joe Mixon, linebacker Reuben Foster and safety Jabrill Peppers. All have some lingering off-field issues, and could be a steal should they prove their character over the years. Or, just as easily, they could become synonymous with a bust in their next town.
Throughout the night, we will have instant grades of all the picks along with a bit of analysis. Make sure to refresh the page to see everything. Thanks for joining us, and good luck to your respective team!
1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M
This was the best move for a team that depserately needed to get this pick right. After a ton of talk centering on Mitchell Trubisky, the Browns wisely went with the sure thing in Garrett, who should come into the NFL and produce immediately.
Grade: A+
2. Chicago Bears (via 49ers): Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
This is a puzzling move for a team that has a litany of needs. Chicago had three of the top 70 picks in what is a loaded draft, but dealt a third and fourth-round pick this year, along with a third-rounder in the 2018 draft. Most believe, including me, that Trubisky has the ceiling of Andy Dalton. Factoring in other needs, picks traded and the ceiling of the player, it’s a bad move.
That’s to say nothing of Mike Glennon. Ugh.
Grade: D
3. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford
The 49ers had a great first night. They were able to pick up a third and fourth round pick this year from the Bears, and only moved back on spot. Thomas is a plug-and-play defensive lineman who should help improve a 49ers defense that has real talent at all three levels.
Grade: A
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
The Jaguars had to give more help to Blake Bortles, who is in a make-or-break year. Fournette immediately gives Jacksonville a fast, bruising back that can rush for 1,000 yards as a rookie. This is one of the safer picks imaginable.
Grade: B+
5. Tennessee Titans (via Rams): Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Davis has been dominant in the MAC for three seasons, showcasing an elite combination of size and speed. He immediately comes in as Tennessee’s top target, and gives Marcus Mariota a quality target on the outside to go with a punishing running game.
Grade: B
6. New York Jets: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams might be the best player in the draft outside of Garrett, and the Jets were rewarded for their patience with him falling into their lap. Adams reminds many of Eric Berry, with the ability to both make an impact at the line and roam in center field. Very well done.
Grade: A+
7. Los Angeles Chargers: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
This is an interesting decision. General manager Tom Telesco obviously wants to surround Philip Rivers with elite weapons and hope the defense can improve later in the draft. It’s a solid strategy, that also protects against another Keenan Allen injury.
Grade: B
8. Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
McCaffrey gives the Panthers another dynamic in the backfield, and in the slot. The Stanford product will share time with Jonathan Stewart while also replacing Ted Ginn Jr. This was a quality move by the Panthers, who get a class act and a tremendous talent.
Grade: B+
9. Cincinnati Bengals: John Ross, WR, Washington
The Bengals needed to help Andy Dalton on the other side of A.J. Green, and they did that with the man who ran a combine-record 4.22 40-yard dash. Now, Cincinnati has to think about helping out the defense in days two and three.
Grade: C+
10. Kansas City Chiefs (via Bills): Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
The Chiefs finally did it. For the first time since 1983, Kansas City drafted a quarterback, moving up 17 spots to get Patrick Mahomes. Look for him to sit behind Alex Smith for a year, but that will be the end of the line for the veteran. This was a home run move.
Pick: A+
11. New Orleans Saints: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
Lattimore was the best corner on the board, and he fills a huge need for the Saints. This is arguably the best value yet in the draft. New Orleans has to be doing backflips in the war room, with Lattimore coming into a starting situation.
Grade: A
12. Houston Texans (via Browns): Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Another contender moving up to take a hopeful franchise quarterback. Houston had to give up its 2018 first-round pick but this is more than worth it for a chance to get a real slice of Super Bowl heaven.
Grade: A
13. Arizona Cardinals: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Reddick was a quick riser in the NFL Draft, and he was plucked by the Cardinals. Arizona should be thrilled to add a talent like Reddick to the front seven, especially after losing Keith Minter and Darnell Dockett in free agency. This is a solid pick.
Grade: B+
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Vikings): Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Philadelphia moved on from Connor Barwin this offseason, and replace him with a player of similar skill set. Barnett is one of the best edge-rushers in the draft, and should start from day one for the Eagles. He needs to get better against the run, but he can make an impact this year.
Grade: B-
15. Indianapolis Colts: Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
Hooker was supposed to go in the top five, and fell all the way to Indianapolis. The Colts should feel good about securing a key piece for a secondary that needed one in the worst way. While Indianapolis could (and maybe should) have gotten a pass-rusher, this makes sense.
Grade: C+
16. Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
Humphrey is the second corner to go off the board, and it’s a wise move by Ravens general manager – and former Crimson Tide star – Ozzie Newsome. Baltimore needed to get better in the secondary in front of Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle. It happened.
Grade: A-
17: Washington Redskins: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama
The second straight Crimson Tide star to go off the board. Many thought Allen would fall because of his shoulder issues, but this was shocking. Allen is going to be a stud if he can stay healthy. He was arguably the best player in the SEC last year.
Pick: A-
18. Tennessee Titans: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Jackson should come in and start opposite Logan Ryan from the jump. Jackson is one of the more explosive athletes coming into the NFL, and could provide a nice bump in Tennessee’s return game as well. This was a good pick for a team with a hole in the secondary.
Grade: B+
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
This might be the biggest steal of the draft, and what a fit for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is going to be tough to stop with Howard running down the seam, along with DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans on the outside. Jameis Winston has to be thrilled.
Grade: A+
20. Denver Broncos: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
Denver absolutely had to walk away with a top tackle, and it believes that happened with the selection of Bolles. The Broncos had Donald Stephenson and Menelik Watson starting on the outside before the pick, but that should change. Still, Bolles is very raw. This is going to be a nice pick, but will take some time.
Grade: B
21. Detroit Lions: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Davis is going to fill a hole for Detroit. the Lions released DeAndre Levy this offseason, hoping to upgrade and find a player who could stay on the field. Davis is a good-looking prospect who can learn alongside veteran pick-up Paul Worrilow.
Grade: B
22. Charles Harris, DE, Missouri
Harris will put his hand in the dirt in Miami’s 4-3 defense, opposite Cameron Wake. Harris is raw in some areas, mostly run defense, but he can get around the corner and create problems. The Dolphins got a good prospect who should be able to get pass rush early on.
Grade: B+
23. New York Giants: Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss
This is a bit of a head-scratcher. The Giants have to fix the offensive line, and already have a ton of weapons for Eli Manning. Instead, New York decided to add another mouth to feed. Engram is also more receiver than blocker (by a long shot) which also hurts the line.
Grade: C
24. Oakland Raiders: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
The Raiders clearly believe Conley is guilty of nothing that he’s been accused of. Should that be the case, Conley is going to be a nice find for Oakland, who can start immediately opposite of Sean Smith. At Ohio State, Conley distinguished himself as an elite talent. Only reason I knock down the grade? The looming off-field concern.
Grade: B-
25: Cleveland Browns (via Texans): Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
Peppers is one of the most intriguing players in the draft. Should he stay on the defensive side? How about running back? All that said, the Browns have so many holes, it’s tough to take a chance like this on a player with no definitive position.
Grade: C
26: Atlanta Falcons (via Seahawks): Takkarist McKinley, EDGE, UCLA
McKinley was dominant last season for the Bruins, and he provides some serious heat off the edge opposite Vic Beasley Jr. The Falcons have a very fast defense that should be able to handle the elite offenses in the NFC South. Nice job by Thomas Dimitroff.
Pick: A-
27: Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs): Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
White is going to fill an immediate need for head coach Sean McDermott. After seeing Stephon Gilmore leave for the Patriots, the Bills needed someone to step in and play the role of top corner across from Ronald Darby. White is going to be charged with that task.
Grade: B-
28. Dallas Cowboys: Taco Charlton, DL, Michigan
First of all, great name. Seriously, though, Charlton can play and should be a really nice fit in the Cowboys’ front under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. Dallas has to put more pressure on the quarterback, and this selection should go a long way towards that goal.
Grade: B+
29. Cleveland Browns (via Packers): David Njoku, TE, Miami
Again, this pick makes little sense. The Browns were going to get Njoku at the 33rd-overall pick. Why trade up? Also, if you are going to trade up, wouldn’t you try to nab a quarterback such as DeShone Kizer? Nothing against Njoku, but feels like a panic move.
Grade: C+
30: Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
The younger brother of J.J. Watt found an AFC home, going to the Steelers. Pittsburgh has developed ample linebackers throughout its history, including Ryan Shazier in recent seasons. The Steelers can allow him to develop alongside James Harrison.
Grade: B
31. San Francisco 49ers (via Seahawks): Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
This is a home run for the 49ers, provided Foster can keep his blinders on and focus on football. In terms of pure talent, San Francisco is getting one of the best three players in the draft. Foster now pairs with NaVorro Bowman and a very young, talented line. This is a great job by John Lynch.
Grade: A+
32. New Orleans Saints (via Patriots): Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
The Saints have to make sure Drew Brees stays upright, and this will help that cause. Ramczyk could have easily gone in the early 20s, but falls to New Orleans. Look for him to play on the right side, giving Sean Payton a nice bookend for Terron Armstead.
Grade: B
Second round
33. Green Bay Packers (via Browns): Kevin King, CB, Washington
Excellent value for the Packers, who traded back to net an additional fourth-round pick. King will help a porous secondary, giving Green Bay a nice base alongside Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. King is long and quick, and should be able to provide a physical corner for Dom Capers’ defense.
Grade: A-
34. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Seahawks): Cam Robinson, OL, Alabama
The Jaguars took Leonard Fournette in the first round, and now add some beef up front. Branden Albert was acquired this offseason, but he’s not long for the league. Robinson gives Jacksonville a true left tackle prospect who can start this season on the right side. The former Crimson Tide star is raw, but the talent is there.
Grade: B
35. Seattle Seahawks (via Jaguars): Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
The Seahawks rolled the dice with their first pick of the draft, selecting McDowell. When he was engaged, McDowell was one of the best defensive linemen in the country at East Lansing. However, his motor runs hot and cold. If Pete Carroll can get that fixed, the Seahawks have a steal. Still, the risk is very real.
Grade: B-
36. Arizona Cardinals (via Bears): Budda Baker, S, Wsahington
Baker is small for a safety, but he plays like a much larger man. The Washington product also has the ability to run sideline-to-sideline, making him a real asset in Arizona’s defense. Baker should come in and replace Tony Jefferson, who left in free agency. The only knock here is the trade cost.
Grade: B
37. Buffalo Bills (via Rams): Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Jones was thought be some to be a first-round pick, but this is the right spot for the big-bodied receiver. The Bills desperately needed to add a receiver behind Sammy Watkins, and the explosive Jones fits the mold. Buffalo should be happy with this choice.
Grade: B+
38. Los Angeles Chargers: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
The Chargers should be thrilled that Lamp was available this late in the game. He’s going to convert into a guard after playing tackle in college. Lamp is likely the best guard in the draft, and will start immediately on a line that really needs the help. Great selection.
Grade: A+
39. New York Jets: Marcus Maye, S, Florida
This is confusing. New York selected Jamal Adams in the first round and got kudos from me, considering his high floor and clear talent. However, the Jets have so many needs across the board and walked away with a player who might have been both not needed and overdrafted.
Grade: D+
40. Carolina Panthers: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State
Samuel gives Cam Newton another toy to play with.While Carolina has to be thinking about upgrading the secondary at some point, general manager David Gettleman has fixed the problems that plagued the offense. Samuel might take a bit to find his footing, but he’s a great athlete.
Grade: B-
41. Minnesota Vikings (via Bengals): Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Cook has incredible talent. If he can keep his nose clean away from the field, he should be one of the steals in this draft. The former Florida State product is one of the most dynamic players in this class, and now he replaces Adrian Peterson.
Grade: B+
42. New Orleans Saints: Marcus Williams, S, Utah
The Saints need to fix their defense if they are going to make a real run in the NFC South, and that’s exactly what general manager Mickey Loomis is doing. After nabbing Marshon Lattimore in the first round, Williams comes in to fix the back end.
Grade: B
43. Philadelphia Eagles: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
The Eagles loved Jones so much, they used their second-round pick on a player not expected to see the field until late October, at the earliest. Before tearing his Achilles at his pro day, Jones was projected to be a surefire first round selection. Count me in for a player who should pay off in the long term.
Grade: B+
44: Los Angeles Rams (via Bills): Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama
Everett can play, but this pick is a bit rich for his talent. The Rams desperately needed to fill a need at the position, but they could have stayed in their original slot and taken Zay Jones. Instead, Everett is the consolation prize. It’s a questionable move for a team that needs more.
Grade: C
45. Chicago Bears (via Cardinals): Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
Again, this feels forced. The Bears really need to upgrade the secondary and have all kinds of needs in the pass-rushing department opposite Leonard Floyd. Instead, Chicago adds a raw talent in Shaheen, who will need a year or two to truly develop. Ryan Pace is having a tough go of it.
Grade: C-
46. Indianapolis Colts: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
This is a great job by first-time general manager Chris Ballard. After getting Malik Hooker in the first round, Ballard doubled down on the secondary and gave Vontae Davis a running mate. Wilson was projected in the late first round, and should be a starter come September.
Grade: A-
47: Baltimore Ravens: Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
Bowser might take some time to grow into his role, but this is a player who should be a pass-rusher from the jump. With the Ravens releasing Elvis Dumervil in the offseason, the time had come to find his replacement. Bowser is a solid pick by Ozzie Newsome.
Grade: B
48. Cincinnati Bengals (via Vikings): Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
The Bengals have never shied away from players with off-field problems, and that isn’t changing now. Mixon is very talented but the concerns are clear. Cincinnati is an obvious fit for him, considering the team needs a back to go with Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard.
Grade: B-
49. Washington Redskins: Ryan Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
The Redskins needed to find a compliment in the pass-rush for Ryan Kerrigan, and the front office (not the general manager, because there isn’t one) believes Anderson could be that guy. The Redskins also added Crimson Tide star Jonathan Allen in the first round, so defense was a priority.
Grade: B-
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M
Evans is going to work his way into a Tampa Bay secondary that is unsettled at safety. The Buccaneers have an elite offense, and now have to piece together a quality defense to make a playoff push. Evans can bring the hammer in the run game but has enough speed to play a little center field.
Grade: B
51. Denver Broncos: DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State
Denver is trying to keep that defense strong, and Walker should do that. The former Seminoles star will play opposite Derek Wolfe for new head coach Vance Joseph. Walker should be able to make waves from Week 1, getting ample snaps.
Grade: B+
52. Cleveland Browns: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
The Browns didn’t add a quarterback in the first round, but waited until deep into the second round before landing the Notre Dame product. Kizer should be able to sit behind Cody Kessler and Brock Osweiler for a year and learn. The tools are there, but he’s raw.
Grade: A-
53. Detroit Lions: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
The Lions needed a corner opposite Darius Slay, and Tabor was their man. Tabor was projected to be a first-round pick early in the process, but struggled through the testing and pro day. His tape is better than his measurables. Let’s find out which wins out.
Grade: B-
54. Miami Dolphins: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
The Dolphins are trying to remake this defense. In the first round, Miami added Charles Harris on the line to rush the passer. Now, McMillan comes in to play next to Kiko Alonso. The Dolphins are doing a nice job of building off their playoff run.
Grade: A
55. New York Giants: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
New York needed a body to replace Johnathan Hankins, and did exactly that with a big-bodied nose tackle out of Alabama. Tomlinson is raw and might need to play limited snaps in the beginning, but he should be a run-stuffer alongside Damon Harrison.
Grade: B+
56: Oakland Raiders: Obi Melifonwu, DB, UConn
Melifonwu is massive for a defensive back, whether he plays safety or cornerback, weighing in at 224 pounds. He was dominant at the scouting combine, and his tape shows a player who can do multiple things. He’s a steal at this point in the draft for general manager Reggie McKenzie.
Grade: A
57. Houston Texans: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
The Texans are looking for the replacement of Brian Cushing, and could have him in Cunningham. The tackling is bad and the playmaking doesn’t always show up on film in pass defense, but the tools are there for defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to work with.
Grade: B-
58. Seattle Seahawks: Ethan Pocic, OL, LSU
Pocic is goingto play on the inside at the NFL level, and he fits an immediate and long-term need for the Seahawks. After trading back time and time again, general manager John Schneuder has gone in the trenches with both picks. The Seahawks should feel good.
Grade: B
59. Kansas City Chiefs: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DL, Villanova
The Chiefs released Jaye Howard last week and now replace him with a younger version. Kpassagnon is very raw, but he has the skills of a pass-rusher with a hand in the dirt. Kansas City continues to build a very athletic, fast defense under coordinator Bob Sutton.
Grade: B
60. Dallas Cowboys: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
After losing Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church in one offseason, Dallas had to do something in the back end. Awuzie gives the Cowboys someone who can step in and play in the physical NFC East. Watching him against the Giants’ receivers should be awesome.
Grade: A-
61. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State
The Packers need to keep adding talent to the secondary, and they’ve done so with each pick of the draft so far. Green Bay know that it was blown out of the NFC Championship Game because it couldn’t cover at all. The Packers are rectifying that problem.
Grade: B+
62. Pittsburgh Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
The Steelers don’t have a pressing need on the surface at wide receiver, but perhaps the front office doesn’t trust Martavis Bryant to stay on the straight and narrow. Smith-Schuster was dominant for the Trojans, and should be able to develop in the league’s best offense.
Grade: C+
63. Buffalo Bills (via Falcons): Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
Dawkins is going to provide competition along the Buffalo line. The Bills have to get better offensively, and have added a pair of players on that side of the ball. Now the question is whether the Bills can improve enough to finally end a playoff drought dating back to 1999.
Grade: B-
64. Carolina Panthers (via Patriots): Taylor Moton, OL, Western Michigan
The Panthers have gone offensive with all three picks, helping out Cam Newton in a major way. The defense does remain a concern, though. The front seven is stacked, but the secondary has all kinds of problems. This is feeling like a missed opportunity.
Grade: C
Third round
65. Cleveland Browns: Larry Ogunjobi, DT, North Carolina-Charlotte
Cleveland has addressed a bunch of different position groups thus far, and Ogunjobi hits another one with defensive line. He should begin his career learning the ropes in a suddenly talented front seven that includes Myles Garrett and Jamie Collins.
Grade: B+
66. San Francisco 49ers: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
After winning the first day with Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster, general manager John Lynch stayed on the defensive side with Witherspoon. He was overshadowed at Colorado with Chidobe Awuzie, but he’s a potential starter for San Francisco.
Grade: B-
67. New Orleans Saints (via 49ers): Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Apparently, head coach Sean Payton is going to the Wing T offense. Kamara now joins Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram. All jokes aside, this is very nice value for Kamara, who showed burst and agility at Tennessee. He should get carries in 2017.
Grade: B+
68. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois
Smoot is going to come in and learn the ropes from Calais Campbell who signed a $60million deal back in March. Look for him to be a rotational player who can work his way into more snaps as the year goes on.
Grade: C+
69. Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
The Rams have to give Jared Goff some weapons, and Kupp had a very productive career at Eastern Washington. Does he fit the bill on the outside? Maybe, but he should be able to work inside in the slot.
Grade: B+
70. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State
Elflein might be the best center in the draft, and he fills a major need for the Vikings. Minnesota missed the playoffs due in large part to its awful offensive line, and the front office is acknowledging that fact. Kudos to Rick Spielman for being aggressive.
Grade: A-
71. Los Angeles Chargers: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
Good for the Chargers. They were able to nab Forrest Lamp in the second round and then doubled down to land Feeney in the third. Feeney is a steal at this point, and should compete for a starting spot on the Los Angeles line.
Grade: A
72. Tennessee Titans (via Patriots): Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
Tennessee needed to add some help on the outside, and this is the second receiver taken by general manager Jon Robinson. The Titans took Corey Davis in the first round and now land Taylor, who should start on special teams.
Grade: C+
73. Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
This is great value for the Bengals. Cincinnati has had a perplexing draft to this point, but Willis should add to what is already a good rotation up front. Look for him to slot in with Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson on the edge.
Grade: A-
74: Baltimore Ravens: Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
Ozzie Newsome has always valued big, athletic defensive lineman. He nabs another one here with Wormley, who was a first-team Big Ten selection. Wormley should get some snaps as a rookie, plying on the end alongside Brandon Williams.
Grade: B
75. Atlanta Falcons: Duke Riley, LB, LSU
After drafting Deion Jones last year the Falcons are hoping to hit gold at linebacker once more on the second day. Riley is fast and should be helping out on passing downs to start, dropping into coverage. He’s also a player who can help on special teams.
Grade: B+
76. New Orleans Saints: Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida
The Saints might have found a player who can’t stay on the field due to injury. NFL Network pointed out on their telecast that Anzzalone has missed 16 games over the past two years. On the field, he’s got solid strength and speed, but he could add size.
Grade: C-
77. Carolina Panthers (via Cardinals):Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M
At 266 pounds, Hall has the right size to play 4-3 defensive end. Look for the Panthers to give him some snaps in subpackages and on special teams. Last year, general manager David Gettleman addressed the same position group with Vernon Butler, so he doubles down.
Grade: B-
78. Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
Williams is going to be a one-trick pony in the NFL, but what a pick. Williams is a pure pass-rusher, bringing serious heat off the edge. Newsome went back to the well, taking a third player from the Crimson Tide. Oddly enough, Newsome also went to Alabama…
Grade: A-
79. New York Jets: ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama
Stewart is going to compete for a spot opposite Eric Decker in the Jets’ offense. After releasing Brandon Marshall, New York is looking at a depth chart that includes Jalin Marshall and Robby Anderson. Yikes.
Grade: B
80. Indianapolis Colts: Tarell Basham, EDGE, Ohio
Basham is a great pick for the Colts, who need to add pass-rush ability to the front seven. Indianapolis has completely neglected its defense for years under general manager Ryan Grigson. Chris Ballard is turning that tide in a big way.
Grade: B+
81. Washington Redskins: Fabian Moreau, DB, UCLA
Moreau is incredible value at this point in the draft. The Bruins star could have been in the first round, but fell all the way to the midway point of the third, largely because of a torn pectoral on his pro day. Nice job by the Redskins.
Grade: A-
82. Denver Broncos: Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech
Henderson is going to come in and compete with Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. In the end, he likely helps out on special teams and works from the slot. He gives Denver more help at special teams than anywhere else.
Grade: B-
83. New England Patriots: Derek Rivers, EDGE, Youngstown State
Only the Patriots would not have a pick until the 83rd selection, and land a player some believe has first-round talent. Rivers is going to come in and play alongside Kony Ealy, helping fill the void for Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long, both of whom departed in free agency.
Grade: A
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
The Buccaneers apparently can’t find enough weapons for Jameis Winston. Winston now has Mike Evans, O.J. Howard, Doug Martin and DeSean Jackson. This offense should be in the five of almost every category in 2017.
Grade: B
85. New England Patriots (via Giants): Antonio Garcia, OL, Troy
The Patriots add some depth to the offensive line with Garcia, who can sit behind the starters and get into the lineup, perhaps, in 2018. This is a nice move for a team that has the ultimate luxury of talent all over the field.
Grade: B-
86. Kansas City Chiefs (via Vikings): Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
The Chiefs are having a very impactful draft, both now and for the future. After taking Patrick Mahomes in the first, general manager John Dorsey lands Kareem Hunt. Hunt is a nice back to add into the rotation alongside Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West.
Grade: B
87. Davis Webb, QB, Califnornia
This might be the heir to Eli Manning’s throne. Should the Giants fans be happy with this move? Probably. Webb has some issues on tape including accuracy on tight throws, but he will have ample time to sit behind Manning and learn.
Grade: B
88. Oakland Raiders: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA
Oakland needs help along the defensive line, especially after cutting Dan Williams. Vanderdoes is going to have to earn some playing time after amassing just 1.5 sacks for UCLA in 2016. The Raiders are betting on his future.
Grade: C
89. Houston Texans: D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Foreman is going to be an upgrade over Alfred Blue, who was not much of a factor out of LSU in his career. Now, Foreman gets to come in and play a strong second fiddle to Lamar Miller, who was an 1,000-yard rusher with the Texans last year.
Grade: B+
90. Seattle Seahawks: Shaquill Griffin, DB, Central Florida
Seattle is addressing a need before it becomes on in the secondary. Is Griffin the right guy to eventually fit the bill? He’s coming from a program not known for its defensive prowess, but he’ll get great coaching in Seattle.
Grade: C
91: Los Angeles Rams: John Johnson, S, Boston College
Johnson is likely going to get the bulk of his snaps at special teams as a rookie. The Rams have been adding offensive help, and rightfully so, but made sure they added more protection on the back end for a young defense.
Grade: B-
92. Dallas Cowboys: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Lewis is another nice pick that provides both immediately help and a nice value for Dallas. The Cowboys already landed Chidobe Awuzie in the second round, and now give him another running mate in the secondary.
Grade: A
93. Green Bay Packers: Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
Some believes Adams would go early in the second round, but he fell all the way to the back end of the third. Adams should help to fill out the Green Bay front seven, including perhaps being a long-term replacement for Letroy Guion.
Grade: B+
94. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Sutton, S, Tennessee
Despite landing a pair of corners at the top of the draft last year in Sean Davis and Artie Burns, Pittsburgh did the right thing by adding to its secondary. Sutton should be able to work his way into the defense over a long period.
Grade: B
95. Seattle Seahawks: Delano Hill, DB, Michigan
The Seahawks have to think about their future with Richard Sherman turning 29 years old. Before you say that a third-rounder will never fill shoes like that, Sherman was a fifth-round selection.For now, he’ll play special teams and get some subpackage looks.
Grade: B
96. Detroit Lions: Kenny Golladay, WR, Northern Illinois
Golladay will come in and try to carve out a role. He’s going to be playing mostly on special teams and then eventually get into the offense. Can the youngster find snaps behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones?
Grade: C+
97. Miami Doplhins: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
Tankersley is great value here, and for a team that needs a corner in the worst way. Tankersley is raw as all get out, but he has talent and should be allowed to ease into a starting role. Think of Tankersley as a subpackage guy early.
Grade: A-
98. Arizona Cardinals: Chad Williams, WR, Grambling
Williams comes form a small school, but he was dominant during his days in school. The Cardinals are going to need a deep threat with Michael Floyd gone and Larry Fitzgerald about to retire. Williams might be the future here.
Grade: B+
99. Philadelphia Eagles: Rasul Douglas, DB, West Virginia
Douglas should have gone higher, and so the Eagles and their fanbase should be thrilled. Philadelphia and general manager Howie Roseman knew he had to address the defensive side and he’s done that. Well done.
Grade: A
100. Tennessee Titans: Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida Atlantic
The Titans are looking to add as many weapons as possible for Marcus Mariota. They get another one here with Smith, who should factor in alongside Delanie Walker. This is the third pass-catcher for Tennessee thus far.
Grade: C+
101. Denver Broncos: Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
Denver might be thinking about upgrading a special teams unit that was a major issues last year. One could argue that with improvement there, the Broncos are already a much better contender to return to the postseason. Looks like a replacement for Kayvon Webster.
Grade: B-
102. Seattle Seahawks: Nazair Jones, DT, North Carolina
Jones is going to come in and have to earn some snaps after showing well at North Carolina. Seattle has been trying to shore up the defense, something that might come as a bit of a surprise to many. General manager John Schneider has done a solid job.
Grade: C+
103. New Orleans Saints: Trey Hendrickson, DE, Florida Atlantic
General manager Mickey Loomis continues to upgrade the defense. Hendrickson might see some snaps when the Saints are going into subpackages, but that’s still valuable in today’s NFL. This is also nice value at the back end of the third round.
Grade: B+
104. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa
Beathard projects to be a backup quarterback. There is nothing about his game that screams starter, but he should be able to provide a decent understudy for San Francisco while Brian Hoyer runs the show in 2017.
Grade: C
105. Pittsburgh Steelers: James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh
This is my favorite pick of the third round, and not for sentimental reasons. Le’Veon Bell is incredible, but he’s also been suspended multiple times and has taken a beating. Conner was dominant in college and could be a very nice compliment … or more.
Grade: A+
106. Seattle Seahawks: Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan
Darboh is coming in to compete behind Tyler Lockett and Doug Baldwin. He’s very raw and had some issues against the better corners in the Big Ten, but there is some talent to work with. He’s ticketed for special teams early.
Grade: C+
107. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kendall Beckwith, LB, LSU
Nice value for the Buccaneers, who are compiling a very good team under general manager Jason Licht. This is a player who should be able to contribute on special teams and defense. Ultimately, he will be on the field against the run first and foremost.
Grade: B+