April 28, 2018
I’ll be posting 2018 NFL Draft Grades for every pick. Why not grade all of the trades?
Buccaneers acquire No. 94 overall pick (Alex Cappa) from Vikings for Nos. 102 (4th) and 180 (6th)
The Buccaneers really wanted to draft Quenton Nelson, but they just barely missed out on him in the opening round, so they didn’t want to leave Day 2 without bolstering their offensive line. Thus, they moved up eight spots for mauler Alex Cappa, surrendering a sixth-round pick in the process.
I like this move for Tampa. The team potentially filled a big need, and it also won on the trade value chart, albeit by a slim margin, 124 to 111.4.
Grade for Buccaneers – B
Grade for Vikings – C+
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Packers acquire No. 88 overall pick (Oren Burks) from Panthers for Nos. 101 (4th) and 147 (5th)
The Packers made some nice trades Thursday, and they easily won this on the chart, 150 to 128.6. That’s only a difference of about 22 points, but that’s a high percentage compared to the total value.
I’m not crazy about the player the Packers moved up for, but he’s an athletic player who fills a need, and there’s a chance he may not have been available atop Round 4. Thus, I can’t blame Green Bay’s new management for pulling the trigger.
Grade for Packers – B
Grade for Panthers – C
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Raiders acquire No. 87 overall pick (Arden Key) from Rams for Nos. 89 (3rd) and 217 (7th)
I guess the Raiders believed that the Packers were going to select Arden Key because they hopped over them to obtain the LSU edge rusher for the mere price of a seventh-round choice.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, I suppose. I don’t mind the Raiders doing this, as they were able to obtain a physically gifted player for an insignificant sum. They actually won on the trade chart, 155 to 149.6.
Grade for Raiders – B+
Grade for Rams – C
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Steelers acquire No. 76 overall pick (Mason Rudolph) from Seahawks for Nos. 79 (3rd) and 220 (7th)
The Steelers won this deal according to the trade value chart, 210 to 198.4, but it doesn’t matter. They clearly didn’t learn their lesson from the Landry Jones fiasco, as they once again opted to draft a lollipop-armed Big XII quarterback.
This time, the Steelers moved up, making things worse. They went up three spots to leap the Bengals, yet they would’ve been better off had Cincinnati selected Rudolph. The Oklahoma State product was a fourth-round prospect at best because his upside is being a mediocre backup in the NFL.
Grade for Steelers – D
Grade for Seahawks – C+
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Chiefs acquire No. 75 overall pick (Derrick Nnadi) from Ravens for Nos. 86 (3rd) and 122 (4th)
Kansas City traded up twice on Day 2, and it was dubious on both occasions. They managed to acquire Breeland Speaks and Derrick Nnadi, two prospects they ended up reaching for.
The only thing saving the Chiefs from a poor grade is that they actually won on the trade value chart, 215-210. However, there was no need to surrender a fourth-round choice to move up for a fourth-round nose tackle like Derrick Nnadi. He (or another similar prospect) would’ve been available at No. 86.
Grade for Chiefs – C
Grade for Ravens – B-
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Raiders acquire No. 65 overall pick (Brandon Parker) from Ravens for Nos. 75 (3rd), 152 (5th) and 212 (7th)
The Raiders were chided for this deal on Twitter, but they actually won on the trade value chart, despite Baltimore getting perceived three-for-one value with this swap. It wasn’t a decisive victory, but Oakland edged out Baltimore, 265 to 252.2.
That said, it’s hard to like this deal for the Raiders because of the player they obtained. Brandon Parker was widely considered a fourth-round prospect. There’s a very good chance he would’ve been available at No. 75, and if not, a comparable tackle could’ve been obtained there. It seems nonsensical for the Raiders to make the move up for a prospect who provides low value atop Round 3, even though they won according to the chart.
Grade for Raiders – C
Grade for Ravens – C+
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Colts acquire No. 64 overall pick (Tyquan Lewis) from Browns for Nos. 67 (3rd) and 178 (6th)
I’d like to know whom the Colts thought they had to leap over for Tyquan Lewis. The Ravens weren’t going to draft a defensive lineman, while the Giants didn’t seem like a good fit for Lewis, considering that he’s more of a 4-3 player. It really didn’t make any sense for Indianapolis to trade up.
Luckily for the Colts, they didn’t lose this by much on the trade value chart; Cleveland came away with a narrow victory, 275.2 to 270. Still, it’s puzzling why Indianapolis would make this move in the first place. Maybe Chris Ballard was just bored? That’s all I can think of.
Grade for Colts – C-
Grade for Borwns – B
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Patriots acquire No. 56 overall pick (Duke Dawson) from Buccaneers for Nos. 63 (2nd) and 117 (4th)
The Patriots traded down twice in the second round, but it was finally their turn to move up. They sent over a fourth-rounder to the Buccaneers to move up seven spots and grab a cornerback who should be able to thrive in the slot.
I initially wasn’t a fan of this transaction, but this is almost dead even per the trade chart (Patriots barely win, 340-336), and because New England had lots of equity from all the moves it made, it could afford to jump up and target a player who fits its scheme. This seems like an even deal for both teams, as the Buccaneers acquired an extra fourth just to move down seven spots, which seems like a smart decision.
Grade for Patriots – B
Grade for Buccaneers – B
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Bears acquire No. 51 overall pick (Anthony Miller) from Patriots for No. 105 (4th) and 2019 2nd-rounder
Everyone was confused when this trade first transpired because the Bears came from nowhere. Their next pick was in the fourth round (No. 105), so they had to surrender a 2019 choice of some sort to move up to this spot. As it turns out, that will be a second-round selection in next year’s superior class.
I’m all for teams obtaining 2019 picks, as that class looks tremendous right now. Because of that, it makes Chicago’s triumph in the trade value chart (390-354) seem misleading. I don’t mind this trade for the Bears, but I think New England won it.
Grade for Bears – B-
Grade for Patriots – B+
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Eagles acquire No. 49 overall pick (Dallas Goedert) from Colts for Nos. 52 (2nd) and 169 (5th)
I wrote yesterday about how Howie Roseman slew both the Ravens and the Giants in the trade involving the No. 32 pick. OK, maybe “slew” is too strong for the Ravens, as they managed to obtain their franchise quarterback. However, Roseman crushed the Giants’ chances of obtaining their own franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson by giving him to Baltimore.
This is yet another case of Roseman beating two teams in one deal. Again, he won in a slim margin over his trading partner – he edged out the Colts in the trade value chart, 410-403.8 – but he also was able to move ahead of the rival Cowboys and select Dallas Goedert. The Cowboys were reportedly interested in Goedert to replace the newly retired Jason Witten, yet Roseman once again denied another NFC East foe.
Grade for Eagles – A
Grade for Colts – B
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Chiefs acquire No. 46 overall pick (Breeland Speaks) and No. 100 (3rd) from Bengals for Nos. 54 (2nd) and 78 (3rd)
This trade ended up being close on the trade value chart, with the Bengals winning, 560-540. Effectively, the Chiefs traded down from the top of the third round to the very bottom, just so they could hop up eight spots to select Breeland Speaks.
I’m not sure why the Chiefs felt that Speaks was going to be chosen in those eight spots. Speaks was a third-round prospect, and there were plenty of viable five-techniques available anyway.
Grade for Chiefs – C
Grade for Bengals – B
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49ers acquire No. 44 overall pick (Dante Pettis) and No. 142 (5th) from Redskins for Nos. 59 (2nd) and 74 (3rd)
John Lynch did a great job of trading last year, but he seemed in over his head against a veteran general manager in Bruce Allen this time.
First of all, San Francisco was smoked in the trade value chart, losing 530-445. And, if that’s not enough, the 49ers needlessly surrendered a third-round pick to move up for Dante Pettis. There was a good chance Pettis would’ve just fallen to No. 59. If not, there were plenty of solid receivers available, so San Francisco gave up a valuable resource for no reason. Washington was the clear winner of this swap.
Grade for 49ers – D
Grade for Redskins – A
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Lions acquire No. 43 overall pick (Kerryon Johnson) from Patriots for Nos. 51 (2nd) and 117 (4th)
It can’t have been a surprise that the Patriots and Lions traded with each other, given how many Detroit staffers used to work for Bill Belichick. The Lions used this trade to secure a very Belichickian running back in Kerryon Johnson, who seems perfect for the offense.
Not only did the Lions get the better player in this deal, but they edged out New England in the trade value chart, 470-450. This seemed like it was a pretty solid deal for Detroit and not a bad one for New England.
Grade for Lions – B+
Grade for Patriots – B-
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Titans acquire No. 41 overall pick (Harold Landry) from Raiders for Nos. 57 (2nd) and 89 (3rd)
It was surprising that Harold Landry fell to the second round. Tennessee especially had to be shocked, given that Landry was a finalist for its first-round pick. The Titans did a good job of leaping teams that may have taken the Boston College edge rusher.
This was an even deal per the trade value chart; the Titans received 490 points, while the Raiders obtained 475. However, given the caliber of player Tennessee secured, I’d have to say it won the swap.
Grade for Titans – A
Grade for Raiders – B
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Ravens acquire No. 32 overall pick (Lamar Jackson) and No. 132 (4th) from Eagles for Nos. 52 (2nd) and 125 (4th), 2019 2nd-rounder
The Ravens had extra resources from the two trades they conducted earlier, so they were able to trade up for their quarterback of the future. Lamar Jackson’s inconsistency in accuracy, mechanics and low Wonderlic score is why he nearly fell out of the opening round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but I’ve always maintained that he can be a good NFL quarterback if he’s coached up very well. He’ll have the luxury of sitting and learning behind Joe Flacco for a couple of years, which seems like an ideal situation for him.
The Ravens lost this deal per the trade value chart; they received 630 points, while the Eagles obtained 697 points. However, it can’t be understated how important it is to obtain a future franchise quarterback. This was a great move.
That said, I think the Eagles won this swap. Howie Roseman was a part of it, so of course they did. Not only did the Eagles win per the trade value chart, and not only did they obtain a second-round pick in a superior draft class, but they also screwed the divisional-rival Giants out of getting a franchise signal-caller! New York, armed with the second pick on Day 2, would’ve had first crack at Jackson, provided Cleveland didn’t trade down from No. 33. Now, the Giants will have to wait to find another quarterback. Only Roseman could defeat two teams with a single trade!
Grade for Ravens – A
Grade for Eagles – A+
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Titans acquire No. 22 overall pick (Rashaan Evans) and No. 215 (6th) from Ravens for Nos. 25 (1st) and 125 (4th)
The Titans did a good job of recognizing that there was just one first-round off-LOS linebacker remaining on the board – an increasingly important position – so they didn’t want to risk losing Rashaan Evans to the Patriots, who very realistically could have taken the Alabama product. Tennessee made sure it could get Evans, moving down from the end of the fourth to the sixth round.
Tennssee actually came out on top per the trade value chart, albeit by a slim margin. The Titans received 785.4 points, while the Ravens obtained 767 points. So, this deal makes even more sense for the Tennessee front office, which has to replace the departed Avery Williamson.
I’d say the Titans won this trade, but it’s close. The Ravens would still end up getting their man (Hayden Hurst) at No. 25, so it’s nice that they were able to secure some value in the process.
Grade for Titans – A-
Grade for Ravens – B+
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Packers acquire No. 18 overall pick (Jaire Alexander) and No. 248 (7th) from Seahawks for Nos. 27 (1st), 76 (3rd) and 186 (6th)
The Packers moved down 13 spots initially, only to hop up nine when they saw that their preferred cornerback, with Denzel Ward off the board, could be taken at some point in the early or mid 20s.
I don’t know if Green Bay had to move all the way up like this for Jaire Alexander. The Louisville product is very talented for sure, but he comes with some serious injury concerns. In fact, some teams had him in the second round because of his health problems.
That said, I don’t hate this trade for the Packers, as they obtained 901 points in the deal, while Seattle received 907 points. It was an even swap, per the trade value chart, but I think the Packers could have preserved some of their equity because the only team that may have taken Alexander in the 19-22 range was Detroit.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, absolutely had to trade down. Following No. 18, they weren’t going to pick again until the 120th pick, so they had to acquire extra selections. This new third-round choice will come in handy when plugging all of their many holes.
Grade for Packers – B-
Grade for Seahawks – B
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Bills acquire No. 16 overall pick (Tremaine Edmunds) and No. 154 (5th) from Ravens for Nos. 22 (1st) and 65 (3rd)
Many mock drafts had Tremaine Edmunds slotted to either the Bears (8th) or Dolphins (11th). The Bills had to be utterly shocked that he fell all the way to No. 16, so I don’t blame them at all for trading up.
But what does the trade value chart say? Buffalo acquired 1,029.8 points, while Baltimore obtained 1,045, so it was an even deal.
Still, I think the Bills won this trade, as they were able to secure a potential top-10 prospect without giving up more value than they had to. General manager Brandon Beane did a good job of wheeling and dealing Thursday night. The Ravens, meanwhile, were comfortable moving down after seeing Kolton Miller taken off the board, so they did well, too.
Grade for Bills – A-
Grade for Ravens – B+
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Saints acquire No. 14 overall pick (Marcus Davenport) from Packers for Nos. 27 (1st), 147 (5th) and 2019 1st-round pick
I can’t get over how stupid this trade was for the Saints. The only reason a team should give up a future first-round pick in a trade up is if it’s for a quarterback. Only players at that position are worth surrendering that sort of equity for. Surrendering a future first-round choice for a raw edge rusher is an egregious error. The only logical way this makes sense is if the Saints know that the Apocalypse will happen before the 2019 season.
What’s more mind-boggling about this trade is that there are tons of talented defensive linemen available next year (here’s the 2019 NFL Mock Draft.) Why give up two first-rounders for an inferior player than one who can be obtained next April? It makes no sense.
Per the trade value chart, the Saints received 1,100 points, while the Packers obtained 1,308.6. So, Green Bay won this deal by about 200 points (a mid-third-round pick) and that’s not even factoring in that the 2019 NFL Draft class will be superior to 2018!
Grade for Saints – F
Grade for Packers – A+
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Cardinals acquire No. 10 overall pick (Josh Rosen) from Raiders for Nos. 15 (1st), 79 (3rd) and 152 (5th)
Like the Bills, the Cardinals were able to trade up for their new franchise quarterback without giving up their next pick this weekend or their initial selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Credit both teams for being patient and finding a deal with the best value.
So, how did the teams do via the trade value chart? The Cardinals received 1,300 points. The Raiders, for moving down, obtained 1,275.6 points, so Arizona came out on top by a bit.
Considering that the Cardinals won this trade per the chart and still were able to secure their quarterback of the future makes them the clear winners of the trade. That said, I don’t mind this deal for the Raiders; they really wanted Mike McGlinchey, but the 49ers, thanks to their winning of the all-important coin flip at the combine, were able to steal the Notre Dame tackle away from their Bay Area rivals. With its top player off the board, Oakland had to move down.
Grade for Cardinals – A+
Grade for Raiders – B
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Bills acquire No. 7 overall pick (Josh Allen) from Buccaneers for Nos. 12 (1st), 53 (2nd) and 56 (2nd)
The Bills were attempting to move up for a quarterback, beginning at the No. 2 pick. The problem for them was that they didn’t want to surrender their No. 22 overall selection or their 2019 first-round choice.
Buffalo found a trade partner, and all the team had to give up was two second-round picks (Nos. 53 and 56). Mission accomplished, right? Well, per the NFL Draft Trade Value Chart, the Bills received 1,500 points, while the Buccaneers obtained 1,910 in return. Tampa, effectively, got a pick in the 40s for free at that differential.
I’d say the Buccaneers deserve a higher grade in this deal, but I still think the Bills did well. Future franchise quarterbacks require a premium cost, and things would’ve been much worse had the Bills surrendered multiple first-round choices.
Grade for Bills – A
Grade for Buccaneers – A+
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