Jump to content

AFC East Draft Grades


Jet Nut

Recommended Posts

Grading an NFL Draft immediately after it occurs is akin to giving your compliments to the chef based on the menu. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the weekend. But waiting is no fun. As such, let's take a look at which teams appear to have done the best job of filling needs and building for the future via the seven rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.

 

Buffalo Bills 

It didn't take long for Buffalo to transition into a Rex Ryan style of team, focusing their top choices on defense and adding a talented, but raw quarterback in the fourth round in former Ohio State standout Cardale Jones.

First round pick Shaq Lawson is the perfect Ryan player. He may not be an elite athlete, but he's powerful, passionate and tough. So too is inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (a David Harris clone) and versatile interior defensive lineman Adolphus Washington, who has the length to slide outside and play defensive end in Ryan's 3-4 scheme as well as provide a bit of pass rush.

Jones has the size, athleticism and terrific arm strength to excite scouts but he's as raw as it gets, as is speed receiver Kolby Listenbee. Like Jones and Listenbee, running back Jonathan Williams has the talent to prove a steal but comes with durability issues. 

Grade: B

Miami Dolphins 

The Dolphins stopped Laremy Tunsil's slide at No. 13 overall and deserve kudos for nabbing arguably the draft's elite talent at this relatively late point but there should be some concern as to where he fits best. The Dolphins have invested a lot in current tackles Branden Albert and Juwan James and Tunsil has never played guard.

It is fair to question his commitment, at this point, as well. Miami took exciting athletes and clean schematic fits throughout Days 2 and 3, as well, nabbing lanky press corner Xavien Howard, the explosive and agile Kenyan Drake to complement bruising Jay Ajayi at No. 73 and the playmaking Leonte Caroo in the third round, as well.

At just 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, Jakeem Grant lacks NFL size but certainly not speed, reportedly clocking under 4.20 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Texas Tech's Pro Day. 

Grade:  B-

New England Patriots  

The Patriots, of course, were without a first round pick due to the Deflategate discipline levied by the NFL and made some surprising choices once they were on the clock. Top choice Cyrus Jones is a quality defensive back with the versatility to handle nickel duties and he is a terrific returner.

Further, I'm a fan of Joe Thuney's toughness and versatility. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, however, seemed like an odd choice for a club that had recently invested an early pick on Jimmy Garoppolo, who was at least one time viewed as the heir apparent to Tom Brady. Nose guard Vincent Valentine is a run stuffer who had a poor 2015 season but is talented.

The biggest question is where is the pass rush going to come from with Chandler Jones traded and Dominique Easley gone. Of New England's Day Three picks, wideout Malcolm Mitchell is a rangy athlete with enough speed and size to provide a vertical threat. 

Grade: C-

New York Jets  

Todd Bowles was a master at creating exotic and aggressive blitz packages while serving as defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and few players in the 2016 draft offer more creativity than first round pick Darron Lee, a heat-seeking missile.

The Jets followed that up with third rounder Jordan Jenkins, who was more productive than top 10 pick Leonard Floyd at Georgia.

Of course, the selection everyone is going to talk about is quarterback Christian Hackenberg, whose technique faltered once Bill O'Brien left Penn State for the Houston Texans but possesses the size, arm strength and grit to ultimately rise past Geno Smith and Bryce Petty (and Ryan Fitzpatrick?) to be the Jets' starting quarterback -- though not necessarily in 2016. Of New York's Day Three selections, offensive tackle Brandon Shell (the nephew of Hall of Famer Art Shell) offers the length and physicality worthy of developing. 

Grade: B+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

Grading an NFL Draft immediately after it occurs is akin to giving your compliments to the chef based on the menu. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the weekend. But waiting is no fun. As such, let's take a look at which teams appear to have done the best job of filling needs and building for the future via the seven rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.

 

Buffalo Bills 

It didn't take long for Buffalo to transition into a Rex Ryan style of team, focusing their top choices on defense and adding a talented, but raw quarterback in the fourth round in former Ohio State standout Cardale Jones.

First round pick Shaq Lawson is the perfect Ryan player. He may not be an elite athlete, but he's powerful, passionate and tough. So too is inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (a David Harris clone) and versatile interior defensive lineman Adolphus Washington, who has the length to slide outside and play defensive end in Ryan's 3-4 scheme as well as provide a bit of pass rush.

Jones has the size, athleticism and terrific arm strength to excite scouts but he's as raw as it gets, as is speed receiver Kolby Listenbee. Like Jones and Listenbee, running back Jonathan Williams has the talent to prove a steal but comes with durability issues. 

Grade: B

Miami Dolphins 

The Dolphins stopped Laremy Tunsil's slide at No. 13 overall and deserve kudos for nabbing arguably the draft's elite talent at this relatively late point but there should be some concern as to where he fits best. The Dolphins have invested a lot in current tackles Branden Albert and Juwan James and Tunsil has never played guard.

It is fair to question his commitment, at this point, as well. Miami took exciting athletes and clean schematic fits throughout Days 2 and 3, as well, nabbing lanky press corner Xavien Howard, the explosive and agile Kenyan Drake to complement bruising Jay Ajayi at No. 73 and the playmaking Leonte Caroo in the third round, as well.

At just 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, Jakeem Grant lacks NFL size but certainly not speed, reportedly clocking under 4.20 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Texas Tech's Pro Day. 

Grade:  B-

New England Patriots  

The Patriots, of course, were without a first round pick due to the Deflategate discipline levied by the NFL and made some surprising choices once they were on the clock. Top choice Cyrus Jones is a quality defensive back with the versatility to handle nickel duties and he is a terrific returner.

Further, I'm a fan of Joe Thuney's toughness and versatility. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, however, seemed like an odd choice for a club that had recently invested an early pick on Jimmy Garoppolo, who was at least one time viewed as the heir apparent to Tom Brady. Nose guard Vincent Valentine is a run stuffer who had a poor 2015 season but is talented.

The biggest question is where is the pass rush going to come from with Chandler Jones traded and Dominique Easley gone. Of New England's Day Three picks, wideout Malcolm Mitchell is a rangy athlete with enough speed and size to provide a vertical threat. 

Grade: C-

New York Jets  

Todd Bowles was a master at creating exotic and aggressive blitz packages while serving as defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and few players in the 2016 draft offer more creativity than first round pick Darron Lee, a heat-seeking missile.

The Jets followed that up with third rounder Jordan Jenkins, who was more productive than top 10 pick Leonard Floyd at Georgia.

Of course, the selection everyone is going to talk about is quarterback Christian Hackenberg, whose technique faltered once Bill O'Brien left Penn State for the Houston Texans but possesses the size, arm strength and grit to ultimately rise past Geno Smith and Bryce Petty (and Ryan Fitzpatrick?) to be the Jets' starting quarterback -- though not necessarily in 2016. Of New York's Day Three selections, offensive tackle Brandon Shell (the nephew of Hall of Famer Art Shell) offers the length and physicality worthy of developing. 

Grade: B+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He missed Charone Peake who could be one of best receivers from this draft in a few years.   I think with his addition, this draft should be an A

Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, JetBlue said:

He missed Charone Peake who could be one of best receivers from this draft in a few years.   I think with his addition, this draft should be an A

Ryan Clady, i.e. starting LT w/some years left, was our 5th round pick for this year. a GREAT and sensible trade. 

People also seem to forget that for 2 CONSECUTIVE YEARS MacCags has converted 5th round picks into an instantly productive #1 WR in Marshall (who made '15ProBowl & '15 2ndTeam AllPro) & a starting LT in Clady.

Getting 2 former AllPros for 5th rounders is about as SAAAAAAVY of a GM I could hope for the JETs.

The 2016 draft is a SOLID B+ to borderline A- or the elementary E for Excellent. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Jet Nut said:
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Jet Nut said:

Grading an NFL Draft immediately after it occurs is akin to giving your compliments to the chef based on the menu. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the weekend. But waiting is no fun. As such, let's take a look at which teams appear to have done the best job of filling needs and building for the future via the seven rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.

 

Buffalo Bills 

It didn't take long for Buffalo to transition into a Rex Ryan style of team, focusing their top choices on defense and adding a talented, but raw quarterback in the fourth round in former Ohio State standout Cardale Jones.

First round pick Shaq Lawson is the perfect Ryan player. He may not be an elite athlete, but he's powerful, passionate and tough. So too is inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (a David Harris clone) and versatile interior defensive lineman Adolphus Washington, who has the length to slide outside and play defensive end in Ryan's 3-4 scheme as well as provide a bit of pass rush.

Jones has the size, athleticism and terrific arm strength to excite scouts but he's as raw as it gets, as is speed receiver Kolby Listenbee. Like Jones and Listenbee, running back Jonathan Williams has the talent to prove a steal but comes with durability issues. 

Grade: B

Miami Dolphins 

The Dolphins stopped Laremy Tunsil's slide at No. 13 overall and deserve kudos for nabbing arguably the draft's elite talent at this relatively late point but there should be some concern as to where he fits best. The Dolphins have invested a lot in current tackles Branden Albert and Juwan James and Tunsil has never played guard.

It is fair to question his commitment, at this point, as well. Miami took exciting athletes and clean schematic fits throughout Days 2 and 3, as well, nabbing lanky press corner Xavien Howard, the explosive and agile Kenyan Drake to complement bruising Jay Ajayi at No. 73 and the playmaking Leonte Caroo in the third round, as well.

At just 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, Jakeem Grant lacks NFL size but certainly not speed, reportedly clocking under 4.20 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Texas Tech's Pro Day. 

Grade:  B-

New England Patriots  

The Patriots, of course, were without a first round pick due to the Deflategate discipline levied by the NFL and made some surprising choices once they were on the clock. Top choice Cyrus Jones is a quality defensive back with the versatility to handle nickel duties and he is a terrific returner.

Further, I'm a fan of Joe Thuney's toughness and versatility. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, however, seemed like an odd choice for a club that had recently invested an early pick on Jimmy Garoppolo, who was at least one time viewed as the heir apparent to Tom Brady. Nose guard Vincent Valentine is a run stuffer who had a poor 2015 season but is talented.

The biggest question is where is the pass rush going to come from with Chandler Jones traded and Dominique Easley gone. Of New England's Day Three picks, wideout Malcolm Mitchell is a rangy athlete with enough speed and size to provide a vertical threat. 

Grade: C-

New York Jets  

Todd Bowles was a master at creating exotic and aggressive blitz packages while serving as defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and few players in the 2016 draft offer more creativity than first round pick Darron Lee, a heat-seeking missile.

The Jets followed that up with third rounder Jordan Jenkins, who was more productive than top 10 pick Leonard Floyd at Georgia.

Of course, the selection everyone is going to talk about is quarterback Christian Hackenberg, whose technique faltered once Bill O'Brien left Penn State for the Houston Texans but possesses the size, arm strength and grit to ultimately rise past Geno Smith and Bryce Petty (and Ryan Fitzpatrick?) to be the Jets' starting quarterback -- though not necessarily in 2016. Of New York's Day Three selections, offensive tackle Brandon Shell (the nephew of Hall of Famer Art Shell) offers the length and physicality worthy of developing. 

Grade: B+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miami.         TUNSIL  A+  HOWARD B-   DRAKE B+   CAROO  B   GRANT A- (love this player)  DOUGHTY B+  DUARTE B+                                                    TOTAL  A-

Buffalo                   LAWSON A+    RAGLAND A+    WASHINGTON B+    JONES D-    WILLIAMS B+    LISTENBEE B-    SEYMOUR B+                                           TOTAL A-

New England     JONES  C-   THUNEY  B    BRISSETT  B-    VALENTINE  D    MITCHELL B   GRUGIER-HILL C+  Roberts B+  KARRAS C+ LUCIEN B-      TOTAL C to C+

New York          LEE   A+     HACKENBERG  C-     JENKINS  A     BURRIS C+     SHELL C+     EDWARDS B-     PEAKE  B+                                           TOTAL B TO B+                  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Gas2No99 said:

Ryan Clady, i.e. starting LT w/some years left, was our 5th round pick for this year. a GREAT and sensible trade. 

People also seem to forget that for 2 CONSECUTIVE YEARS MacCags has converted 5th round picks into an instantly productive #1 WR in Marshall (who made '15ProBowl & '15 2ndTeam AllPro) & a starting LT in Clady.

Getting 2 former AllPros for 5th rounders is about as SAAAAAAVY of a GM I could hope for the JETs.

The 2016 draft is a SOLID B+ to borderline A- or the elementary E for Excellent. 

Ryan Clady hasn't been the same player since he had lis-franc surgery .    ( played all 16 games in 2014 but wasn't any where close to the player he once was - made the probowl more off reputation , than actually play).    

If Ryan Clady can regain his form( pre lis- franc) than the Jets could have another steal .    

I understand the reason the Jets traded for Clady( without doubt was the best option out there)  .   if healthy Clady is one of the top left tackles in the game.   Can he overcome that lis franc injury ?      THE bronco's didn't think so- as they signed a brittle Lt ( Okung) to replace him.        

Like the Bears with Brandon Marshall, you hope the Bronco's are wrong about Ryan Clady.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, Raideraholic said:

Ryan Clady hasn't been the same player since he had lis-franc surgery .    ( played all 16 games in 2014 but wasn't any where close to the player he once was - made the probowl more off reputation , than actually play).    

If Ryan Clady can regain his form( pre lis- franc) than the Jets could have another steal .    

I understand the reason the Jets traded for Clady( without doubt was the best option out there)  .   if healthy Clady is one of the top left tackles in the game.   Can he overcome that lis franc injury ?      THE bronco's didn't think so- as they signed a brittle Lt ( Okung) to replace him.        

Like the Bears with Brandon Marshall, you hope the Bronco's are wrong about Ryan Clady.

Clady has a $10m reasons to play well this yr.

He only counts $5.5m on the cap this yr. If he remains with the team next yr. He gets paid like a top level FA.

He bet on himself to come back strong this yr. That gets me excited.

If not.... 1st rd. LT in next years Draft.

 

Clady was traded to the Jets on April 11, 2016. The new contract has a base value of $6 million in 2016 but we do not yet know how much of that total is paid as a bonus or is incentivized. The cap charge here is likely the worst case scenario and will be updated when the full details are released.

Contract Details

Total Value: $16,000,000 (avg. $8,000,000/year; $1,500,000 fully guaranteed)
12th highest of 73 LT contracts
Year Base Salary(Guaranteed) Bonuses Cap
Number
 
Dead Money & Cap Savings
Prorated Roster Workout Other
2016 $3,500,000$1,500,000 $500,000 $1,500,000 $0 $0 $5,500,000   $2,500,000 $3,000,000
2017 $10,000,000 $500,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,500,000   $500,000 $10,000,000
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, 32EBoozer said:

Clady has a $10m reasons to play well this yr.

He only counts $5.5m on the cap this yr. If he remains with the team next yr. He gets paid like a top level FA.

He bet on himself to come back strong this yr. That gets me excited.

If not.... 1st rd. LT in next years Draft.

 

Clady was traded to the Jets on April 11, 2016. The new contract has a base value of $6 million in 2016 but we do not yet know how much of that total is paid as a bonus or is incentivized. The cap charge here is likely the worst case scenario and will be updated when the full details are released.

Contract Details

Total Value: $16,000,000 (avg. $8,000,000/year; $1,500,000 fully guaranteed)
12th highest of 73 LT contracts
Year Base Salary(Guaranteed) Bonuses Cap
Number
 
Dead Money & Cap Savings
Prorated Roster Workout Other
2016 $3,500,000$1,500,000 $500,000 $1,500,000 $0 $0 $5,500,000   $2,500,000 $3,000,000
2017 $10,000,000 $500,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,500,000   $500,000 $10,000,000

Again it was a very good trade for the Jets( had to roll the dice) - weren't going to find any Left tackle of Clady caliber.    Just how healthy is Ryan Clady( more lis-franc) as that is the only injury that is of concern to me.

If he's moving better now with the lis-franc surgery than in 2014 than Jets are going to be in pretty good shape next season.      

The Jets should know pretty early in  training Camp what kind of Ryan Clady they are getting.     A lot of players have incentives to do good- if healthy Clady will get that money in 2017, and if he isn't he won't.(jets are able to walk away from his contract rather easy.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Raideraholic said:

Ryan Clady hasn't been the same player since he had lis-franc surgery .    ( played all 16 games in 2014 but wasn't any where close to the player he once was - made the probowl more off reputation , than actually play).    

If Ryan Clady can regain his form( pre lis- franc) than the Jets could have another steal .    

I understand the reason the Jets traded for Clady( without doubt was the best option out there)  .   if healthy Clady is one of the top left tackles in the game.   Can he overcome that lis franc injury ?      THE bronco's didn't think so- as they signed a brittle Lt ( Okung) to replace him.        

Like the Bears with Brandon Marshall, you hope the Bronco's are wrong about Ryan Clady.

Broncos couldn't afford Clady.  Needed the cap room to sign others.   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would have given the phis a higher grade.  They had a really good draft, getting tunsel there was a flat out steal.  Howard, Drake and Caroo were all good picks imo.

Buffalos draft was a stinky rex draft.  I am betting that Jordan Jenkins has as good if not better career than Shaw Lawson, Ragland is indeed similar to Harris, a run stopper.

Pats draft was not great.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Jet Nut said:

Broncos couldn't afford Clady.  Needed the cap room to sign others.   

If the Bronco's wanted Ryan Clady , he still be a Bronco.    What Ryan Clady was willing only to restructure his contract for the Jets.( not for Super Bowl champs). 

Ryan Clady since that lis- franc injury hasn't been the player he once was- why they were willing to sign Russell" I can't stay healthy" Okung.

Again that tells you the Bronco's have doubts that he will ever be the  same player again.    You hope as a jet fan they are wrong.( it's highway robbery he is able to come back pre lis- franc injury.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Beerfish said:

I would have given the phis a higher grade.  They had a really good draft, getting tunsel there was a flat out steal.  Howard, Drake and Caroo were all good picks imo.

Buffalos draft was a stinky rex draft.  I am betting that Jordan Jenkins has as good if not better career than Shaw Lawson, Ragland is indeed similar to Harris, a run stopper.

Pats draft was not great.

I agree I thought the Dolphins had one of the better drafts - not just in the Afc East.  I like what they were able to do.

I don't agree on Shaq Lawson.   I think he's going to be very good player in this league, and better than Jordan Jenkins.( good news just gave the kiss of death to Shaq Lawson career).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Beerfish said:

I would have given the phis a higher grade.  They had a really good draft, getting tunsel there was a flat out steal.  Howard, Drake and Caroo were all good picks imo.

Buffalos draft was a stinky rex draft.  I am betting that Jordan Jenkins has as good if not better career than Shaw Lawson, Ragland is indeed similar to Harris, a run stopper.

Pats draft was not great.

+1

Both are hoping to be Pace.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

47 minutes ago, Raideraholic said:

If the Bronco's wanted Ryan Clady , he still be a Bronco.    What Ryan Clady was willing only to restructure his contract for the Jets.( not for Super Bowl champs). 

Ryan Clady since that lis- franc injury hasn't been the player he once was- why they were willing to sign Russell" I can't stay healthy" Okung.

Again that tells you the Bronco's have doubts that he will ever be the  same player again.    You hope as a jet fan they are wrong.( it's highway robbery he is able to come back pre lis- franc injury.)

They couldnt afford him and were looking to move his contract.

They couldnt sign their FA, lost ones that they didnt want to lose.  They wanted Kaep and the time, couldnt afford him.  I assume they want Miller and are trying to figure out how to sign him

You can take your usual anti Jet approach that we got him because the Broncos didnt want him and he would be a Bronco if they did all you want.  They couldt afford him. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, Jet Nut said:

They couldnt afford him and were looking to move his contract.

They couldnt sign their FA, lost ones that they didnt want to lose.  They wanted Kaep and the time, couldnt afford him.  I assume they want Miller and are trying to figure out how to sign him

You can take your usual anti Jet approach that we got him because the Broncos didnt want him and he would be a Bronco if they did all you want.  They couldt afford him. 

Ryan Clady is making 5.5 million with the Jets.   Russell Okung 5.2-5.3 million per year with the Bronco's.   The two to three hundred thousand isn't as big a deal .( no Jet bias just facts)  .     The Bronco's didn't want Ryan Clady and elected to sign often injured Russell Okung.( little younger than Clady).

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Raideraholic said:

Ryan Clady is making 5.5 million with the Jets.   Russell Okung 5.2-5.3 million per year with the Jets.   The two to three hundred thousand isn't as big a deal .( no Jet bias just facts)  .     The Bronco's didn't want Ryan Clady and elected to sign often injured Russell Okung.( little younger than Clady).

 

Clady refused to re-work his deal with Denver.

Chose to re-work it with Jets.... that's why they brought in Okung.

They tried to re-work Clady, but there was some bad blood I guess.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Raideraholic said:

Ryan Clady is making 5.5 million with the Jets.   Russell Okung 5.2-5.3 million per year with the Bronco's.   The two to three hundred thousand isn't as big a deal .( no Jet bias just facts)  .     The Bronco's didn't want Ryan Clady and elected to sign often injured Russell Okung.( little younger than Clady).

 

Clady was making over 10 with the Broncos.  He had 2 years and 20 mil left on his deal.  Is there any part of the game you understand? Other than you like to hang around a Jets board and tell us what is happening with the Jets?  

And pretty much never being right 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...