NFL Draft Grades: Giants, Packers get full marks

2 of 8

ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks past a video board displaying an image of Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma after he was picked /

Baltimore Ravens: C

The Ravens went one for two on their pair of first-round selections. Lamar Jackson could easily end up being the steal of the draft. Hayden Hurst is a much less exciting prospect. His ceiling tops out at average starter.

Don’t be surprised if fifth round selection Jordan Lasley finds a way to stick in the NFL for a long time. He isn’t the flashiest receiver around, but he makes enough steady plays to really help the Ravens offensive in the long haul.

Cincinnati Bengals: C+

Like the Ravens, the Bengals also split their opening two picks. Reaching for an injured offensive lineman like Billy Price was a very questionable decision. The Bengals made up for the Price pick by nabbing a first round talent with the No. 54 pick. Jessie Bates should start in Cincinnati from Day 1.

The Bengals grade gets a slight bump from two interesting third round selections. Malik Jackson and Sam Hubbard both have a chance to help the team’s defense right away.

Cleveland Browns: D

After the first day of the draft everyone in Cleveland should have drawn up a petition to get John Dorsey fired. Fortunately for the Browns faithful, things got a little better after their underwhelming selections of Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward.

Second-round pick Nick Chubb has a chance to really help Mayfield down the line. He’s just the sort of north-south runner that should help the Browns grind out yards in questionable weather. Taking Antonio Callaway in the fourth round also has a chance to really work out. It’s a bit of a boom or bust selection, but it could pay off big if he can focus on football.

Pittsburgh Steelers: D-

It’s not a good sign when your fifth-round pick might have the best chance to immediately impact your roster. That’s just what the Steelers got in the form of NC State H-back Jaylen Samuels.

Their decision to spend early picks on a pair of Oklahoma State Cowboys wasn’t very impressive. Mason Rudolph shows flashes of being a talented quarterback but his lack of athleticism is concerning. James Washington projects as a solid wide receiver but nothing more. Steelers fans better hope and pray first round safety Terrell Edmunds outplays his projection.

Home/NFL Draft