The Chicago Bears have reportedly acquired Nick Foles from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a compensatory fourth-round pick. That feels like a major admission trading up in 2017 to select Mitchell Trubisky out of North Carolina was a mistake. How has the rest of the first-rounders done from that year?
32. Saints: Ryan Ramczyk
He’s been solid for the Saints protecting Drew Brees. Ryan Ramczyk has not played in less than 95% of the New Orleans offensive plays in his three seasons. He’s been called for seven holding penalties as a Saint in 47 games. Grade: B
31. Reuben Foster
A total disaster. With Washington after being cut instantly by the Niners following domestic issues. Grade: F
30. Steelers: T.J. Watt
A fantastic selection by the Steelers, who will now have Derek Watt, signed as a free agent to go with his linebacker brother. T.J. Watt has 34.5 sacks in three seasons. What a steal. Grade: A-plus
29. Browns: David Njoku
The Browns grabbed the tight end from Miami and David Njoku seemed to be on his way to being a solid addition. He had 88 catches in his first two seasons and big things were expected. Injuries derailed that progress in 2019. Njoku had five catches. Grade: C-plus
28. Taco Charlton
Dallas went for the defensive end from Michigan, Taco Charlton, and things did not pan out. He was a healthy scratch for the first two games of 2019. Eventually, Charlton’s tenure with the Cowboys was one of the shortest for a first-round draft choice in franchise history, that didn’t involve a career-ending injury. He is currently with the Dolphins. Grade: F
27. Tre’Davious White
The Buffalo Bills got a great one in the defensive back from LSU. He’s been a huge part of the defensive becoming one of the best in the league. White has been in on 181 tackles and made 12 interceptions in three seasons. A gem. Grade: A-plus
26. Falcons: Takkarist McKinley
One of the sweeter stories on draft night in 2017 was Takkarist McKinley after being selected from UCLA. He was genuine and emotional. McKinley has made 21 starts in three seasons. He’s put Atlanta in a situation with a big decision on whether he will live up to his lofty selection. Grade: C
25. Browns: Jabrill Peppers
The DB from Michigan was sent to the New York Giants as part of the trade that brought Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland. Any time a first-rounder is considered expendable, no matter the return, one has to wonder if the pick was worth it. Grade: C
24. Raiders: Gareon Conley
A questionable pick to begin with due to some legal proceedings, Gareon Conley played in 23 games for the Raiders before winding up in Houston. That is definitely not the kind of production you want. Grade: F
23. Giants: Evan Engram
The Giants got a nice receiver in the tight end from Ole Miss. He clicked early and often with Eli Manning. One concern has to be his production has dwindled each year since 2017. If you want to look on the positive side, he had 44 catches in 2019 while only playing eight games. Grade: B-minus
22. Miami: Charles Harris
The Dolphins missed big time with the choice defensive player from Missouri. He has a grand total of eight starts and 3.5 sacks in three seasons. That’s awful. Grade: F
21. Lions: Jarrad Davis
Jarrad Davis has 10 sacks from 41 starts with the Lions. His play has been inconsistent and frustrating. Don’t be shocked if Detroit moves on from the former Florida Gator. Grade; C-minus
20. Broncos: Garett Boles
Garrett Boles has been called for 46 penalties in three seasons. He’s been consistently inconsistent and the Broncos face a difficult decision if they want to allow Boles to be one of the people to protect Drew Lock. Grade: C
19. O.J. Howard
The TE from Alabama has 94 catches in three seasons. Part of that can be because of the inconsistency of Jameis Winston. Part can be because of the Bucs’ incredible wideouts. However, Howard’s reprieve may be Tom Brady coming to the Bucs. If he can’t thrive with the G.O.A.T., he can’t play anywhere in the league. Grade: C
18. Titans: Adoree’ Jackson
The best part of former USC star Adoree Jackson was supposed to be his ability to be a DB and returner. He hasn’t lived up to the greatness expect after his career as a Trojan. Feels like he was a reach here. Grade: C-minus
17. Redskins: Jonathan Allen
Over his first three seasons, Allen has improved. He started slow and has made 31 starts and 14 sacks in his last two seasons. Washington has to believe he will continue to grow and menace opponents. Grade: C-plus
16. Ravens: Marlon Humphrey
The DB from Alabama has been a big part of the Ravens’ secondary. Humphrey earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nominations for the 2019 season. He had three interceptions and was the most consistent defensive player on the field for Baltimore. Grade: B-plus
15. Colts: Malik Hooker
Malik Hooker has seven picks and has been in 117 tackles for the Colts. He has yet to play a full season, which has to be a concern for Indy. Grade: C
14. Eagles: Derek Barnett
Another player who has yet to play a full 16-game season. Derek Barnett has 14 sacks in 20 starts. He’s been inconsistent. Sometimes showing greatness, other times playing without passion. Grade: C
13. Cardinals: Haason Reddick
A shift to outside linebacker seems to have been what Haason Reddick, a former Temple star, needed to kick-start his NFL career. The Cardinals are on the rise and Reddick has to continue to grow. Grade: C
12. Texans: Deshaun Watson
If the draft were to happen again, the former Clemson star would likely be the second choice behind Patrick Mahomes. Grade: A
11. Saints: Marshon Lattimore
Big pat on the back for the Saints’ scouting department. They deserve one for getting one of the best DBs in the NFL with a choice outside the top 10. Marshon Lattimore is an absolute jewel. Grade: A
10. Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes has done everything and more. A generational talent and the Chiefs got him out of Texas Tech at 10. Grade: A-plus
9. Bengals: John Ross
The fastes way to being a bust is selecting a guy who blazed the 40 at the NFL Combine and can’t stay healthy. John Ross is en route to becoming one of the biggest Top 10 busts of all-time. Grade: F
8. Panthers: Christian McCaffrey
Watch Christian McCaffrey catch. Watch him run. And watch the Panthers rejoice over one of the great eighth picks of all-time.
7. Chargers: Mike Williams
Like the way the former Clemson wideout has grown in his time with the Chargers. He makes the spectacular catches look ordinary and is a threat all over the field. Don’t blame Williams for the Chargers’ flaws. Grade: B
6. Jets: Jamal Adams
When he can keep out of the headlines on non-game days, the Jets’ Jamal Adams is one of the better DBs in the game. Gang Green is going to have to put up with his large personality because his talents are immense. Grade: A
5. Titans: Corey Davis
Not what you want out of a fifth overall pick. A guy who has 34 catches as a rookie, 65 in his second season and drops to 43 in 2019. Tennessee needs more than that out of Davis. It is not like he is averaging 20 yards a catch, either. Grade; C-minus
4. Leonard Fournette
Hard to figure who is unhappier: Fournette with the way the Jaguars do business or the team with the way the former LSU star has progressed and behaved. He rebounded for 1,152 yards in 2019 but only had three TDs. Can’t see this marriage lasting forever unless the Jags are content to deal with him being a malcontent. Grade: B-minus
3. 49ers: Solomon Thomas
The exit of DeForest Buckner to Indianapolis opens the way for Solomon Thomas to finally prove the Niners made a smart move in making this pick. Until then, it is seriously in question. He has six sacks in three seasons. Thomas better match that number in 2020. Grade: C-minus
2. Bears: Mitchell Trubisky
The Bears seem to have bailed on the player they traded up for after paying Mike Glennon a fortune. Mitchell Trubisky was supposed to be a franchise quarterbacks for years to come. Instead, they are landing Nick Foles in hopes of finding a quarterback who can lead them back to the playoffs. Matt Nagy & Co. know Trubisky isn’t the answer, so… Grade: F
1. Browns: Myles Garrett
The man who made headlines for swinging his helmet at the Steelers’ Mason Rudolph and getting indefinitely suspended in 2019 has been quite a stellar defensive player. Garrett is a force and the Browns will be thrilled to have him and his 30.5 sacks back in 2020. One of the best. He does have points taken off for his behavior in the game against Pittsburgh. Grade: A-minus
