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2020 NFL Draft grades: Biggest winners and losers

By William Schneiderhan

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers on a pass play during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers on a pass play during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Ezra Cleveland #OL11 of the Boise State Broncos speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Ezra Cleveland
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Ezra Cleveland #OL11 of the Boise State Broncos speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Ezra Cleveland /

Minnesota Vikings

During the first two days of the NFL Draft, the Vikings added potential starters with every pick. However, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman had their busiest day on the final day of the draft.

Of course, Zimmer and Spielman added depth with all their picks in rounds 4-7. In the first two days of the draft, they selected impact players.

Building off a 10-win season, Zimmer found his Stefon Diggs’ replacement in the first round with Justin Jefferson out of LSU. Later, former TCU corner Jeff Gladney was added to the team’s defense.

Gladney may have been a little bit of a reach, but the team needed an answer at that position.

In Rounds 2 and 3, offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland and corner Cameron Dantzler were selected. These two players are a little raw in technique right now, but they have the potential to be starters shortly.

Grade: A

Carolina Panthers

Matt Rhule was named the team’s new head coach this offseason. Known for his ability to build programs in college, this draft was all about rebuilding the defense.

The defensive line saw the most action. Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown was taken seventh overall.

There seems to be some uncertainty shared by some people about Brown’s ability at the next level. However, there are also a lot of individuals who think the Panthers drafted a stud. Time will tell.

Rounds 2 and 3 also went to the defense. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos of Penn State went at pick 38, and Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chin was selected at 64.

Rhule and general manager Marty Hurney knew they needed defense and they got it. More importantly, they did so without reaching.

Grade: A

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