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NFL Draft grades: Cowboys, Buccaneers get high marks

By Rucker Haringey

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners catches the game winning touchdown against the Army West Point Black Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners catches the game winning touchdown against the Army West Point Black Knights at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /
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C.J. Henderson, Jacksonville Jaguars
C.J. Henderson, Florida Gators. (Getty Images) /

Houston Texans: C+

Bill O’Brien’s nightmare offseason won’t be helped much by this draft class. Ross Blacklock headlines the group as a quality second round selection. He has a chance to start away up front for the Texans.

Jonathan Greenard was a serious reach in Round 3. He doesn’t project to be anything special at linebacker and the Texans had other needs to fill at that spot in the draft. Day 3 was full of strange choices for Houston. Charlie Heck has some tools but he looks like a career backup at best. The same can be said about John Reid. The lack of upside weighs this grade down considerably.

Indianapolis Colts: A

The Colts deserve a ton of credit for what they were able to accomplish without a first round pick. Michael Pittman is going to help their passing game right away. Jonathan Taylor will do even more for the team’s physical rushing attack. He’s going to put up big numbers in Frank Reich’s offense right away.

Spending a fourth round pick on Jacob Eason will generate a lot of headlines too. He’s a great fit to learn under Phillip Rivers for a season or two. He’s got the arm strength to make every throw in the playbook, the question is whether or not he can improve his decision-making enough to be a quality starter.

Danny Pinter was a really good value in Round 5. Don’t be surprised if he turns out to be a quality starter after a few seasons in the league. The Colts got better in a lot of ways with this draft class.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B+

The Jaguars front office decided to take big swings on talent in this year’s draft and we’re here for it. C.J. Henderson has a chance to develop into the best corner in the class. He may not be able to tackle, but he can run and cover which are far more mportant skills.

Laviska Shenault isn’t the most refined receiver prospect in this class, but his ball skills give him star potential. That’s great value in the second round.

Jacksonville could have moved the grade up by doing a better job in Day 3. The Jaguars had a lot of picks in the last couple rounds but none of them really stand out. This class is still solidly above average on the strength of their early picks.

Tennessee Titans: B

Isaiah Wilson was a slight reach for the Titans in Round 1, but he should improve their options at tackle right away. Securing Kristian Fulton at the end of Round 2 was much better value. He’ll be an immediate starter for Tennessee at cornerback. The fact that he also has star potential makes him a great pick for the Titans.

The work on Day 3 was solid as well. Larrell Murchison can help give them depth at the defensive tackle position. Cole McDonald gives them an interesting developmental quarterback prospect to work with. This isn’t a great class, but it’s solidly above average.

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