Regrading the 2018 NFL Draft: Colts, Browns and Ravens did best

Before NFL fans get too excited about what their favorite team is going to do during the 2019 draft they should look back at the 2018 results.

The 2019 NFL Draft is fast approaching, but it’s helpful to take a look back at last year’s results to see what we should expect from each individual front office. Some fans will cringe at the new grades while others will gain confidence from last year’s success stories. Our regrade begins with a look at the AFC East.

Buffalo Bills: A-

The Bills took Josh Allen with the No. 7 pick and he gave them a respectable campaign for a rookie quarterback. He doesn’t look like a future Pro Bowler, but grabbing a guy who could develop into a solid starter is good value even if Buffalo had to pay dearly to move up to grab him.

The real strength of the class came with the next two picks. Tremaine Edmunds and Harrison Phillips both look like guys who can be above average starters. Add it all up and it’s a pretty strong class from GM Brandon Beene.

Miami Dolphins: C-

The Dolphins were criticized for not taking a quarterback in Round 1 and that still looks like a fair critique. With that being said, Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 11 does look like great value for Miami.

The real problem is the rest of the class. Jerome Baker looks like a quality outside linebacker but the jury is still out on a lot of this draft class. Mike Gesicki needs to come on strong in his sophomore campaign to help this team.

New England Patriots: C+

In fairness to the Patriots, their draft 2018 Draft class was really hammered by injuries. First round pick Isaiah Wynn and second rounder Duke Dawson both essentially lost their rookie seasons to injury. Even promising fifth round defender Ja’Whaun Bentley went down early in the year.

The saving grace, of course, was Sony Michel. He was huge for New England during the playoffs. His excellent finish to the season keeps this class slightly above average despite the injuries.

New York Jets: A-

Sam Darnold is the guy who drives this grade for the Jets. He had a slow start to his rookie season, but he showed flashes of becoming an above-average starter down the stretch. New York paid dearly to get him, but they can feel good about the gamble.

The class gets a little extra credit for finding Chris Herndon and Perry Nickerson later in the draft. Both guys look like they can be solid starters in 2019.