It’s the most unique draft in NFL history, but this year’s completely virtual experience kicked off Thursday night with a couple of picks we all expected at the top, and plenty of surprises and drama the rest of the way.
With all 32 picks of this year’s first round officially in the books, here are our early grades for every selection thus far:
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
Some years, the team picking at No. 1 overall desperately needs a franchise quarterback, but there’s not one worth taking. Thankfully for the Bengals and their fans, that’s not the case this year.
Burrow put together the most prolific season college football has ever seen from a quarterback, on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy and a national title. Not only does he have the intangibles it takes to be a successful quarterback at the next level, but he has all the physical tools to be worthy of this pick.
It’s possible a team like the Miami Dolphins inquired about moving up to this pick (they’re the only team with enough ammo to even have that conversation), but a true franchise quarterback isn’t worth passing up. I doubt any potential trade talks went terribly far.
The Bengals have been stuck in QB Purgatory for too long. Not any longer with Burrow in the fold.
GRADE: A
2. Washington Redskins
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
Another no-brainer pick, but good on Washington for resisting the urge to entertain trade offers for this selection, and taking a potential Hall of Famer instead.
Young has been destined for the top of this draft from the moment he set foot on the field in Columbus. A dominant edge defender who is just as disruptive against the run as he is the pass, Young can impact the game in big ways, even when he’s not blowing up the stat sheet.
It’s hard to get a “steal” at No. 2 overall, but when you get the best overall player in the entire draft anywhere other than the No. 1 overall pick, that’s a steal. The Ron Rivera era in Washington starts with a huge addition for his defense.
GRADE: A
3. Detroit Lions
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
The Lions wanted to move back a few spots, but they didn’t get the deal they wanted, so they just took their man here.
Okudah is easily this year’s top corner prospect, with the size, length and ball skills to excel in man coverage, as well as the toughness and technique to support in the run game. His confidence is his best trait, and one that every top corner must possess at the next level.
After trading away Darius Slay, the Lions replace him with a player who has Pro Bowl potential of his own.
GRADE: A
4. New York Giants
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
Another team that probably wanted to move back a few picks, especially given the amount of talented offensive tackles on the board, but this pick makes perfect sense.
Thomas is the most polished, pro-ready tackle in this year’s loaded class, and his experience at left tackle against top competition in the SEC means he’s battle-tested and ready to face NFL defenders.
There were flashier options for the Giants here, even at the same position, but Thomas is as close to a safe pick as you’ll find in this draft. Dave Gettleman gets his man to protect last year’s top pick, quarterback Daniel Jones.
GRADE: B+
5. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After all the talk of trading up, or preferring a different quarterback, the Dolphins have brought “Tank for Tua” full-circle.
The injury questions are obviously big, but there’s no denying Tagovailoa’s skill set and potential. His ability to process defenses and put throws in tight windows make him as promising as this year’s top pick, Joe Burrow.
The Dolphins still have two more first round picks to build around their franchise quarterback, but getting that guy is the biggest challenge. The health and long-term durability is still a concern, but the Dolphins may have hit a grand slam by landing Tua anywhere outside the top couple of spots.
GRADE: A
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
There are better prospects available at other positions, but if you don’t have a quarterback, nothing else really matters.
The Bolts have needs at offensive tackle, and there were attractive options on the board. The same is true on defense, where Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons would have made sense. But after missing out on Tua, it’s hard to blame the Chargers for making sure they shored up the game’s most important position.
Tyrod Taylor is a capable bridge option for now, but Herbert’s as experienced and pro-ready as any passer in this class, even if he has a lower ceiling than Tagovailoa or Burrow.
GRADE: B
7. Carolina Panthers
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
This was a sweet scenario for the Panthers, who have needs at every level of the defense, and a pair of blue-chip prospects starting them in the face. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons would have been a great pick, but it’s hard to argue with Brown.
The middle of this defensive line desperately needs a youth movement, and Brown has rare athleticism for his size. He’s a disruptive force and can take over games all by himself.
The Panthers were at their best when they had a dominant defensive line up the middle. They can have that again now with Brown on board.
GRADE: A
8. Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson
The Cardinals may have been tempted to take a wide receiver or and offensive tackle here, but instead, they take the best overall value in Simmons.
One of the most versatile and dynamic playmakers in the entire draft, Simmons has rare athleticism for his size, which allowed him to play all over the defense for the Tigers.
Arizona already has a loaded offense, but the defense needed some juice. That’s exactly what Simmons brings, no matter where he lines up. He’s the No. 3 overall player on my board, which makes him a steal at this spot.
GRADE: A
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
CJ Henderson | CB | Florida
After trading away both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye in the last year, the Jags were in desperate need of help at corner. They have two first-round picks to play with, but they didn’t waste any time addressing that need here.
Henderson has all the physical and mental tools to be a shutdown corner at the next level, and his combination of length, confidence and experience in press-man coverage is what got him drafted in the top 10. Questions about his ability to tackle and support the run are real, but he’s so good in coverage, the Jags probably don’t care.
This is higher than I have Henderson graded, but it’s hard to blame the Jags for shoring up their biggest need with their top pick.
GRADE: B
10. Cleveland Browns
Jedrick Wills, Jr. | OT | Alabama
Another pick where need matches value perfectly, the Browns land a top-10 talent at their biggest position of need.
Wills played right tackle at Alabama, but he was consistently tested by some of the best pass rushers in college football. He’s still scratching the surface of his potential and polishing his technique, which gives him tons of upside.
Baker Mayfield had Jack Conklin locked in at one tackle spot, and now he has a promising rookie with a bright future to make sure he’s protected and has time to take full advantage of all of his playmakers.
GRADE: A
11. New York Jets
Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville
The Jets have some solid veterans at both tackle spots, but they needed a long-term solution, particularly on the left side to protect their investment in Sam Darnold.
Becton is a massive mountain of a man who destroys his opponents and tosses them out of the club on a regular basis. Questions about a flagged drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine clearly didn’t keep the Jets from spending a premium pick on him.
Becton has some boom-or-bust to him, but the upside is massive. He’s Darnold’s franchise left tackle. Tristan Wirfs was higher on my board, but Becton may be a better fit on the left side.
GRADE: B
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
The ghost of Al Davis is loving this pick. The first receiver off the board despite not being as complete a player as teammate Jerry Jeudy or Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, Ruggs has the speed that kills in today’s NFL.
Ruggs is a big-play machine who can score every time he touches the ball. His explosiveness allows him to be a threat after the catch, as well as being able to stretch the field vertically.
Derek Carr has to be a happy man after the Antonio Brown debacle, landing the most explosive weapon in this year’s loaded receiver class. There were more complete receivers on the board, but Ruggs is such a great fit here.
GRADE: B
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SF)
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
The Bucs got spooked by that quick run on the top offensive tackles, and paid a premium to make sure they got the last one. Giving up a fourth-round pick hurts, but that tells me someone else was competing with them for their guy.
As a prospect, Wirfs is exactly what Tampa Bay needs, and he fills their biggest need on either side of the ball. A rare athlete for his size, Wirfs is an experienced right tackle who is an immediate upgrade opposite Donovan Smith.
Tom Brady has all the weapons he needs to be successful, but he desperately needed a blue-chip blocker with this pick. The Bucs paid a hefty price to move up one spot, but the pick is perfect.
GRADE: B+
14. San Francisco 49ers (from TB)
Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina
After moving back just one spot, the 49ers land the perfect replacement for DeForest Buckner, the player they traded away for their original pick at No. 13 overall.
In return for a fourth-round pick, the 49ers landed the player they likely would have taken at their original spot. That’s a huge win for a team that has a pair of first-round picks, but no other selections until the fifth round prior to this move.
Kinlaw’s combination of size and versatility make him a dangerous addition to what was already one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive fronts.
GRADE: A
15. Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
What a huge win for Denver, and particularly their young quarterback, Drew Lock. Courtland Sutton already gives lock a No. 1 target with a versatile skill set, but adding a complete player like Jeudy just makes this passing attack that much more balanced.
I get why Jeudy’s teammate, Henry Ruggs III, was the first receiver off the board. But while Jeudy doesn’t have Ruggs’ elite top-end speed, he’s plenty explosive enough to be a big-play threat at the next level.
Jeudy is a top-10 overall prospect in this draft, which makes him a huge steal this late. He also fills the team’s biggest offensive need, and helps out a young QB in a big way.
GRADE: A+
16. Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Terrell | CB | Clemson
The first big reach of the first round, Atlanta wanted a corner badly, but they passed up a handful of prospects far more worthy of being selected in the top half of the first round.
Terrell’s not as bad as his struggles in last year’s national title game might suggest, and his combination of size and length is indeed attractive. But his inconsistency and lack of polish makes him a risky pick this early.
There are four or five other corners that would have been better values here, and even prospects at other positions that would have made better use of this pick.
GRADE: D
17. Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
Much like the Broncos, the Cowboys get a top-10 overall prospect at a position of need. Lamb had no business falling out of the top 15, but Dallas is happy to stop his tumble here.
There were needs all over the defense, but it’s impossible to argue with the combination of value and need here. Lamb is a complete receiver who excels after the catch, with big-play ability on every touch.
Dak Prescott has to be a happy camper thinking about the weapons he’ll have next season, and hopefully beyond once that contract extension happens.
GRADE: A+
18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT)
Austin Jackson | OT | USC
This pick had to be an offensive tackle, so the position makes sense, even if the player they picked wasn’t the best one available.
There’s plenty to like about Jackson’s game, for sure. He’s big, athletic and physical, and still has plenty of room to grow. The issue will be that he’s still raw in some areas, and will have some growing pains before he’s ready to be a reliable blind-side protector for Tua Tagovailoa.
There were better tackles available, or the Dolphins could have waited until their next pick at No. 26 overall to get better value if Jackson was their guy.
GRADE: C+
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI)
Damon Arnette | CB | Ohio State
After filling their biggest need on offense earlier in the first round, the Raiders make a bit of a reach here to do the same on the other side of the ball.
Arnette drew tons of praise throughout this process from his teammate Okudah, and rightfully so, but passing up the likes of LSU’s Kristian Fulton, TCU’s Jeff Gladney and Alabama’s Trevon Diggs to take him in the top 20 is too rich for me.
Much like last year’s top-five pick, though, Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock take their man no matter what. Arnette will have high expectations at a premium position.
GRADE: C
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU
There were more glaring needs on both sides of the ball, but it’s hard to argue with this pick for multiple reasons.
Yes, the Jags spent a top-10 pick on Josh Allen last year, but the Yannick Ngakoue situation has gone from bad to worse. There’s little chance he plays another down in Jacksonville, making this more of a need than it might initially appear. Wide receiver, defensive tackle and offensive line could have been addressed, but the overall value is strong here.
Chaisson is absolutely worth a top-20 pick, thanks to a tantalizing combination of size, athleticism, versatility and potential. If he hits his ceiling, the Jags won’t miss Nkagoue too much.
GRADE: B
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
There’s no denying the Eagles filled their biggest need on either side of the ball with this pick, but it’s surprising who they took, and more so who they passed on.
LSU’s Justin Jefferson was the favorite here, and with good reason. Reagor is a bit undersized, and while still explosive and promising, isn’t the complete player Jefferson would have been for a team that needs a No. 1 WR of the future.
Reagor is a solid prospect, but would have been a better value in the second round, whereas Jefferson was worthy of this spot. Still, they got a playmaker and filled their biggest need.
GRADE: B-
22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF)
Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU
Ah, the receiver the Eagles should have taken at the previous pick. Jefferson doesn’t have to wait long to hear his name called, and he goes to a situation in Minnesota where he doesn’t have to be the No. 1 guy right away.
He does replace Stefon Diggs, so expectations will be high, but Adam Thielen will still attract plenty of attention. Jefferson is a smooth route-runner with deceptive explosiveness and big-play ability both down the field and after the catch.
Kirk Cousins lost a polished pass-catcher in return for this pick, so it’s only right for his team to pay him back by filling that hole here.
GRADE: A
23. Los Angeles Chargers (from NE)
Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma
The Bolts made a bold move here, trading all the way back up from No. 37 overall and giving up their third-round pick to land an instant-impact defender.
One of the most impressive players in this entire draft, both on and off the field, Murray is a high-character guy who will bring leadership and tons of energy to the Chargers. He’s a three-down, sideline-to-sideline player and a top-20 talent in this class.
After getting their quarterback of the future on offense in the top 10, the Chargers now have a player who can make the same kind if impact on the other side of the ball. Well worth the third-rounder they gave up to make the move.
GRADE: A
24. New Orleans Saints
Cesar Ruiz | OL | Michigan
This is an intriguing selection. I love the player, as Ruiz was ranked No. 16 overall on my board, but I wonder how he fits the Saints’ plans, considering they just spent a second-round pick on Erik McCoy last year.
As a prospect, there’s plenty to like about Ruiz. He’s athletic and physical, with the intelligence every NFL coach and quarterback needs at his position. He’s also just 20 years old, giving him limitless upside.
He has experience at guard, so he could start his career there in New Orleans. No matter where he lines up, he’s going to be a fantastic addition to this offense.
GRADE: B+
25. San Francisco 49ers (from MIN)
Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
After moving back one spot and getting their man on defense earlier in the first round, the 49ers use the pick they got in that deal to help them jump up the board and do the same for the offense.
Aiyuk is a well-rounded pass-catcher who is a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan, and will pair well with the versatility of Deebo Samuel. Jimmy Garoppolo needed someone who can quickly develop into a true No. 1 target, and Aiyuk absolutely has the skill set to do it.
The 49ers still don’t have any Day 2 picks, but they’re leaving the first round with impact players on both sides of the ball. Oh, and they already won the NFC last year.
GRADE: B
26. Green Bay Packers (from HOU via MIA)
Jordan Love | QB | Utah State
Oh, boy. Here’s a fun one, right? Instead of using their first-round pick to give Aaron Rodgers some help, the Packers not only spend it on his eventual replacement, but they trade up to do it.
While Rodgers may have been expecting a pass-catcher or even an offensive tackle to replace the departed Bryan Bulaga here, the Packers moved up for spots to take a raw but promising passer with a rocket for an arm.
Similar to Josh Allen a couple of years ago, Love is loaded with potential, but it’s going to take some time. He’s in a great spot in Green Bay, but I just wonder if this pick wouldn’t have been better used to help Rodgers instead of replacing him.
GRADE: C
27. Seattle Seahawks
Jordyn Brooks | LB | Texas Tech
The Seahawks always know how to keep us all guessing, but usually, it’s by trading out of the first round entirely. Recent surprise picks like Rashaad Penny and L.J. Collier should have tipped us off that a selection like this could be coming.
Brooks is a solid player, but this is about a full round sooner than I would have taken him. The Seahawks have bigger needs elsewhere on both sides of the ball, and there were plenty of worthy prospects at any number of those positions.
If they wanted a linebacker, LSU’s Patrick Queen would have been the better value. Brooks has promise, for sure, but this was too early.
GRADE: C-
28. Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Queen | LB | LSU
Much like the Eagles/Vikings scenario earlier in the round, the Ravens take the linebacker the Seahawks should have taken one spot before them. Baltimore had tons of attractive options at many positions of need, but this fit is fantastic.
Queen didn’t even begin the 2019 season as a starter for the Bayou Bengals, but by the end of the year, he was arguably the most impactful defender on the entire national title defense.
A fiery, athletic defender who can make plays all over the field and on all three downs, Queen is an instant-impact player who will be a fantastic addition to an already talented defense.
GRADE: B+
29. Tennessee Titans
Isaiah Wilson | OT | Georgia
I love this pick so much, and that’s why I projected it in my final mock draft. The Titans have a gaping hole at right tackle following Jack Conklin’s departure in free agency, and Wilson is the perfect replacement.
Wilson’s teammate Andrew Thomas was worthy of his top-five draft slot, but he’s no slouch himself. He was tested against top competition in the SEC, and his combination of size, length and power made him a formidable opponent.
He may have been a surprising name to some, but Wilson is absolutely deserving of a first-round selection. The fit is perfect for the Titans, who will plug Wilson in to keep plowing the road for Derrick Henry and protecting Ryan Tannehill.
GRADE: A
30. Miami Dolphins (from GB)
Noah Igbinoghene | CB | Auburn
The Dolphins made sense with their first two picks Thursday night, but this was was a puzzler. Miami already has two of the highest-paid corners in the NFL in Xavien Howard and the recently signed Byron Jones, yet they spent a premium pick on another one.
This is especially strange considering that all of this year’s top running backs were still on the board, even after the Dolphins moved back four spots. They could have had their pick, and chose to take a player who should have gone on Day 2 at a position they didn’t need to address.
They got their quarterback and a promising left tackle, but they still need so many other things more than a third corner. I don’t get this one at all.
GRADE: C-
31. Minnesota Vikings (from SF)
Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU
After hitting their first pick out of the park with a perfect blend of need and value on offense, the Vikings pull a switch-hitting grand slam by doing the same thing for their defense here.
Minnesota moved back six spots, gained extra picks, and still landed one of the best values of the day at their biggest position of need. Gladney may not have the height of other top corners in this class, but he more than makes up for it in every other area of his game.
Minny’s secondary was a huge disappointment last year, but this pick is a huge win for them. These two picks make the Vikings early favorites to come away with this year’s best draft class.
GRADE: A
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | LSU
And here I thought we’d go the entire first round without seeing a single running back come off the board. It’s not the one most of us expected, but Edwards-Helaire makes plenty of sense as a scheme fit for the defending champs.
Damien Williams is a solid back, but there was room to upgrade and bring in a young player to challenge him. Edwards-Helaire is the perfect fit thanks to his versatile skill set, an his pass-catching prowess in particular.
There were bigger needs on defense, but it’s hard to argue with giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon to work with. This offense was already scary, and it just got worse for opposing defenses with this pick.
