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NFL Draft grades: Bears, Browns get full marks

By Rucker Haringey

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Kyle Pitts poses onstage after being selected fourth by the Atlanta Falcons during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons: B

There’s a strong argument to be made that Atlanta should have gone for a long-term option at quarterback at No. 4, but Kyle Pitts represents a terrific alternative philosophy. He’s a generational tight end prospect who can help Matt Ryan and this offense immediately.

Richie Grant will give the Falcons defense more athleticism at the back end, but tackle Jalen Mayfield was the better Day 2 pick for Atlanta. He should help their offensive line right away as a starter at guard.

Keep a close eye on fifth round selection Avery Williams to develop right away as a special teams force for Atlanta. This isn’t an overly deep draft class, but landing Pitts at the top powers a strong grade for the Falcons.

Carolina Panthers: B

The Panthers passed on a quarterback at No. 8 which makes it obvious they’re committed to Sam Darnold in the short term. That means filling a glaring need at cornerback with Jaycee Horn made a lot of sense for Carolina. He needs to work on his versatility, but his ability to hold up in one-on-one coverage will help Matt Rhule’s defense right away.

New GM Scott Fitterer moved up and down the board on Day 2, but the Panthers did a nice job of drafting talent and filling needs. Terrace Marshall Jr. will come in right away to fill the void created by Curtis Samuel’s departure. Brady Christianen has a chance to start immediately at left tackle. The same can be said for third round pick Tommy Tremble at tight end.

The Panthers’ grade gets a healthy boost for Day 3 value as well. Chuba Hubbard gives the team a solid backup for Christian McCaffrey. Daviyon Nixon should help ease the pressure off last year’s No. 1 pick Derrick Brown in the middle of Carolina’s defensive line.

New Orleans Saints: F

The Saints are one team that isn’t afraid to trust their draft board over the general consensus. They may be right about Payton Turner over the long haul, but it still goes down as a major reach by New Orleans at No. 28.

Neither Peter Werner nor Paulson Adebo did a ton to make up for the team’s value proposition on Day 2. Both can contribute in 2021, but there were more talented options on the board when New Orleans went on the clock.

Reaching for Ian Book was one of the worst picks of the entire draft. He doesn’t project as anything more than an adequate backup if everything breaks right during his career. The Saints front office deserves to be widely criticized for this year’s effort.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-

The Buccaneers came into the draft flying high after a nearly flawless offseason. The truth is Tampa didn’t have many needs to fill. That’s why gambling on Joe Tryon’s potential at No. 32 grades out nicely for the team.

Spending a second rounder on Kyle Trask gives the Buccaneers a quarterback to groom behind Tom Brady for the future. He represented good value at that spot. The same can be said for Robert Hainsey in Round 3. He probably won’t help right away, but he can provide Tampa Bay with depth at multiple spots along their offensive line.

Trading up for Jaelon Dardon in Round 4 feels like an overpay for the Buccaneers. It probably won’t matter in terms of their long-term roster construction, but it still lowers their draft grade.

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