Sikkema: Regrading the 2020 NFL Draft
Sikkema: Regrading the 2020 NFL Draft
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks for a receiver during the second quarter of an AFC divisional playoff game at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn. Titans Bengals 142
By Trevor Sikkema Jan 25, 2022
When is the right time to go back and re-grade a draft class? Some do it after one full season, while others wait three seasons. Let’s find a happy middle ground for the 2020 NFL draft class, re-examining how players have performed two years into their careers.
There is certainly plenty room for development for these guys, but a two-year sample can show us who has improved and even seized opportunities as they have come around.
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We’ll include the draft grade PFF awarded immediately following the 2020 NFL Draft and why we might view it differently today.
Jump to a team’s 2020 draft class re-evaluation:
ARZ | ATL | BLT | BUF | CAR | CIN | CHI | CLE | DEN | DAL | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LVR | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WFT
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Round 1 (8): LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson Round 3 (72): T Josh Jones, Houston Round 4 (114): DI Leki Fotu, Utah Round 4 (131): DI Rashard Lawrence, LSU Round 6 (202): LB Evan Weaver, Cal Round 7 (222): RB Eno Benjamin, Arizona State
Then: A+ Now: C-
This haul looked promising immediately following draft weekend, but Simmons and Jones haven’t been as good as they’ve needed them to be. Simmons played better this year and got a lot more experience, which at least keeps his future on an upward trajectory. Benjamin has been a nice addition to the running back rotation, but the rest of the group has been disappointing. Trading their second-round pick for DeAndre Hopkins essentially saves the class.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Round 1 (16): CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson Round 2 (47): DI Marlon Davidson, Auburn Round 3 (78): C Matt Hennessey, Temple Round 4 (119): LB Mykal Walker, Fresno StateRound 4 (134): S Jaylinn Hawkins, Cal Round 7 (228): P Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse
Then: B Now: B+
After some early struggles in its first year, this class had a strong 2021 — at least from the guys near the top. A.J. Terrell has become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, leading the league in coverage grade with a 90.1 mark this season. Matt Hennessey, meanwhile, brought his PFF grade up from a 47 as a rookie to a 77.1 one this past year. Davidson has still been disappointing, but Terrell’s dominance bumps this class’s grade up.
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BALTIMORE RAVENS
Round 1 (28): LB Patrick Queen, LSU Round 2 (55): RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State Round 3 (71): DI Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M Round 3 (92): WR Devin Duvernay, Texas Round 3 (98): LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State Round 3 (106): IOL Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State Round 4 (143): IOL Ben Bredeson, Michigan Round 5 (170): DI Broderick Washington, Texas Tech Round 6 (201): WR James Proche, SMU Round 7 (219): S Geno Stone, Iowa
Then: B Now: B-
I don’t want to be too hard on this class, as Dobbins would likely be carrying this group as a big-time difference-maker if he didn’t get hurt this season. However, Queen and Harrison both struggled for the second straight season, and Duvernay isn’t a consistently playmaker in a WR room where he has the opportunity. I’m holding out hope Dobbins can get back to form and carry this class, but the majority still needs to be better.
Aug 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) with the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports BUFFALO BILLS
Round 2 (54): EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa Round 3 (86): RB Zack Moss, Utah Round 4 (128): WR Gabriel Davis, UCF Round 5 (167): QB Jake Fromm, Georgia Round 6 (188): K Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern Round 6 (207): WR Isaiah Hodgins, Oregon State Round 7 (239): CB Dane Jackson, Pittsburgh
Then: A- Now: B
I want to give this draft an “A” solely off Gabe Davis’ four-touchdown performance in the AFC Championship game. In all seriousness, Davis has been great, Epenesa has improved from a down rookie season and Dane Jackson stepped in when Tre White went down for the season. Moss saw fewer carries and less yards this season. Overall, I consider this a good class for the late-round steals.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Round 1 (7): DI Derrick Brown, Auburn Round 2 (38): Edge Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State Round 2 (64): S Jeremy Chinn, SIU Round 4 (113): CB Troy Pride Jr., Notre Dame Round 5 (152): S Kenny Robinson Jr., WVU* Round 6 (184): DI Bravvion Roy, Baylor Round 7 (221): CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, FIU
Then: B Now: A-
Though small in their improvements, both Brown and Yetur-Gross Matos played better in 2021. Brown improved his overall defensive grade from a 61.0 to a 64.1, and Gross-Matos improved his overall grade from a 54.7 to a 63.9. With those two players trending upward and the incredible value the team got with Jeremy Chinn, and I’d still call this one of the better hauls from 2020.
CHICAGO BEARS
Round 2 (43): TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame Round 2 (50): CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah Round 5 (155): Edge Trevis Gipson, Tulsa Round 5 (163): CB Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern Round 5 (173): WR Darnell Mooney, Tulane Round 7 (226): T Arlington Hambright, Colorado Round 7 (227): IOL Lachavious Simmons, Tennessee State
Then: B+ Now: B
While Kmet has been uninspiring, there is reason to believe that can all change with a better offense with Chicago’s next coach. The same can be said for Darnell Mooney, who continues to look like a gem of this class. Plus, Jaylon Johnson has shown starting-caliber cornerback play for two seasons and has become a defensive leader.
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CINCINNATI BENGALS
Round 1 (1): QB Joe Burrow, LSU Round 2 (33): WR Tee Higgins, Clemson Round 3 (65): LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming Round 4 (107): LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, App State Round 5 (147): Edge Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame Round 6 (180): T Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas Round 7 (215): LB Markus Bailey, Purdue
Then: A Now: A+
Joe Burrow is incredible. His elite 90.9 passing grade in 2021 (coming off an ACL tear) was second only to Tom Brady. Higgins just recorded his first 1,000 yard season, and Wilson, Davis-Gaither and Bailey are all contributing players for a team in the AFC Championship. This was a home run draft.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Round 1 (10): T Jedrick Wills, Alabama Round 2 (44): S Grant Delpit, LSU Round 3 (88): DI Jordan Elliott, Missouri Round 3 (97): LB Jacob Phillips, LSU Round 4 (115): TE Harrison Bryant, FAU Round 5 (160): IOL Nick Harris, Washington Round 6 (187): WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
Then: A+ Now: A-
Elliott feels like a miss in this draft, but the rest are either good or still really promising. Willis was very solid as a young starting tackle, and Bryant was good, just buried on a deep tight end depth chart. Donovan Peoples-Jones saw starting action after the Odell trade. I wouldn’t give it an “A+,” but it’s still looking like a great haul.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Round 1 (17): WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma Round 2 (51): CB Trevon Diggs, Alabama Round 3 (82): DI Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma Round 4 (123): CB Reggie Robinson, Tulsa Round 4 (146): IOL Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin Round 5 (179): Edge Bradlee Anae, Utah Round 7 (231): QB Ben DiNucci, James Madison
Then: A+ Now: B+
We may not be giving Trevon Diggs Defensive Player of the Year around these parts, but we do recognize how impactful he has been as a second-round pick. CeeDee Lamb at the top has been as good as advertised. Though some of the depth guys haven’t panned out (they need more out of Gallimore, who earned just a 49.1 grade this past season), they hit on the top players.
DENVER BRONCOS
Round 1 (15): WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama Round 2 (46): WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State Round 3 (77): CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa Round 3 (83): C Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU Round 3 (95): DI McTelvin Agim, Arkansas Round 4 (118): TE Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri Round 5 (178): LB Justin Strnad, Wake Forest Round 6 (181): IOL Netane Muti, Fresno State Round 7 (252): WR Tyrie Cleveland, Florida Round 7 (254): Edge Derrek Tuszka, NDSU
Then: A+ Now: B+
This looked like a really strong class in the days following the draft, but it hasn’t been as stellar as we hoped. Jeudy has been good when healthy, but lack of good QB play has hampered both his and Hamler’s potential early on. Cushenberry really struggled as a rookie but at least bounced back this past season. Ojemudia was hurt for most of 2021 but played well when he was out there. It hasn’t lived up to the “A+” grade we gave it on draft weekend, but it’s still a good group.
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DETROIT LIONS
Round 1 (3): CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State Round 2 (35): RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia Round 3 (67): EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame Round 3 (75): G Jonah Jackson, Ohio State Round 4 (121): G Logan Stenberg, Kentucky Round 5 (166): WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin Round 5 (172): RB Jason Huntley, New Mexico State Round 6 (197): DI John Penisini, Utah Round 7 (235): DI Jashon Cornell, Ohio State
Then: A Now: B
There was plenty of reason to get excited about this class when draft weekend wrapped up, but it has not been pretty since then. Though Swift’s overall PFF grade was down this year compared to last, he had two really strong performances before a shoulder injury killed his momentum this season. After tough rookie years for Jackson and Okwara, both bounced back big time during their sophomore seasons in the league. As for the top of the draft, Okudah looked overwhelmed his rookie season and tore his achilles in 2021. The injury isn’t Okudah’s fault, but he does need to play better than he’s shown.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Round 1 (26): QB Jordan Love, Utah State Round 2 (62): RB A.J. Dillon, Boston College Round 3 (94): TE Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati Round 5 (175): LB Kamal Martin, Minnesota Round 6 (192): OT Jon Runyan, Michigan Round 6 (208): IOL Jake Hanson, Oregon Round 6 (209): IOL Simon Stepaniak, Indiana Round 7 (236): DB Vernon Scott, TCU Round 7 (242): Edge Jonathan Garvin, Miami (Fla.)
Then: D Now: D-
Jon Runyan has become a solid player for the Packers along the offensive line, playing over 1,100 snaps at guard this past season. Running back A.J. Dillon has seen offered solid, niche production in their running back rotation with an 86.1 overall grade on the year. Every other pick hurts the grade here, though, including what is still considered a massive swing and a miss with Jordan Love.
Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon (28) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter at Lambeau Field, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin HOUSTON TEXANS
Round 2 (40): DI Ross Blacklock, TCU Round 3 (90): EDGE Jonathan Greenard, Florida Round 4 (126): OT Charlie Heck, UNC Round 4 (141): CB John Reid, Penn State Round 5 (171): WR Isaiah Coulter, Rhode Island
Then: C+ Now: C-
Blacklock improved this past season, but it was by raising an unplayable 30.2 grade in 2020 to a 50.4 grade in 2021. Greenard, however, saw his grade improve dramatically from a 51.9 in 2020 to an 82.9 in 2021. Greenard started in all 12 games he was active for and looks like the only success story from this group.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Round 2 (34): WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC Round 2 (41): RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Round 3 (85): S Julian Blackmon, Utah Round 4 (122): QB Jacob Eason, Washington Round 5 (149): IOL Danny Pinter, Ball State Round 6 (193): DI Robert Windsor, Penn State Round 6 (211): CB Isaiah Rodgers, UMass Round 6 (212): WR Dezmon Patmon, Washington State Round 6 (213): LB Jordan Glasgow, Michigan
Then: B Now: A-
Taylor has been everything the Colts could have asked for, especially this season after rushing for over 1,800 yards and finishing as one of the league’s most valuable offensive players. Michael Pittman Jr. established himself as the No. 1 wide receiver with a 1,000-yard season, and safety Julian Blackmon was starting to play really well before going down with an injury. The Colts had some big hits in this group.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Round 1 (9): CB C.J. Henderson, Florida Round 1 (20): EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU Round 2 (42): WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado Round 3 (73): DI Davon Hamilton, Ohio State Round 4 (116): OT Ben Bartch, St. John’s Round 4 (137): CB Josiah Scott, Michigan State Round 4 (140): LB Shaquille Quarterman, Miami (Fla.) Round 5 (157): S Daniel Thomas, Auburn Round 5 (165): WR Collin Johnson, Texas Round 6 (189): QB Jake Luton, Oregon State Round 6 (206): TE Tyler Davis, Georgia Tech Round 7 (223): CB Chris Claybrooks, Memphis
Then: A Now: C
This draft class had a shaky first season, and it looks even worse revisiting after Year 2. Henderson isn’t even on the team anymore, Shenault took a huge step back this season and Chaisson followed up a disappointing rookie year with a disappointing sophomore year. Not a lot of saving grace from this bunch, but the coaching situation has been terrible, so it’s not all lost.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Round 1 (32): RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU Round 2 (63): LB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State Round 3 (96): OT Lucas Niang, TCU Round 4 (138): CB L’Jarius Sneed, LA Tech Round 5 (177): Edge Michael Danna, Michigan Round 7 (238): CB Thakarius Keyes, Tulane
Then: B- Now: B+
Snead and Gay being staple contributors for the Chiefs in 2021 are the defining qualities of this haul. Edwards-Helaire has not been worthy of the RB1 crown from that draft, but Niang was fine when he played this season (his first season of action). Michael Danna has also been a rotational contributor from the late rounds. They missed at the top, but what followed has been good.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Round 1 (12): WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama Round 1 (19): CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State Round 3 (80): RB Lynn Bowden Jr., Kentucky Round 3 (81): WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina Round 3 (100): S/LB Tanner Muse, Clemson Round 4 (109): IOL John Simpson, Clemson Round 4 (139): CB Amik Robertson, LA Tech
Then: C Now: D-
Of the seven players who were drafted in this class, four aren’t even on the team anymore. Not all of that was within the Raiders’ control, but it’s hard to look at this list of names and feel good about it. Edwards has a decent role in the wide receiver room and Simpson is a starter on the offensive line, but neither have been high-impact.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Round 1 (6): QB Justin Herbert, Oregon Round 1 (23): LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma Round 4 (112): RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA Round 5 (151): WR Joe Reed, Virginia Round 6 (186): S Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame Round 7 (220): WR K.J. Hill, Ohio State
Then: C- Now: A-
Kenneth Murray, Joshua Kelley and Alohi Gilman have all played but not necessarily well over the past two years. Justin Herbert makes up for almost all of it, however. Sure, the decision between Herbert and Tagovailoa was taken out of their hands when the Dolphins drafted Tua, but Herbert was still the pick, and he already looks like one of the best young quarterbacks in the game. He’s a franchise-changer for the Chargers.
Nov 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) sets to pass in the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports LOS ANGELES RAMS
Round 2 (52): RB Cam Akers, Florida State Round 2 (57): WR Van Jefferson, Florida Round 3 (84): EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama Round 3 (104): S Terrell Burgess, Utah Round 4 (136): TE Brycen Hopkins, Purdue Round 6 (199): S Jordan Fuller, Ohio State Round 7 (234): LB Clay Johnston, Baylor Round 7 (248): K Sam Sloman, Miami (Ohio) Round 7 (250): OT Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson
Then: C Now: B
Jordan Fuller followed up a good rookie campaign with an even better year this past season. Van Jefferson has stepped in and played well since Robert Woods got hurt, while Cam Akers somehow came back from an Achilles tear within the same season to play valuable snaps for them down the stretch. This is shaping up to be a good class for the Rams.
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Round 1 (5): QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Round 1 (18): T Austin Jackson, USC Round 1 (30): CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn Round 2 (39): IOL Robert Hunt, Louisiana Round 2 (56): DI Raekwon Davis, Alabama Round 3 (70): S Brandon Jones, Texas Round 4 (111): IOL Solomon Kindley, Georgia Round 5 (154): DI Jason Strowbridge, UNC Round 5 (164): Edge Curtis Weaver, Boise State Round 6 (185): LS Blake Ferguson, LSU Round 7 (246): QB/WR Malcolm Perry, Navy
Then: A- Now: C+
The jury is still out on Tagovailoa, but things are not trending in the right direction for the No. 5 overall pick, especially with Herbert going one pick after him. As for the rest of the group, Robert Hunt seems to be the best of the bunch, but Austin Jackson and Noah Igbinoghene have been disappointments so far. The Dolphins also got a solid season from Raekwon Davis in 2020 before regression this past year. The arrow on this class is pointing the wrong way.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Round 1 (22): WR Justin Jefferson, LSU Round 1 (31): CB Jeff Gladney, TCU Round 2 (58): T Ezra Cleveland, Boise State Round 3 (89): CB Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State Round 4 (117): Edge D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina Round 4 (130): Edge James Lynch, Baylor Round 4 (132): LB Troy Dye, Oregon Round 5 (169): CB Harrison Hand, Temple Round 5 (176): WR K.J. Osborn, Miami (Fla.) Round 6 (203): T Blake Brandel, Oregon State Round 6 (205): S Josh Metellus, Michigan Round 7 (225): Edge Kenny Willekes, Michigan State Round 7 (244): QB Nate Stanley, Iowa Round 7 (249): S Brian Cole II, Mississippi State Round 7 (253): IOL Kyle Hinton, Washburn
Then: A Now: B+
The Justin Jefferson selection speaks for itself, as Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the entire league. Dantzler followed up a solid rookie season with another solid year in 2021, and Ezra Cleveland bumped his PFF grade up with another year of starting experience. A lot of players in this one, but the important ones at the top have hit.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Round 2 (37): S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne Round 2 (60): EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan Round 3 (87): EDGE Anfernee Jennings, Alabama Round 3 (91): TE Devin Asiasi, UCLA Round 3 (101): TE Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech Round 5 (159): K Justin Rohrwasser, Marshall Round 6 (182): IOL Michael Onwenu, Michigan Round 6 (195): OT Justin Herron, Wake Forest Round 6 (204): LB Cassh Maluia, Wyoming Round 7 (230): IOL Dustin Woodard, Memphis
Then: B Now: C+
Fifth-round steal Micael Onwenu is the crown jewel of this class for the Patriots. The two tight end selections proved fruitless, especially with Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry now on the roster. Kyle Dugger played better this past season, and there are still positive vibes with Uche.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Round 1 (24): IOL Cesar Ruiz, Michigan Round 3 (74): LB Zack Baun, Wisconsin Round 3 (105): TE Adam Trautman, Dayton Round 7 (240): QB Tommy Stevens, Mississippi State
Then: B Now: C
It’s been a slow start to Ruiz’s NFL career, grading in the 50s in each of his first two seasons. Baun didn’t see a ton of playing time this season, and Trautman was unreliable. The final verdict isn’t in for this class, but they need their best days to be ahead of them.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Round 1 (4): T Andrew Thomas, Georgia Round 2 (36): S Xavier McKinney, Alabama Round 3 (99): T Matt Peart, Connecticut Round 4 (110): CB Darnay Holmes, UCLA Round 5 (150): IOL Shane Lemieux, Oregon Round 6 (183): LB Cam Brown, Penn State Round 7 (218): Edge Carter Coughlin, Minnesota Round 7 (238): LB T.J. Brunson, South Carolina Round 7 (247): CB Chris Williamson, Minnesota Round 7 (255): LB Tae Crowder, Georgia
Then: A Now: B+
After a shaky start in their rookie seasons, this class looks to have bounced back in a big way. Andrew Thomas put together a fine sophomore season at tackle after a terrible rookie year. Xavier McKinney is a difference-maker when healthy and Peart has been solid.
NEW YORK JETS
Round 1 (11): T Mekhi Becton, Louisville Round 2 (59): WR Denzel Mims, Baylor Round 3 (68): S Ashtyn Davis, California Round 3 (79): EDGE Jabari Zuniga, Florida Round 4 (120): RB La’Mical Perine, Florida Round 4 (125): QB James Morgan, FIU Round 4 (129): OT Cameron Clark, Charlotte Round 5 (158): CB Bryce Hall, Virginia Round 6 (191): P Braden Mann, Texas A&M
Then: B+ Now: B+
Becton had an impactful rookie season but lost most of his 2021 campaign due to injury. Mims had every chance to become a staple receiver on that team and failed to do so. Zuniga and Perine played sparingly in 2021, so there wasn’t much to judge, but Bryce Hall played over 1,100 snaps at cornerback with solid play. It’s not a wildly impactful class outside of Becton and Hall as consistent starters, but not a lot of bad, either.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Round 1 (21): WR Jalen Reagor, TCU Round 2 (53): QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma Round 3 (103): LB Davion Taylor, Colorado Round 4 (127): CB K’Von Wallace, Clemson Round 4 (145): OT Jack Driscoll, Auburn Round 5 (168): WR John Hightower, Boise State Round 6 (196): LB Shaun Bradley, Temple Round 6 (200): WR Quez Watkins, Southern Mississippi Round 6 (210): OT Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn Round 7 (233): Edge Casey Toohill, Stanford
Then: A- Now: B
Jalen Hurts was doubted and doubted and doubted (he still sort of is), but he continues to play his brand of quarterbacking well. He earned a 77.1 overall offensive grade this past season with a 89.6 rushing grade. The Reagor pick has been a disaster, especially with Justin Jefferson’s name right behind it on the draft board. K’Von Wallace has also shown some good things as a safety; he just hasn’t played much.
Dec 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes the ball against the Washington Football Team during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Round 2 (49): WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame Round 3 (102): EDGE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte Round 4 (124): RB Anthony McFarland Jr., Maryland Round 4 (135): IOL Kevin Dotson, Louisiana Round 6 (198): S Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland Round 7 (232): DI Carlos Davis, Nebraska
Then: B- Now: A
It’s hard to really say Claypool had a down year when he played within one of the most limited passing attacks in the league; he’ll be fine. Highsmith and Dotson have become good players on both sides of the trenches. There weren’t a lot of picks in this haul, but there’s been good output so far.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Round 1 (14): DI Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina Round 1 (25): WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State Round 5 (153): OT Colton McKivitz, West Virginia Round 6 (190): TE Charlie Woerner, Georgia Round 7 (217): WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
Then: B+ Now: B
It’s tough to give Kinlaw a bad grade here given how much he’s been hurt, but he hasn’t looked fully healthy even when on the field and therefore has been a non-factor. Aiyuk has looked good when Garoppolo can get him the ball, and Jennings has turned into a solid option in that receiver room.
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Round 1 (27): LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech Round 2 (48): EDGE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee Round 3 (69): IOL Damien Lewis, LSU Round 4 (133): TE Colby Parkinson, Stanford Round 4 (144): RB DeeJay Dallas, Miami Fla. Round 5 (148): Edge Alton Robinson, Syracuse Round 6 (214): WR Freddie Swain, Florida Round 7 (251): TE Stephen Sullivan, LSU
Then: C- Now: B-
Brooks has played well, even leading the Seahawks in tackles over Bobby Wagner in 2021, but still needs to be better in coverage. On top of that, Taylor recorded 6.5 sacks this past season. Lewis had a bit of a down year after a solid rookie season at right guard, as he switched to left guard and battled injuries in 2021. There’s plenty of reason to still have hope for a bounce back.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Round 1 (13): T Tristan Wirfs, Iowa Round 2 (45): S Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota Round 3 (76): RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt Round 5 (161): WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota Round 6 (194): DI Khalil Davis, Nebraska Round 7 (241): LB Chapelle Russell, Temple Round 7 (245): RB Raymond Calais, Louisiana
Then: A- Now: A+
Wirfs made first-team All-Pro this past season at right tackle after an incredible rookie season. As for Antoine Winfield, the Bucs don’t win the Super Bowl without him, and he remained a very effective, important piece of Tampa’s safety rotation. Vaughn and Johnson haven’t been super impactful, but they saw playing time down the stretch due to injuries. This draft was stellar for them.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Round 1 (29): T Isaiah Wilson, Georgia Round 2 (61): CB Kristian Fulton, LSU Round 3 (93): RB Darrynton Evans, App State Round 5 (174): Edge Larrell Murchison, NC State Round 7 (224): QB Cole McDonald, Hawaii Round 7 (243): CB Chris Jackson, Marshall
Then: C+ Now: C-
Isaiah Wilson isn’t even in the league right now. That miss pushes this draft grade down a lot. Kristian Fulton played better this season after struggling to get on the field as a rookie.
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
Round 1 (2): EDGE Chase Young, Ohio State Round 3 (66): RB Antonio Gibson, Memphis Round 4 (108): OT Saahdiq Charles, LSU Round 4 (142): WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty Round 5 (156): IOL Keith Ismael, San Diego State Round 5 (162): LB Khaleke Hudson, Michigan Round 7 (216): S Kamren Curl, Arkansas Round 7 (229): Edge James Smith-Williams, NC State
Then: B Now: A-
Chase Young, Antonio Gibson and Kam Curl make up the identity of this draft class. Young has been as good as you could expect in his first two seasons, and Gibson has turned into the ultimate versatile weapon for them. As for Curl, he’s been a seventh-round gem as a two-year starter at safety. This class is even better than it looked on draft night.
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