After seven rounds and 257 players, the NFL Draft concluded Saturday and it’s time to award the ballots. Obviously we can’t judge a vintage without having seen any of these prospects take their first steps in the NFL, but here are, nonetheless, our first impressions. At the risk of making a mistake, let’s make room for the teams who deserve a nice sticker in their notebook and those who go to detention.
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First in class:
Les Bears
Quarterback Caleb Williams could be the expected savior in Chicago. Getty Images via AFP
Obviously a team that comes out with a quarterback like Caleb Williams and a receiver like Rome Odunze in the first round deserves all the kudos. Odunze would have been the first receiver chosen in many other vintages. On the other hand, a punt kicker (Tory Taylor) in the fourth round? It’s better to be solid not just about!
The Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr will try to follow in the footsteps of his famous father, receiver of the same name. Getty Images via AFP
The Cardinals opted for a rare talent in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and added muscle to their defensive front with Darius Robinson, who can play both outside and inside. In the third round, tailback Trey Benson is a name to remember. He could unseat James Conner. The Cards had a windfall with 12 picks.
The Lions
Terrion Arnold took a walkabout in Detroit with his new Lions fans. Getty Images via AFP
Cornerback Terrion Arnold with the 24th pick could be a steal. And the Lions doubled down in the second round to attack their biggest gap with another promising cornerback in Ennis Rakestraw. Special mention for the choice of Giovanni Manu, a blocker from the University of British Columbia, a 6’7, 352-pound monster who ran the 40 yards in an impressive time of 4.96 s.
The Colts
The Colts are banking on the fact that Laiatu Latu will not experience health problems. Getty Images via AFP
Laiatu Latu has been extremely productive as a defensive end and could become a sack machine at quarterback. If not for his old major neck injury, he would have been a top 10 player. Adonai Mitchell is a big, explosive receiver at 6’4″. Another receiver, Anthony Gould, could become a star on punt returns.
The Saints
Spencer Rattler has the potential to become a steal, as a fifth-round pick. Getty Images via AFP
Taliese Fuaga is the most violent blocker there is and the Saints badly need help on the offensive line. Kool-Aid McKinstry not only has a delicious name, he is a cornerback that many saw as a first-round talent. Fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler has tremendous potential.
The Ravens
Nate Wiggins impressed with his speed, especially during the NFL combine in March. Getty Images via AFP
Any year the Ravens could make this list. Nate Wiggins is an extremely fast cornerback, which is no exception against the receivers of the division rival Bengals. Roger Rosengarten could quickly find himself starting on the offensive line. Adisa Isaac is the typical Ravens quarterback chaser.
Last in class
Les Cowboys
Tyler Guyton was the Cowboys’ first choice. Getty Images via AFP
Nothing against their first pick, Tyler Guyton, but this blocker is considered a project and the Cowboys need help immediately. The biggest criticism of the Cowboys is that they didn’t draft any running backs despite their weak group.
The Falcons
The Falcons surprised everyone by opting for Michael Penix Jr. Getty Images via AFP
Much has been made of the particular decision regarding quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons also traded their third-round pick to move up two picks for tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, who did not appear to be identified as an early second-round prospect. round.
Les Panthers
The Panthers advanced at the end of the first round to select Xavier Legette. Getty Images via AFP
Receiver Xavier Legette could very well become great, but a player who suddenly produced in his fifth year of college after four mediocre seasons is always suspect. Running back Jonathon Brooks is great, but he suffered a significant knee injury last season and could contribute little in his first year.
2024-04-28 20:43:38
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