By Jack McNicholas and Sean Gannon

April 23, 2020

*Grading for the 2019 first round selections are on their regular season statistics. A minimum of four games played qualifies the player for a grade. These grades are not based on how we feel they will perform in their careers. We wish only the best to all of these players who just concluded their rookie campaigns.*

1. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, QB Oklahoma

2. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa, DE Ohio State

Sean’s Grade: A

Jack’s Grade: A

Consensus: A

Sean’s Take: San Francisco drafted the best pass rusher in the draft. He was a dominate force on the line and a key factor to their defenses domination and Superbowl run. Bosa accumulated 47 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He did it all for the 49ers from the defensive end position, and they have a pillar in their pass rushing defense for years to come.

3. New York Jets: Quinnen Williams, DL Alabama

Sean’s Grade: C+

Jack’s Grade: C-

Consensus: C

Jack’s Take: Williams did not live up to the standard of the number three overall selection. Playing thirteen total games and only starting nine. Williams posted a measly 2.5 sacks and 28 total tackles. Coming out of Alabama, Williams was a force off the edge and a dominant run stuffer. While there is a lot of room for potential his rookie season was not the one for the books.

4. Oakland Raiders: Clelin Ferrell, DE Clemson

Sean’s Grade: B–

Jack’s Grade: B–

Consensus: B–

Jack’s Take: Coming out of the draft this was the first pick of new General Manger Mike Mayock. Drafted to add a pass rusher, Ferrell was not utilized on many blitz packages. On 62% of snaps Ferrell posted 38 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Ferrell was productive while playing outside of his strengths. 2020 will be a season where he can translate his pass rushing ability to the Las Vegas defense.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin White, LB LSU

Sean’s Grade: B+

Jack’s Grade: B+

Consensus: B+

Sean’s Take: Devin white had an incredible rookie campaign posting 91 total tackles, 58 solo tackles, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries and 2 touchdowns. He was absolutely flying all over the field for the Buccaneers defense, being a great co-leader next to Lavonte David. Honestly the only thing keeping him from an “A” grade is he only had 4 tackles for loss which is surprising considering he had over 12 in last two seasons at LSU. Either way Tampa Bay got a great line backer.

6. New York Giants: Daniel Jones, QB

Sean’s Grade: B-

Jack’s Grade: C+

Consensus: C+

Sean’s Take: Daniel Jones AKA, mouth breather 2.0, shocked the NFL world this season as he was much better than many anticipated. Jones passed for 3,027 yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Jones showed flashes of his athleticism by running away from defenders, something Giants fans haven’t seen in years. He had a lot of fumbles in his rookie seasons but thats a workable fix with Daniel Jones willingness to learn. They fix that and the Giants have a franchise quarterback.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen, LB Kentucky

Sean’s Grade: A

Jack’s Grade: A

Consensus: A

Jack’s Take: Josh Allen was the steal of the draft in my opinion. Going into a system with a crowded defense, Allen was very productive. Starting only four games; Allen posted 44 total tackles, 11 for loss of yardage and 10.5 sacks. Next season will be a great opportunity for Allen to play all four downs. Jacksonville hit on this pick and he will be their leader on defense for the future. As Jacksonville has had so much turnover on the defense this offseason.

8. Detroit. Lions: TJ Hockenson, TE Iowa

Sean’s Grade: C-

Jack’s Grade: C-

Consensus: C-

Sean’s Take: Hockenson was a beast coming out of college able to do it all at the tight end position. He really struggled in his first year only catching 54.2% of the passes thrown to him for 367 yards and 2 touchdowns. Outside of that he struggled to stay healthy playing in 12 games and starting in 7 eventually hitting the IR on December 2nd. Hockenson has a lot to improve on after drafting him within the top 10.

9. Buffalo Bills: Ed Oliver, DT Houston

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: C+

Consensus: C+

Jack’s Take: Ed Oliver posted a good rookie season. However the factors that create his C+ grade are the amount of depth that Buffalo has at the position, and he only started seven games out of 16. The expectations for Oliver were very high going into the season. We have yet to see that game changing ability everyone fell in love with in Houtson. His five sacks show his pass rushing ability from the defensive tackle position but would love to see more from him.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (Via. Trade with Denver Broncos): Devin Bush, LB Michigan

Sean’s Grade: B+

Jack’s Grade: B+

Consensus: B+

Jack’s Take: The Steelers have missed having a commanding inside linebacker since Ryan Shazier. Bush was very productive in Keith Butlers system. 106 tackles, two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown. He was in the contention for defensive rookie of the year trailing only Bosa and Crosby. Bush is a tackling machine and a leader on the Steelers defense for years to come.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: Jonah Willaims OT/OG Alabama

Grade: N/A *Did not play due to injury*

Jonah Williams tore his labrum and received surgery to repair it, missing the entire 2019 season. Unfair to give someone a grade who hasn’t gotten to prove themselves.

12. Green Bay Packers: Rashann Gary, DE/LB Michigan

Sean’s Grade: D

Jack’s Grade: D

Concensus: D

Sean’s Take: Gary struggled to find footing on the Packers defense appearing in every game but started none, amassing only 21 total tackles, 13 solo, and 2 sacks. The 6’4″ 277 pound edge rusher was lost in the shuffle on the defensive line and linebacker position. Gary is a freak athlete with a huge frame and will need to improve his play in 2020, especially if Green Bay decides to go defensive line in this years NFL draft.

13. Miami Dolphins: Christian Wilkins, DT Clemson

Sean’s Grade: B-

Jack’s Grade: C+

Consensus: B-

Sean’s Take: Christian Wilkins had a solid rookie season with 56 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Playing from the defensive end position Wilkins was a solid player who’s able to disrupt the running game and showed off his athleticism with a receiving touchdown against the Bengals. Once Wilkins brings up his sacks and tackles for loss, he’s going to be a complete force and Brian Flores will help bring him there.

14. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Lindstrom, OG Boston College

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: C

Consensus: C

Jack’s Take: Starting five games as a rookie; Lindstrom played enough to qualify for our list. The Atlanta guard finished with a with the 21st overall PFF grade at the position. The grade here could be higher with a larger sample size. Lindstrom’s rookie campaign was cut short week one. An uncontrollable variable due to a broken foot creates a C Grade for a linemen who has a bright future in the league.

15. Washington Redskins: Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State

Sean’s Grade: C-

Jack’s Grade: D+

Concensus: C-

Sean’s Take: Haskins didn’t play great in the seven games he started in and 9 total games appeared in. Throwing for 1,365 yards on 204 attempts, while only completing 58.6%, is not what you want to see from your first round quarterback. All this said, he didn’t have any weapons outside of Terry McLaurin and Adrian Peterson. Plus he had a very shaky offensive line. Haskins was still able to win two games of his seven starts so that is something that the Redskins should build on. But with a new head coach and a trade made for a quarterback, Dwayne Haskins NFL future is full of uncertainty.

16. Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns, DE FSU

Sean’s Grade: A

Jack’s Grade: A

Concensus: A

Jack’s Take: Brian Burns had a very dominant season for limited snaps. Only playing 43% of total defensive snaps, being utilized mainly as a pass rusher. Burns was able to post an incredible 7.5 sacks and a 56 yard fumble recovery touchdown. No doubt that Brian Burns if able to play 100% of snaps would be a defensive player of the year candidate. His intangibles translate to the NFL game so well. Burns has the potential to be a leader in Carolina. When on the field he was consistent with getting pressure on the quarterbacks.

17. New York Giants (Via Trade with Cleveland Browns): Dexter Lawrence, DT Clemson

Sean’s Grade: B-

Jack’s Grade: C+

Concensus: B-

Jack’s Take: Lawrence started all 16 games in his rookie season. The Clemson product posted 38 tackles and 9 Qb Hits. Lawrence’s production was low due to defensive tackle position not bring one that flashes high stats. Lawrence was able to get penetration on the line and create opportunities for the people around him. Receiving B- for producing in a crowded defensive line group in New York.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Garrett Bradbury, C NC. State

Sean’s Grade: B

Jack’s Grade: B

Concensus: B

Sean’s Take: Bradbury filled in really well for the Vikings and was a solid center for them in 2019. He stays low at the point of contact and has helped opened up a bunch of running lanes for both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. He only needs to work on his pass rushing technique, as he struggled on blitz pick ups and occasional one on ones against defensive tackles. Rookie mistakes are made another year in Gary Kubiak system and he can make the jump to a pro-bowl caliber player. Vikings are happy they have solidified this position.

19. Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons, DT Miss. St

Sean’s Grade: B

Jack’s Grade: B

Concensus: B

Sean’s Take: Coming off of a torn ACL Simmons was only able to appear in 9 regular season games (starting 7) but showed he is a total animal. He totaled 32 tackles, 18 solo tackles, 2 sacks and 1 passes defended. Doing all of this in the middle of the season, coming back from a serious knee injury impressive. With a full offseason to be healthy, Simmons is going to get the time to grow and turn into a true beast in the defensive tackle position.

20. Denver Broncos (Via Trade with Pittsburgh) Noah Fant, TE Iowa

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: C

Concensus: C

Jack’s Take: Noah Fant was more productive when Drew Lock stepped into the offense. In his 11 starts Noah Fant had an average season. 40 catches for 562 yards and three touchdowns. His catch rate of 60% is something to be very confident about with Fant moving forward. His 35.1 yards per game is what brings him to a C as we have not seen starting tight end production just yet. Noah drops to a C grade here due to his lack of yards per game. Next year it is expected we will see production as Denver will give him the whole offseason to be their number one tight end.

21. Green Bay Packers (Via Trade with Seattle): Darnell Savage, S Maryland

Sean’s Grade: B

Jack’s Grade: B

Consensus: B

Jack’s Take: Darnell Savage played in and started 14 games last season. Savage was productive but did not stand out on the Packers defense. Exceeding expectations from being a third round graded player. Savage flourished posting 55 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions. A tackling machine all over the field for Green Bay. There is no doubt he will become a great young safety in this league.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Trade with Ravens): Andre Dillard, T Wash. St

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: D

Consensus: C–

Jack’s Take: Andre Dillard is another offensive lineman in this draft who played just four games, which qualifies him for a grade by our standards. A small sample size creates a lower grade for Dillard. Expect him to play a larger roles in in 2020. After playing only 29% of snaps his rookie season. It is no doubt he will be the Eagles Left Tackle as the Jason Peters era has come to an end. Dillard on tape was dominant with the small sample size that he was given.

23. Houston Texans: Tytus Howard, T Alabama St

Seans Grade: C-

Jacks Grade: D

Consensus: C-

Jack’s Take: In eight games Tytus Howard played on a Texans offensive line that was abysmal in games this past season. The bright side of Howards rookie campaign is that he only had one holding call in half of a season. Just because he had a low penalty count it was a result of a small sample size. His five total penalties were lower than expected as he was labeled one of the “drafted too high” candidates.

24. Oakland Raiders (Now LV Raiders(Via Trade with Bears)): Josh Jacobs, RB Alabama

Sean’s Grade: A

Jack’s Grade: A

Consensus: A

Sean’s Take: Josh Jacobs was a fantastic running back and in all honesty was robbed of the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. It’s a quarterback league we get it but he deserved it. In his first season Jacobs rushed for 1,150 yards on 242 carries, for an outstanding 8.8 yards per carry. Jacobs never rushed for over 700 yards in a season in college and only had 20 or more rushing attempts in a game once in his collegiate career. He had six in his rookie season.

25. Baltimore Ravens (Via Trade with Eagles): Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR Oklahoma

Sean’s Grade: B-

Jack’s Grade: B

Consensus: B-

Sean’s Take: Marquise Brown was a great fit for the Ravens this year, catching the ball 46 times for 584 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is mainly graded so low because he was inconsistent throughout the year. In six games this season he didn’t surpass the 25 yard mark. Yes, the Ravens were running the ball a bunch, but he needs to become a consistent open threat for Lamar. Brown is going to grow more into this offense and we expect him to have a great second year in this offense.

26. Washington Redskins (Via Trade with Colts): Montez Sweat, DE Miss. St

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: C+

Consensus: C

Jack’s Take: Montez Sweat was traded up for and produced in a Washington defense that looked lost. Starting all 16 games and coming up 50 total tackles and 7 sacks. Although his impact was not enough to help the defense improve in his first year. Although the numbers suggest Sweat will be a productive pass rusher. It will be exciting to see what he brings off of the edge but Sweat was still not able to stand out on the Redskins defense who have plenty of defensive linemen.

27. Oakland Raiders (Now LV Raiders(Via Trade with Cowboys): Johnathan Abrams, S Miss. St

Grade: N/A *Injured in first game of season, placed on IR*

Similar to Williams you can’t grade someone who hasn’t had a chance to prove it yet. Abram tore his rotator cuff in the Raiders week one matchup against the Broncos.

28. Los Angeles Chargers: Jerry Tillery, DT Notre Dame

Sean’s Grade: D

Jack’s Grade: D

Consensus: D

Sean’s Take: Tillery was lost in the shuffle struggled to find a starting role on the team, starting three games of a possible fifteen and playing in only 36% of snaps. Tallying only 17 total tackles and 2 sacks, Tillery did not maximize the opportunity that was given to him. For a player who averaged over 25 tackles and 4 sacks in his final two seasons in college, Tillery did not live up to his first-round hype. He has a lot to improve on in second season and with new signings to defensive line in Linval Joseph, he may find himself lost in the shuffle once more.

29. Seattle Seahawks (Via Trade with Chiefs): L.J Coullier, DE TCU

Sean’s Grade: F

Jack’s Grade: F

Consensus: F

Sean’s Take: Coullier did not start a single game in his rookie season and only appeared in 11 total games, playing only 14% of defensive snaps. 3 total tackles, 2 solo tackles, 0 sacks or anything else, is not the type of production the Seahawks were hoping when they drafted him in the first round. Coming into the NFL is always a big transition, Coullier is on a great organization that can help him grow. Hopefully steps are taken in year two.

30. New York Giants (Via Multiple Trades): Deandre Baker, CB Georgia

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: C-

Consensus: C-

Jack’s Take: Deandre Baker had a tale of two seasons this year. While many reports suggest he slept through meetings more often than not. He was not sleeping on the field the last six weeks of the season. After the Giants Week 11 Bye, a four game stretch had Baker as the sixth highest cover corner in the league. In those four weeks he had the lowest percentage allowed in the NFL for the cornerback position. But Baker in the other 12 games showed low effort. Resulting in a C- grade.

31. Atlanta Falcons (Via Trade with Rams): Kaleb McGary, T Washington

Sean’s Grade: C

Jack’s Grade: C

Consensus: C

Jack’s Take: The Falcons traded up to snag their second linemen of the first round. McGary won the tackle position over Ty Sambrailo. McGary was supposed to keep Matt Ryan upright. Allowing a league high for tackles with 13 sacks. His 6’7 frame creates a blocking scheme for the Falcons that makes for one of the best tackle combos in the league. If he can fix his pass protecting issues. His inconsistency in that area brings his grade to a C. The reason for the average grade is from an average rookie campaign. Do not fret his ceiling to be great is high. Watch out of McGary to help the Atlanta offensive line in 2020.

32. New England Patriots: N’Keal harry, WR ASU

Sean’s Grade: C-

Jack’s Grade: D

Consensus: D+

Sean’s Take: Harry was the first receiver drafted in the first round by the Patriots since 1996. Due to injuries his production in his first year was severely hindered. Playing in only seven games with five starts, Harry accumulated 105 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, catching only 50% of targets thrown to him. He showed flashes of his athleticism rushing the ball for 49 yards on 5 attempts but overall had a subpar season. I personally think Harry is a great receiver, but has a lot to work on this offseason, especially with no more Brady.